Marijuana and PTSD: A Winning Combination or a Recipe for Disaster?

What is fear extinction?

Fear extinction is a decline in conditioned fear responses and this occurs during new learning.

When we experience a traumatic event, something known as fear conditioning occurs. This means that you automatically develop a fear-conditioned response related to a specific event or object. Even if the traumatic event occurred once.

For illustration, take Christopher, who was devastated after Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc and washed his home away. To make things worse, he could do nothing but watch as the raging waters swept his parents away.

Fortunately, his parents survived but, to this day, the sound of breaking glass brings back vivid memories such as his mother’s screams from that terrible day.

What can we learn from Christopher’s response after his parents’ near-death experience with Hurricane Sandy? 

His brain ‘learned’ that the sound of crashing glass is a sign of a deadly experience. As a result, every time he hears crashing glass, he reacts by feeling extreme dread.

Sometimes, the fear response in people goes away after some time. Why is this?

Normally, after experiencing a traumatic event, the brain slowly ‘forgets’ the feelings associated with the stressor. And, in Christopher’s case, the sound of crashing glass is a PTSD stressor.

Suppose that Christopher is a construction worker, and the sound of breaking glass is a norm in his life. Normally, a few weeks after the disaster, the sound of crashing glass would paralyze him with fear. But, as the months went by, his brain would realize that the sound of crashing glass didn’t lead to anything dangerous. And eventually, the sound of crashing glass wouldn’t lead to a vivid traumatic recollection.

This process of ‘forgetting’ the fear is known as fear extinction. And it’s not forgetting, but a learning process where the brain stops associating the PTSD stressor to trauma but another experience.

But, in the case of PTSD, the traumatizing memory plus its accompanying emotions and physical experiences still occur even months after the event. And this has to do with a malfunction in the extinction process.

How does medical marijuana promote the fear extension process?

Several studies have uncovered that marijuana may help in extinguishing traumatic memories. Simply put, cannabis may help you ‘forget’ your traumatic episode.

This theory was first hypothesized by the late R. Andrew Sewell, M.D. who was an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale.

Doctor Sewell suggested that marijuana may help PTSD ‘overwrite’ traumatic memories and replace them with new memories in a process called extinction learning.

And since PTSD affects the normal functioning of the endocannabinoid system this may lead to a problem with the normal extinction process. But, marijuana might kick-start this process enabling patients to recover from their intense traumatic memories.

Additionally, researchers discovered that low doses of THC or a combination of both CBD and THC improved the extinction rate for bad memories. It appears that THC improves the extinction process while CBD eases the potential adverse effects of high THC doses.

Nightmares are like vampires that rise in the cover of darkness to torment PTSD patients.

As if the fear and anxiety experienced during the daytime aren’t enough, patients experience haunting dreams in their slumber reminiscent of their traumatic memories. Insomnia becomes a norm and some end up developing sleep apnea.

As luck would have it, cannabis can serve to prevent or reduce the frequency of nightmares.

People experience vivid dreams during a stage of sleep known as REM sleep. And cannabis reduces REM sleep, as a result, relieves recurring nightmares associated with PTSD.

To test this hypothesis, researchers administered a cannabinoid stimulant known as nabilone to 47 patients who despite using antidepressants and seeing a psychiatrist still reported nightmares. After the treatment, 72% of patients stopped having nightmares or their intensity dropped.

Apart from extinguished nightmares, patients also reported that the quality and duration of sleep improved while daytime flashbacks and night sweats also reduced.

Not only does this study show the benefits of marijuana for PTSD treatment but also the significant advantage it has over other methods of treatment.

Side Effects of Marijuana Use in PTSD Patients

Those against the use of marijuana in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder do have legitimate concerns. And some studies do support some of the concerns they have.

One study revealed that the duo, marijuana and PTSD, have been linked to unfavorable psychiatric outcomes such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance abuse.

A paradox, since other studies support cannabis use to treat these conditions.

So why this divide? And should the results of this research deter patients from using cannabis for their treatment?

Marijuana may aggravate anxiety in PTSD patients. But, this effect is greatly influenced by the amount of THC taken by the patient.

The publication, Integrating Endocannabinoid Signaling and Cannabinoids into the Biology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder best explains the relationship between anxiety and THC dosage. The study proved that lower doses of THC greatly diminished anxiety in patients. However, when doses of THC were increased, anxiety levels spiked.

What does this mean? Like any other drug, excessive use is bound to make things worse than better. Thus, proper cannabis use provides relief for anxiety and does not worsen the condition.

Another study opposing marijuana also linked its use after treatment to more violent behavior and alcohol use. Additionally, the study went further to state that marijuana would make symptoms of PTSD more severe or nullify the benefits of specialized intensive treatment.

Best Strains for PTSD and Anxiety

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Mimosa strain is the first Sativa-dominant, hybrid strain that makes an appearance on the list. She is the result of crossing the Clementine strain with the Purple Punch strain.

Effects: In small doses, the Mimosa strain induces happiness and a motivation to take on any task that might beckon. However, upping the dose gets users sleepy and relaxed.

Medical value: Medical marijuana patients prefer the Mimosa strain when seeking relief from pain, fatigue, ADD/ADHD, nausea, and appetite loss. 

For PTSD patients its ability to quell anxiety, stress, and depression makes it a top pick.

Time to use: The Mimosa strain is great for a wake and bake. Its mood elevation properties will give anyone the motivation to tackle the day.

Bonus Information: Many users liken the effects of the Mimosa strain to a strong cup of coffee on steroids.

4. OG Kush

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: OG Kush is a hybrid strain whose parentage includes the Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush strains.

Effects: The OG Kush rewards its users with mixed head and body effects. 

Users are likely to feel euphoria and a body buzz followed by a talkative high. With OG Kush, even the most introverted user becomes a social butterfly.

Medical value: Medical marijuana patients gain from the reduced stress, anxiety, pain, and depression OG Kush provides.

Time to use: The OG Kush is perfect for an early evening to decompress and relax.

Bonus Information: The OG Kush strain has one of the highest levels of THC available in a marijuana strain in the world.

5. Do Si Dos Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Do si dos strain is an Indica dominant hybrid whose true parentage is a bit unclear. 

Some believe it’s a cross between the GSC and Face Off OG strains while others say she is the heir of the OGKB and a GSC phenotype strain.

Effects: Do si dos starts with a quick cerebral rush of euphoric energy which fades into a sedating feeling. Users experience this as an in-your-face buzz that slowly melts into the rest of the body.

Medical value: The Do si dos strain is a medical-grade marijuana grade whose body effects lean towards the sedative side. Patients gain relief from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.

Time to use: Do si dos is a strain best reserved for the late afternoon or an early evening.

Bonus Information: The Do si dos strain is very powerful so it’s best to cautious when medicating.

6. Granddaddy Purple Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Grandaddy purple strain is a popular Indica strain whose genesis is either the crossing of the Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghanistan strains or the Bug Bud and Purple Urkle strains.

Effects: The potent effects of Granddaddy purple manifest in the mind and the body where there’s a fusion of cerebral euphoria and physical relaxation.

Thoughts float around in a dreamy buzz yet the body may remain fixed on one spot.

Medical value: The Grandaddy purple strain combats several debilitating conditions. For instance, stress, chronic pain, insomnia, appetite loss, anxiety, depression, and appetite loss.

Time to use: Light up the Granddaddy purple strain at the end of the day to destress and dispel any negative thoughts.

Bonus Information: Granddaddy purple is a creeper; meaning it may take a while to feel the effects. So overdoing it is a risk. As a beginner, it’s best to take your time since the effects may overwhelm you when they kick in. 

7. Northern Berry Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Northern Berry strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain that comes from crossing the Northern Lights strain with the Blueberry strain.

Effects: The Northern Berry strain delivers a very intense experience for both the body and the mind. 

Users will experience awesome Sativa effects which get overtaken in no time by the lethargic effects synonymous with Indica strains.

It’s a strain that new patients could easily overdo and the result is an early unscheduled nap.

Medical value: Because of the Northern Berry’s heavy sedating effects, patients with chronic pain and insomnia will benefit most from this strain. 

Additionally, patients with anxiety and depression can count on Northern Berry to wash all their worries away.

Time to use: The Northern Berry is one to knock you out cold so light it up before bedtime to get a full and uninterrupted night’s rest.

Bonus Information: This strain is so potent that patients may not even experience the mood-lifting effects and instead drift off into a heavy sleep immediately. 

8. Pineapple Express Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Pineapple Express strain is a Sativa dominant hybrid with the DNA of the Trainwreck and Hawaiian strains.

Effects: Users report feeling energized, focused, aware, and creative after a hit of the Pineapple Express strain. 

Additionally, users feel a sense of calmness and stimulation at the same time.

Medical value: Medical marijuana patients enjoy the Pineapple express’ ability to reduce pain, anxiety, fatigue, inflammation, muscle tightness, and depression.

Time to use: This potent Sativa strain provides a long-lasting energetic buzz, perfect for the afternoon; the perfect daytime strain.

Bonus Information: There is a movie named after the Pineapple Express strain (Pineapple Express) that is a great watch.

9. ACDC Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The ACDC strain is a balanced hybrid whose origins are the Cannatonic and Ruderalis strains. 

ACDC is unique to the other strains on the list because of its significantly high CBD content and low THC content making it the go-to strain for medical marijuana patients.

Effects: The ACDC delivers immediate relaxation followed by a sense of well-being and a gentle tingling sensation. Because of its low THC content, users do not get intoxicated. 

Medical value: The ACDC strain might be the best medical marijuana strain because of the number of conditions its unique composition treats. For example, chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, neuropathy, arthritis, and many more.

Time to use: The ACDC strain is a perfect daytime strain since users can go about their business minus the worry of intoxication.

Bonus Information: Unlike the rock band, ACDC won’t rock your world as most strains on the list do but it rocks when it comes to treating several ailments.

10. Pink Hawaiian Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: The Pink Hawaiian strain is a Sativa-dominant hybrid with Hawaiian and Cotton Candy Kush roots.

Effects: The Pink Hawaiian strain feels like a rush of euphoria and creative thinking with a burst of energy. 

Additionally, users may feel rather chatty and sociable besides feeling air-headed, making them incapable of focusing on one particular thing.

Medical value: The distracting effects of the Pink Hawaiian strain are perfect for forgetting any recurring negative thoughts and worries. A prime strain for PTSD patients.

Moreover, the Pink Hawaiian strain helps with ADD/ADHD, glaucoma, cramps, and chronic fatigue.

Time to use: The Pink Hawaiian strain is a great daytime strain.

Bonus Information: Like OG Kush, the Pink Hawaiian strain is a recipe for talkative social gatherings.

11. Strawberry Banana Strain

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid: Finally, saving best for last, is the Strawberry Banana strain aka ‘Strawnana’. It’s an Indica dominant strain made from crossing the Bubble Gum Strain with Banana Kush. 

And it is a darling for patients with PTSD. Definitely one of the best strains for PTSD and anxiety.

Effects: The Strawberry Banana strain manifests itself first as a mild buzz, slowly building up into an intense cerebral high and then transforming into a powerful sedative force. 

This journey relaxes both the minds and bodies of users. A perfect cocktail of euphoria and calm.

Medical value: Strawnana delivers patients from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. And as mentioned above, ‘Strawnana’ works great for patients suffering from PTSD.

Time to use: The Strawberry Banana strain is an evening use strain due to its sedative effects.

Bonus Information: Like its name, the Strawberry Banana strain’s aroma is mostly bananas and a trace of strawberry which gives off great fruity vibes.

Speak to a Cannabis Doctor when Considering Marijuana for PTSD

Awareness of the best strains for PTSD and anxiety isn’t all it takes to fully benefit from the therapeutic properties of marijuana.

To begin with, in most states where medical marijuana is legal, patients need to have a medical marijuana card; which gives them access to marijuana dispensaries besides legal protection when using, buying, and possessing cannabis.

This brings up the first question, can you get a medical card for PTSD?

Yes, patients suffering from PTSD are eligible for a medical card in the following states:

Arizona | Arkansas | Connecticut | Delaware | Georgia | Hawaii | Illinois | Iowa | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Montana | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Texas | Virginia | West Virginia

This also applies to the question, “Can you get a medical card for anxiety and depression?”–Prominent symptoms of PTSD.

For the states listed above, the first step when getting a medical card is an MMJ recommendation from a cannabis doctor. 

This brings up another question, “Can a psychiatrist prescribe medical marijuana?”

The answer is no. Only qualified cannabis doctors are eligible to ‘prescribe’ medical marijuana.

Getting an MMJ recommendation for PTSD patients also involves a PTSD evaluation for a medical card.

What is a PTSD evaluation for a medical card?

This is a consultation a patient has with a cannabis doctor to find out whether medical marijuana could be the best treatment option for the patient’s PTSD.

How much does a PTSD evaluation for a medical card cost?

Depending on the state you come from, the cost of a PTSD evaluation for a medical card varies. However, patients who choose Quick Med Cards should be confident of getting the cheapest med card in the state.

Why choose Quick Med Cards for my PTSD evaluation for a medical card?

Apart from the PSTD evaluation for a medical card and MMJ recommendation, Quick Med Cards patients have access to our experienced, skilled, and empathetic cannabis doctors who structure a personalized cannabis treatment plan for patients to get the most out of their marijuana treatment plan. At no extra cost. 

What about CBD Oil for PTSD?

CBD oil has drawn the attention of many patients for the number of chronic conditions it’s said to cure.

Is this a result of effective marketing or is there actual medicinal value in the CBD products available online?

The answer is both.

CBD oil manufacturers are notorious for marketing their CBD oils as the natural elixir that heals almost all chronic conditions.

Of course, there is a lot of exaggeration to these claims, but, CBD oils do have therapeutic benefits.

For instance, cannabidiol or CBD, the main constituent of CBD oil, is the non-psychoactive element in cannabis with a plethora of medical uses. 

CBD is preferred over its cannabinoid compatriot THC because it delivers healing minus the intoxicating effects.

Most importantly, for patients, is CBD oil a possible solution for PTSD?

Yes indeed. Because of the presence of CBD, CBD oil for PTSD may:

• Help the extinction of traumatic memories and block their reconsolidation (As seen with animal models)
• Increase sleep duration and sleep quality
• Reduce stress
• Cut anxiety and anxiety responses
• Improve mood

Patients stand to benefit from these medicinal properties should they decide to add CBD oil to their PTSD treatment. 

Even so, there’s one significant drawback in picking CBD oil for PTSD.

Not all CBD oils are made the same.

Disadvantages of CBD oil for PTSD

First, commercially available CBD oils aren’t FDA-approved for PTSD treatment. What does this mean?

CBD oils don’t undergo rigorous medical testing compared to other FDA-approved drugs before going to market. 

In fact, CBD oils aren’t marketed as medicine but as supplements, which means they don’t undergo regulatory processes like medicine.

Secondly, because of the unregulated nature of the market, there’s no standard when it comes to making CBD oils. So different manufacturers use different methods to extract CBD and the substances they use in their oils.

One study found that out of 84 CBD oils purchased online, the majority were mislabeled when tested. Additionally, most had less CBD than indicated, and some even contained THC.

This inconsistency among CBD oils makes it difficult for testing and dosing. 

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that develops in individuals after they experience or witness an intense and life-threatening traumatic event.

Causes of PTSD

• Serious accidents
• Physical or sexual assault
• Abuse including childhood and domestic abuse
• Witnessing natural disasters
• Experiencing a serious health issue such as being admitted into the ICU
• Losing a child
• War and conflict
• Torture

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD often comes with a host of behavioral, mood, and psychological symptoms. For example:

Behavioral changes:

• Agitation
• Irritability
• Hostility
• Hypervigilance (a state of extreme alertness where you become extremely sensitive to your surroundings).
• Hyperarousal (like hypervigilance, but instead, a person may lose contact with reality)
• Self-destructive behavior
• Social isolation

Psychological changes:

• Intense flashbacks
• Fear
• Severe anxiety
• Mistrust or extreme paranioa
• Unwanted thoughts
• Insomnia
• Frequent nightmares
• Susceptibility to drug addiction, for example, alcohol abuse. Consider alcohol treatment options if you or your loved one struggle with alcoholism.

Mood changes:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities enjoyed before
• Guilt
• Loneliness

Marijuana Use and PTSD among Veterans

The events of combat make veterans very susceptible to developing PTSD.

The numbers from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs paint a grim picture of how many brave men and women often develop PTSD after returning from service.

Data from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that the number of veterans using marijuana medically was more than double that of the general population.

Whereas most veterans using cannabis endorse its use citing improved coping, reduced anxiety, and better sleep where does the Department of Veteran Affairs stand?

First, the VA does not endorse the use of medicinal cannabis because of its classification as a Schedule I drug by federal law. But, the VA also states that veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services.

Moreover, VA providers are open to having discussions about cannabis use among veterans but clinicians cannot recommend medicinal weed.

The VA’s stance may seem like walking on eggshells since they don’t discourage the use of the drug among veterans nor do they completely voice their support.

Perhaps soon, when medical marijuana is legal at the federal level will the VA take a confident stance either for or against cannabis.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis may be effective in greatly reducing the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal in PTSD patients.
• Misuse of marijuana, among PTSD patients, in particular, may aggravate symptoms.
• CBD oil may be an effective non-psychoactive solution in the treatment of PTSD.
• More research is required to determine whether medical cannabis may be the best medical option for PTSD patients.
• Despite the limited research, current clinical and preclinical data suggest that cannabis may offer therapeutic benefits for PTSD.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.