Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating condition with serious consequences. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% of Americans will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
Furthermore, the institute estimates that about half of those who experience severe trauma will develop PTSD at some point in their lives. If you have been struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic incident, you are not alone.
Many people suffer from some form of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being exposed to one or more frightening events. The good news is that medical marijuana is a great way to manage PTSD symptoms and get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Let’s take a look at how medical marijuana can help with PTSD and what strains are best for managing it.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in any individual who has experienced a traumatic event. PTSD can occur at any age and is not limited to veterans. In order to diagnose PTSD, the individual must show symptoms that last for at least one month.
A disruption in the normal function and organization of the brain can cause PTSD. Especially in areas involving memory and emotions. There are four types of symptoms of this disorder:
1. First symptom:
The first type is re-experiencing symptoms and includes:
- Disturbing recurring thoughts related to the traumatic event.
- Nightmares related to the event.
- Or flashbacks of the event.
2. Second symptom:
The second type of symptom is avoidance symptoms which might include avoiding places, people, or topics that remind you of the trauma.
3. Third symptom:
The third type of symptom includes:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Irritability.
- outbursts of anger.
- Or exaggerated startle response.
4. Forth symptom:
The fourth type of symptom is negative cognitions which might include a feeling of sadness or hopelessness. Moreover, a feeling of being detached from other people, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
How Does Marijuana Help With PTSD?
As we have seen, PTSD is a complex condition that is characterized by a disruption in the normal function and organization of the brain. Although the exact causes of PTSD are not known, many experts agree that there are certain biological factors associated with the development of PTSD.
So, this is why so many people have turned to medical cannabis as a treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Some of the many ways in which marijuana can help with PTSD include:
- Relaxation can help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Analgesia, which can help ease the pain of any underlying physical pain that may contribute to PTSD
- Increased focus and attention, can improve cognitive function and mental clarity.
- Reduced depression, which is common among PTSD patients.
- Improved sleep, which is often disrupted in PTSD patients and can contribute to making all other symptoms worse.
Why Is Marijuana Effective For PTSD?
As we have seen, there are many reasons why marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD. In fact, there are so many benefits of medical cannabis for PTSD that it’s hard to know where to start. The good news is that marijuana is a very effective treatment for PTSD and can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with standard therapies.
The most effective way to use medical marijuana for PTSD is to use it daily and in a consistent way. You can use edibles and/or vape oils, or even smoke them.
So, all of these methods are effective in managing PTSD symptoms like anxiety and nightmares. The most important thing is to figure out what works best for you and to use it consistently.
Which Strains of Marijuana Can Help With PTSD?
There are many marijuana strains that are effective for treating PTSD. Even though it’s always a good idea to discuss your options with your doctor, here are some strains that have been particularly helpful for many PTSD patients:
– Blue Dream – Blueberry Haze – Bubba Kush – Critical Mass – Durban Poison – Jack Herer – Northern Lights – OG Kush – Super Silver Haze – Strawberry Cough – Strawberry Haze – Vanillabean – White Widow –
You can also try CBD oil and extracts, which are non-psychoactive. People of all ages can use it. All of these strains and products may help with PTSD and other mood disorders. It’s important to try different things and to see what works best for you.
Besides, there are also many other cannabis products that can be helpful for PTSD patients, including topical creams and oils.
Conclusion
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be a debilitating condition with serious consequences. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat the symptoms of PTSD, and marijuana is a great option. Hope now you know how medical marijuana can help with PTSD.
First, it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor and to come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you. Once you’ve started on your treatment, it’s important to be consistent with it.
So, it may take some time to kick in and to start showing results, so don’t get upset, if you don’t feel better right away.
