How Does Marijuana Work With PTSD
For many people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), marijuana has become a lifesaver. PTSD is a huge problem for US citizens. As a matter of fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD affects “7-8% of American adults” over their lifetime. There is no known cure for PTSD, just ways to better manage symptoms and ease peace of mind. Marijuana helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It allows individuals to live a more normal and productive life not to mention improving the lives of loved ones as well. How does marijuana work with PTSD? Let’s explore it.
The Endocannabinoid System and PTSD
PTSD is a condition that is believed to be caused by a disruption in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals that are found throughout the body. These receptors are responsible for regulating a variety of bodily functions, including mood, memory, eating, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory, and immune responses. I guess you can say it’s extremely important to have balance in the ECS. When the ECS is not functioning properly, it can lead to conditions like anxiety and depression.
Marijuana and the ECS
Marijuana works with the ECS by binding to the receptors in the system. This helps to restore balance to the system and improve symptoms. A number of studies have shown that marijuana can be effective in treating PTSD. One study found that veterans who used marijuana reported a decrease in symptoms and were “2.5X as likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD” as those who did not use cannabis. Another study found that 88% of patients who used marijuana saw a reduction in their symptoms. The research is positively compelling enough to say that if you are suffering from PTSD that medical marijuana (MMJ) benefits outweigh the potential risks.
There are three main ways in which marijuana helps to ease the symptoms of PTSD. First, it can help to control the flashbacks and intrusive memories that are so often a part of this disorder. Second, it can help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of calm. Finally, it can help with insomnia, which is a common problem for people with PTSD. If you struggle with PTSD then you know the devastating impact that PTSD symptoms can have on one’s life.
Marijuana and Flashbacks
One of the most debilitating symptoms of PTSD is spontaneous, uncontrollable flashbacks to the traumatic event or events. These flashbacks can be so real and vivid that they seem like they are happening all over again and like a person is living in a nightmare. For many people suffering from PTSD, marijuana has been shown to be an effective way to control these flashbacks. Researchers say that marijuana “reduces activity in the amygdala” which is the part of the brain that is associated with fear responses to threats.
Marijuana and Anxiety
Anxiety is another common symptom of PTSD. People with PTSD often feel tense, on edge, and highly anxious. This can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or even just relax. Marijuana has been shown to be an effective way to ease anxiety by facilitating relaxation, and calmness provides a sense of calm for people with PTSD.
Marijuana and Insomnia
Insomnia is another common symptom of PTSD. People with this disorder often have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty functioning during the day. If you have PTSD then it can be easy to “snap” and yell at a loved one that doesn’t deserve it or even be withdrawn from loved ones as if you don’t exist or participate in family routines and gatherings.
Medical marijuana treatment has been shown to be an effective way to treat insomnia for people with PTSD because it helps people fall asleep quicker and have restful sleep as well.
While marijuana is not a cure for PTSD, it can provide much-needed relief from the symptoms of the disorder. If you suffer from PTSD, do not hesitate to talk to a marijuana doctor about whether medicinal cannabis might be right for you. It could well be the key to regaining control of your life, bettering relationships with loved ones, being more productive and having a more productive life with meaning.
Marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD because it helps to restore homeostasis or balance to the endocannabinoid system. If you want to have optimal treatment consult a marijuana doctor about getting a marijuana card in Michigan. There is no doubt that cannabis is medicine. A number of studies have shown that marijuana can reduce symptoms of PTSD, in one study 77% of patients saw a substantial reduction in their symptoms. If you have PTSD you are the perfect candidate to try cannabis.
