Weed for PTSD: What the Latest Research Says

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and potentially debilitating mental health condition that can affect anyone. It is triggered by traumatic events where the person experiences or witnesses one or more moments that negatively affect them. Common PTSD symptoms include but are not limited to extreme anxiety, flashbacks to the traumatic event, and uncontrollable thoughts. With such a complex condition, people often wonder if using weed for PTSD can help.

PTSD is reported to affect about 6.8% of the US population at some point in their lives. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication estimates that 3.5% of adults in the US will experience PTSD in a given year. 

THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, is reported to deliver numerous beneficial effects to consumers. Many patients report experiencing physical and mental relief, including a reduction in pain and anxiety levels. The relationship between cannabinoid's reported benefits and PTSD symptoms has led many to explore the efficacy of using cannabis as a possible treatment option for PTSD symptoms. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that affects numerous people each year. This often debilitating condition is brought on by various traumatic events, causing lasting, detrimental effects, including:

• Extreme anxiety
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Self-harm or suicide
• Spikes in anger
• Uncontrollable thoughts

PTSD is often associated with military personnel, but the condition can stem from a variety of circumstances, affecting all types of people, such as:

• Dangerous or life-threatening events
• Childhood trauma
• A lack of social support

Medications and psychotherapy are often used in recovery, with each patient requiring a different combination of medicine and rehabilitation to treat their specific needs.

Benefits of Using Weed for PTSD

The reported benefits of using weed for PTSD symptoms continue to be debated. 

Cannabis contains THC as well as other cannabinoids and compounds, including CBD and maybe even CBG. While many anecdotes support using cannabis to treat PTSD, current research is inconclusive. Depending on the study, there is evidence supporting cannabis use to treat PTSD, as well as the opposite.^1,2

For years, scores of anecdotal reports have claimed that cannabis can reduce numerous PTSD symptoms, allowing patients to live with less anxiety and sleep better, among many other benefits.

However, not every report supports such claims. Considerable studies and self-reports have noted consumers experiencing no benefits or possibly adverse effects from cannabis use.³ 

With anecdotes and lab studies inconclusive at this time, it is unclear what cannabis’ efficacy in PTSD treatment is.

Weed and PTSD: Are There Any Risks?

Several possible benefits have been linked to using weed for PTSD treatment and management. However, consuming THC isn't without risk. THC overconsumption continues to be a primary concern, with side effects including anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis in more extreme cases.

Another significant concern is the use of cannabis if there is a history of mental health concerns like psychosis. This risk is particularly concerning with high-dose THC products. High-THC products have also been linked to risks for individuals with unstable cardiac conditions, substance abuse history, and unmanaged mental health conditions.⁴

Weed as a Treatment for PTSD

It is unclear how effective cannabis is for PTSD treatment and management. Depending on the patient or clinical study cited, using cannabis for PTSD treatment may be promising, ineffective, or possibly detrimental. 

Those in support of using cannabis for PTSD treatment cite the plant's ability to potentially reduce anxiety levels, improve sleep, and lessen inflammation. While some studies and scores of self-reports are in the affirmative, there are some in opposition.^2,3

With uncertainty around the efficacy of cannabis, it is recommended that anyone considering using it of any kind for PTSD treatment consult with a physician who will assess the patient's individual needs. It is typically recommended to consider the plant as a secondary option rather than a replacement for existing therapies.

Tips for Using Weed for PTSD

Cannabis is often a low-risk consumable in most cases. However, with mental health conditions like PTSD, patients usually use medications or therapies to alleviate their symptoms. Introducing cannabis, especially an intoxicating compound like THC, can produce adverse results. 

Patients are recommended to consult with a physician before using cannabis for PTSD treatment. If cannabis is determined to be a potentially viable option, the patient should next find an optimal dosage that delivers the desired effects. 

Assessing an individual's ideal dosage is crucial with cannabis consumption. The best way to explore dosage while minimizing overconsumption risks is to implement the "start low, go slow" method. 

As the name suggests, consumers start with a low dose of cannabis, wait some time, and then decide if another dose is needed to reach the ideal result. Typically, a starting dose is around two-and-a-half to five milligrams. However, this figure may vary based on a person's previous experience with cannabis and current tolerance levels. 

Consumers should ingest their predetermined dosage and wait between 30 minutes and 2 hours to decide if another round is needed. The wait time is determined by the consumption method utilized. For example, smoked and vape products are typically felt much quicker (a few seconds or minutes) compared to edible products.

If choosing to inhale cannabis, consumers should take one to two puffs and wait between 15 and 30 minutes before consuming more.⁵

Drug interactions are another concern to always keep in mind. Consumers using weed for PTSD symptoms, including stress, sleep issues, flashbacks, or otherwise, should avoid mixing the cannabinoid with alcohol. Only mix cannabis with drugs or therapies if a medical professional has explained the possible outcomes first.

Further, most experts implore consumers to only buy from licensed retailers, where products are thoroughly vetted and tested for product safety and quality by third-party labs.

Ask a Budtender: Which Weed Products are Best For PTSD?

Suggesting the best cannabis product for PTSD management is not always straightforward. People respond differently to the plant, with numerous factors shaping the outcome. One of those factors is the individual's unique medical and physical profile, including any PTSD symptoms and existing treatment regimens. 

While that doesn't provide much direction, some analysis may help. Recent research has suggested that military veterans who experience PTSD have often chosen THC-dominant strains when self-treating.¹ And it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have questions about using cannabis to treat PTSD or other conditions.

References

1. Abizaid A, Merali Z, Anisman H. Cannabis: A potential efficacious intervention for PTSD or simply snake oil?. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2019;44(2):75-78. doi:10.1503/jpn.190021 ↩︎
2. Bonn-Miller MO, Brunstetter M, Simonian A, et al. The Long-Term, Prospective, Therapeutic Impact of Cannabis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2022;7(2):214-223. doi:10.1089/can.2020.0056 ↩︎
3. Nacasch N, Avni C, Toren P. Medical cannabis for treatment-resistant combat PTSD. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2023;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1014630 ↩︎
4. MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, Boivin M. A Clinical Framework for Evaluating Cannabis Product Quality and Safety. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023;8(3):567-574. doi:10.1089/can.2021.0137 ↩︎
5. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.