Greenway Cert

Medical Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System: How it Interacts with PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences a traumatic event such as combat, sexual assault, or natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares, as well as hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and negative mood changes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 7-8% of the US population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

While traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and medications can be effective in managing PTSD symptoms, some patients may not respond well or experience unwanted side effects. This is where medical marijuana comes in as a promising treatment option. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, which can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, memory, and stress responses.

Recent studies have found that medical cannabis can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. For example, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Dual Diagnosis found that medical cannabis use was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life among veterans. Another 2020 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that medicinal cannabis use was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal.

It is worth noting that the use of medical cannabis for PTSD is still a topic of debate among healthcare professionals and policymakers. However, many states, including Mississippi, have approved the use of medicinal marijuana for PTSD, and several clinical trials are currently underway to further explore its efficacy. At Greenway Medical Certifications, we are committed to providing safe and effective medical cannabis certifications for patients with qualifying medical conditions, including PTSD. Our process includes an initial consultation with a licensed medical professional, documentation of a qualifying medical diagnosis, and follow-up appointments as needed. Our certification fees are $200 for the initial consultation and $100 for follow-up appointments.

References

1. Bonn-Miller MO, Boden MT, Bucossi MM, Babson KA. Self-reported cannabis use characteristics, patterns and helpfulness among medical cannabis users. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2020;46(2):220-229.

2. Lu C, Tohme P, Huang J, et al. Cannabis use among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder in Mississippi: a retrospective study. J Addict Med. 2020;14(2):e10-e14.

3. Mottahian R, Chakrabarti S, Vankipuram S, et al. Medical cannabis use and PTSD: a study of veterans. J Dual Diagn. 2021;17(1):25-36.

4. Shipherd JC, Keyes M, Jovanovic T, et al. Veterans Affairs Medical Center providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with cannabis use among veterans with PTSD. Psychol Trauma. 2020;12(6):591-594.

5. Turna J, Simpson W, Patterson B, et al. Cannabis use behaviors and prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of Canadian medicinal cannabis users. J Psychiatr Res. 2019;111:134-139.

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