Cannabis Relieves PTSD Symptoms Temporarily
New Study Finds “Whole Plant” Use Treats Acute PTSD – LPC
A new study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis relieves PTSD symptoms – at least temporarily. Smoking or vaping cannabis reduced irritability by 67 per cent, anxiety by 57 per cent, the intrusion of returning thoughts of a traumatic event by about 62 per cent, and flashbacks by 51 per cent.
However, Carrie Cuttler, a Washington State University assistant professor of psychology., and one of the study’s authors, equated cannabis use as a “Band-Aid” solution.
“The study suggests that cannabis does reduce symptoms of PTSD acutely,” she said. “Working with this model, it seems that cannabis will temporarily mask symptoms… But once the period of intoxication wears off, the symptoms can return.”
According to the data, smoking or vaping cannabis decreased all PTSD symptoms by more than 50 per cent. More specifically, irritability was reduced by 67 per cent,. Higher doses resulted in larger reductions in anxiety and intrusions, while the amount of marijuana that patients used to treat anxiety rose over time.
However, the authors openly questioned whether or not cannabis relieves PTSD symptoms in the long term.
“It might not have longer term beneficial effects on the underlying condition,” she said.
She also noted that the effects weren’t due to CBD or THC, but some combination of the two. Other substances found in cannabis may be at play, too.
Similar studies have found that cannabis relieves PTSD symptoms. Last year, a UBC study found that cannabis for PTSD may be helping. However, other studies found that side-effects including increased mental health problems are possible, especially in the long term.
Clearly, more research is needed. This may be difficult as cannabis research is still difficult due to its legal status in the US. But if we are serious about discovering if cannabis relieves PTSD symptoms and that of other conditions, it’s vital we start researching now.
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