Cannabis Users Are 2.5 Times More Likely To Recover From PTSD

For many people with PTSD, daily tasks - such as getting out of bed, showering, or taking care of yourself - is a struggle.

Luckily, a new study has found that long-term cannabis use can make you 2.5 times more likely to recover, allowing users the chance to improve their quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the health benefits of using cannabis to overcome PTSD. We’ll also talk about the best ways to use it so you can begin the healing process.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is short for post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s a condition that occurs when a person experiences something terrifying or traumatic and has trouble recovering from it.

A personal with PTSD may experience extreme anxiety and flashbacks about the event that they witnessed, which may include witnessing a death or murder, being in combat, or an attack or unwanted sexual encounter.

PTSD may cause the individual to relive the emotional and physical reactions they had when they first experienced the event. Symptoms may last for months or years and they may not be able to function at a normal level due to increased anxiety or depression. 

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must experience all of the following for at least one month:

• One or more re-experiencing symptoms, such as having a flashback (reliving the trauma all over again and experiencing the same rapid heartbeat, sweating, fear, etc.), bad dreams, or scary thoughts
• One or more avoidance symptoms, such as staying away or avoiding certain places, events, or objects that remind the person of the event; or avoiding feelings and thoughts related to the traumatic event
• Two or more arousal and reactivity symptoms, such as having angry outbursts, experiencing difficulty sleeping, feeling tense or on edge, or becoming easily startled
• Two or more mood and cognition symptoms, such as loss of interest in activities that once were enjoyable, having distorted feelings (blame or guilt), feeling negative about the world or oneself, and having trouble remembering key features of the stressful event

Many treatments and therapies are available to help cope with PTSD, such as anti-depressant medications or medications to help treat sleep disorders. However, many of these medications can lead to unwanted side effects that can worsen the condition or reduce your quality of life.

How Does Cannabis Improve PTSD?

Research shows that cannabis is a more natural way to help treat PTSD - and the best part is that it’s highly effective. Not to mention, cannabis offers other health benefits, too.

According to one study, long-term cannabis users were 2.57 times more likely to no longer meet the standards or qualify for a PTSD diagnosis when compared to those who did not use weed, including that cannabis may be used as a natural way to treat PTSD.

Researchers noted that weed helped users dramatically reduce their PTSD symptoms, which may include flashbacks about the event, negative thoughts, anxiety, and sleeping problems.

Users in this study were observed for one year and accessed every three months. This data suggests that using weed long-term may be the key to finally overcoming PTSD symptoms, especially if you have tried other medications without success.

So, how does it work? According to one study, cannabinoids reduce activity in the part of the brain associated with fear and our response to threats called the amygdala.

Additional research shows that weed helps us forget about traumatic memories - or ones that may paralyze us with fear and contribute to PTSD.

Weed is also extremely relaxing. It helps alleviate anxiety and promotes restful sleep - two symptoms that many people with PTSD experience daily.

How To Use Cannabis For PTSD

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, then it’s important that you work closely with your doctor and follow his or her medical directions.

There are several ways you can use weed to help cope with PTSD. Many people find that the quickest and most effective way to administer weed is to smoke or vape it. This allows the medicinal compounds to enter your bloodstream quickly and provide stronger relief.

You can also use cannabis edibles if you are looking for longer relief. Some research shows that edibles can help keep you buzzed for much longer than smoking or vaping.

Timing is also important. If you notice that you start to experience symptoms of PTSD at night, then you may want to smoke an hour or so before bed to help you sleep and calm your mind.

However, using weed throughout the day in the form of tinctures, oils, and even THC syrup can also provide relief when you need it, so be sure to always carry some with you for when symptoms pop up.

Final Thoughts

PTSD affects many people to the point where operating in a normal capacity is no longer doable. Research shows that weed can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD - and may even help you overcome the disorder altogether.

For best results, work closely with your doctor as weed may interact with other medications you may be taking for PTSD. Try smoking or vaping weed when paralyzing thoughts come on - or enjoy edibles for a longer-lasting high to help provide more long-term relief.

If you are using cannabis to help cope with symptoms of PTSD, let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear how cannabis is working for you!