Cannabis relieves PTSD | Fifth Ave Green House

Studies show that cannabis use improves sleep quality in people with PTSD

New observational data published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids demonstrate that medical cannabis products can effectively alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A team of researchers from the University of Florida in Gainesville studied the effects of marijuana on 15 patients diagnosed with PTSD. Each patient in the study had previously received approval from a doctor to use medical marijuana. Patients were assessed at the start of the study and on days 30 and 70. Researchers reported improvements in symptoms after cannabis use, including improvements in sleep quality and mental health, as well as a reduction in patients' nightmares.

“Our main finding was that in individuals with PTSD, overall PTSD symptom severity improved 30 and 70 days after starting MMJ treatment. [medical marijuana]A post hoc analysis found that most participants experienced significant improvement in PTSD symptoms at the 30-day assessment and that these improvements were maintained throughout the 70-day assessment.

In addition to an improvement in overall PTSD symptoms, participants also reported an improvement in sleep quality and duration, as well as a reduced frequency of nightmares. In addition, they reported fewer negative affective disorders and improved general well-being. “These results suggest that the use of MMJ may be associated with clinical benefits for PTSD patients,” the study authors concluded.

Researchers at the University of South Florida will begin a clinical trial that will also examine the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of the study, veterans will receive a dose of medical marijuana and undergo treatment for five weeks. The study will focus on the veterans' mental health. The university received a $13 million grant from the state of Michigan to conduct the research.

“Previous research has shown that cannabis may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by reducing symptoms, nightmares and other comorbidities,” said Dr. Mark Kindy of the University of South Florida.

In July, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the amendment, which also includes an addendum that would allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans. The addendum is set to be added to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024. Opponents of the amendment say VA doctors could be legally at risk if they recommend medical marijuana. Currently, VA providers can talk to veterans about marijuana use, but VA doctors are not allowed to recommend medical marijuana or cover the cost of it.

Representative Brian Mast, who introduced the measure, said, “I support the bipartisan amendment to accomplish something simple – to give veterans every tool possible when it comes to the wounds of war that I know about.”

“The change is simple. It allows VA physicians in states with legal medical marijuana programs to discuss marijuana as a treatment option with patients.”

This could be critical for veterans and provide MMJ access and support to help them overcome their trauma.

A survey conducted by two researchers at the University of North Texas and the University of Illinois has found that more veterans are using marijuana as attitudes toward drugs change across the country. The survey estimates that one in 10 veterans in the United States have used marijuana in the past year. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health of more than 16,000 veterans ages 18 and older, marijuana use increased 56 percent from 2013 to 2019, and nearly one in 10 veterans (9.79 percent) reported using marijuana in the past year. The researchers also found that older veterans, those ages 35 or older, were more likely to report using marijuana than those ages 18 to 25.

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