How Does Medical Marijuana Help PTSD Sufferers?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition, and no single treatment works for all. But in the early stages of research, preliminary evidence suggests that medical marijuana may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with PTSD, like anxiety and insomnia.

At Legacy Health and Wellness Clinic, our highly skilled preventive care physician, Dr. Ifeoma Ogbonna, takes an integrative approach to health, customizing plans based on your needs and goals. We look beyond your diagnosis when considering treatments like medical marijuana.

PTSD is a qualifying condition for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (CUP) for medical marijuana, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone with PTSD.

Here, we want to explain how medical marijuana helps PTSD sufferers.

About PTSD

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops as a result of a traumatic experience. Any type of trauma can trigger a bevy of emotions, from fear to guilt and shame. With support and coping skills, you can feel better.

But with PTSD, the fear, guilt, and shame get worse, causing other symptoms like flashbacks and angry outbursts. People with PTSD change their entire routine just to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. 

Psychiatric medication and psychotherapy are the primary treatments for PTSD. But no single medication, therapy, or combination of treatments works for all, and it can take trial and error to find the right treatments before you feel like you again.

But current research shows that medical marijuana may help ease PTSD symptoms. 

Medical marijuana for PTSD

Medical marijuana contains chemicals called cannabinoids. These chemicals interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. 

Research shows that medical marijuana improves PTSD symptoms and seems especially beneficial for people who fail to respond to traditional treatments. Medical marijuana eases nightmares, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep for people with PTSD. 

Can medical marijuana help my PTSD?

Like traditional treatments for PTSD, medical marijuana may or may not help your symptoms. As a registered provider for CUP, we only recommend medical marijuana for PTSD if we think the benefits of treatment outweigh any risks. 

In Texas, we only prescribe low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) medical marijuana. THC is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that makes you “high.” Because we only use low THC products, the risk of side effects from medical marijuana are lower. 

If traditional treatments aren’t easing your PTSD symptoms, then medical marijuana may help you. Call our office in Cedar Hill or Austin, Texas, or book an appointment online today. We can even meet through telehealth to discuss medical marijuana use for your PTSD.