Medical Marijuana Can Help People Suffering With PTSD Symptoms

by Online Medical Marijuana Card 420 Evaluations OC HealthCare

Cannabis is widely popular for the medicinal benefits provided by the cannabinoids present in it. There’re a number of studies that show that this natural medicine can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other mental health conditions.

Thus, despite it’s illegal under federal law, many states in the United States allow consumption of marijuana for medical purposes. In recent years, the number of PTSD patients applying for medical cannabis cards in Orange County has increased significantly.

A study published on ScienceDirect has shown a direct relationship between medical marijuana use and PTSD.

In this article, we will discuss about what is PTSD, and how cannabis can help patients with PTSD.

What is PTSD?
PTSD is a type of mental illness, which is triggered by a life-threatening, terrifying event including natural disaster, sexual harassment, etc. The symptoms of PTSD usually fall in three categories—avoidance (avoiding things related to the traumatic event either emotionally or physically), re-experiencing (experiencing the trauma through nightmares and flashbacks), and heightened arousal (trouble focusing, sleeping, etc.)

About 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least a traumatic event in their lives, and 20% of them develop PTSD. And, 5% of people in America have post-traumatic stress disorder at any time.

How medical cannabis can help alleviate PTSD symptoms?
The cannabis plant comprises a wide range of cannabinoids, of which CBD and THC are major ones. Studies have proved that these two phytocannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoids system (ECS), thus helping in memory consolidation and retrieval. The phytocannabinoids work by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors found in ECS, producing neurotransmitters, thus promoting happiness, memory, and pleasure.

The cannabinoids found in medical marijuana play an important role in preventing the traumatic nightmares and memories, thus reducing the chances of retrieval of underlying trauma. As a result, PTSD patients can improve well-being and live their lives happily. This has made medical marijuana a popular, effective treatment option among PTSD patients.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that cannabinoids found in cannabis are effective in treating PTSD. The psychoactive properties of the plant-driven cannabinoids are beneficial in relieving haunting nightmare and other symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that the anandamide levels are much lower in PTSD patients than those who don’t suffer from this condition. Anandamides are the natural neurotransmitters produced by the body, and they function the same way as cannabis—regulating various bodily functions—fear, mood, anxiety, happiness.

In addition, anandamides can also impair memory, and CB1 receptors found in the ECS can be beneficial in reducing the effects of traumatic memories, thus helping the patients feel good. On the other hand, lack of anandamides and other related endocannabinoids can result in PTSD symptoms such as fear, anxiety.

Medical cannabis can also be beneficial in relieving insomnia caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Researchers have found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an important psychoactive component in cannabis, can help improve the quality of sleep.

While both THC and CBD are effective in helping patients with PTSD—CBD is preferred by those who want relief without getting HIGH. Rules and regulations related to cannabis consumption have improved a lot—making it easy for patients to access this natural medicine with medical cannabis cards in Orange County.

What’s the bottom line? Medical cannabis is a natural, effective PTSD treatment. Its cannabinoids
Promote sleep, emotional wellbeing, and reduce traumatic memories by interacting with the ECS receptors.

To get legal permission to purchase and use medical marijuana, you require a doctor’s recommendation. Talk to a medical cannabis doctor in Orange County, and enjoy the medicinal properties of marijuana today!