Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects 3.9% of the global population. It can impact anyone who has experienced trauma, leading to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. As the prevalence of PTSD continues to rise, researchers are exploring alternative treatments, including Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Continue reading to learn more about the potential therapeutic effects of THC for those with PTSD.
The Science Behind THC and the Mind
THC works in diverse physiological ways to affect mood and cognition. But its most prominent mechanism of action is communicating with receptors inside the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a crucial cell-signaling network that maintains the body’s balance or homeostasis. Comprising chemical signals, receptors, and enzymes, the ECS regulates various mental and emotional processes, including mood and stress response.
Cannabinoids like THC and THC-O interact with the ECS by binding to its receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2. When THC binds to the CB1 receptor, it not only produces the characteristic “high” associated with cannabis use but also impacts the mood and stress response regulated by the ECS. Visit the link to learn more about THC-O and Delta 9.
Early research shows that individuals with PTSD often display dysregulated ECS functioning, which may contribute to anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances. THC may help mitigate these symptoms by helping to balance the system.
Addressing Specific Symptoms: Anxiety, Sleep, and Mood
THC’s power lies in its ability to help relieve some of the most distressing PTSD symptoms.
Anxiety: THC research shows promise in reducing anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD, thanks to its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system. THC may also complement other therapeutic approaches by temporarily easing anxiety, allowing patients to engage better in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.
Sleep: Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with PTSD. Integrating THC into a treatment plan may help improve sleep quality, as it promises to promote relaxation and reduce nightmares sometimes. There is now a wide range of ways people can get it into their routine easily, whether through Delta 9 carts or smaller edibles. Combining THC with other sleep-promoting interventions, such as sleep hygiene education or relaxation techniques, may also enhance its effectiveness.
Mood: Mood imbalances are another significant concern for those with PTSD. THC’s potential to ease depressive symptoms and stabilize mood fluctuations make it a promising complementary treatment option combined with other mood-stabilizing therapies, such as psychotherapy or medication.
THC and PTSD: Anecdotal Evidence
Many individuals with PTSD have turned to cannabis as a potential remedy for anxiety, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, and sleep disturbances. Some have reported reduced nightmares and flashbacks, while others experienced improved stress management and emotional resilience. It’s crucial to note that individual reactions to cannabis may differ, and these anecdotal accounts do not constitute scientific evidence.
One diary study involving 77 PTSD patients using medical cannabis investigated the self-reported link between cannabis use and insomnia. The study found that when cannabis reduced sleep onset time, a known THC benefit, it also reduced the likelihood of nightmares. However, THC alone did not necessarily help people stay asleep longer. Interestingly, those who used THC and CBD together reported experiencing the healthiest sleep duration.
A single Randomized Controlled Trial
To scientifically study the effectiveness of whole-plant cannabis for PTSD researchers conducted a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing cannabis to a placebo. This study featured two stages.
Stage 1
80 military veterans tried one of three active cannabis preparations (high THC, high CBD, or balanced THC+CBD) or a placebo. Researchers found no significant differences in PTSD symptom reduction between the placebo and any of the active cannabis preparations.
Stage 2
Researchers assigned 74 veterans to try one of the three active cannabis preparations. The results showed a notable decrease in PTSD symptoms only for the THC+CBD group. However, without a placebo group in this stage, drawing definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of cannabis in treating PTSD based solely on these outcomes is impossible.
Double-blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Another study, published in PloS One in March 2021 actively explored the potential benefits of cannabis for treating PTSD symptoms. MAPS conducted this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and discovered improvements in participants who used smoked cannabis blends with 9% THC and 11% CBD over participants. These results extended from a separate 150-person study the year before, which found PTSD cannabis patients were 2.5 times more likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD than non-users.
Considerations and Potential Risks
THC has shown the potential to ease symptoms of PTSD. However, patients must know the risks. Excessive THC use over long periods can lead to tolerance and overloading of CB1 receptors. These receptors play a crucial role in THC’s ability to relieve PTSD symptoms, and overloading them can diminish the therapeutic effects of THC.
Fortunately, implementing ‘tolerance breaks,’ or periods of cannabis abstinence can solve the tolerance problem. These breaks allow the endocannabinoid system to recalibrate and the CB1 receptors to recover, potentially allowing individuals with PTSD to experience enduring THC benefits such as improved emotional regulation, reduced symptom severity, and enhanced coping mechanisms.
At the same time, tolerance breaks can also pose challenges for individuals with PTSD. During these breaks, symptoms might worsen or resurface, leading to increased anxiety, emotional distress, or other PTSD-related issues.
Working closely with a healthcare professional when implementing tolerance breaks is essential. Doctors can help create a tailored plan that balances the need for breaks with other strategies to manage symptoms.
The Bottom Line
THC holds promising potential as a therapeutic option for individuals with PTSD. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, THC can help alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, and stabilize mood fluctuations, which are common symptoms of PTSD. Anecdotal evidence and limited scientific studies have shown positive outcomes, but further research is needed to establish definitive conclusions. Patients must be aware of the risks associated with prolonged THC use, such as tolerance, and consider implementing breaks under the guidance of a healthcare professional. By carefully managing THC usage and exploring its benefits with other treatment approaches, individuals with PTSD may find relief.
