Veterans with PTSD are given a little hope

Some good news from the government about veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and using marijuana.

While our military is generally honored, medical treatment for them can fall short of the praises of politicians and bureaucrats. Nearly 23% of veterans who use Veterans Administration (VA) health care have had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. In 2021, 10% of male and 19% of female veterans who sought VA care were diagnosed with PTSD. A study of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that the prevalence of PTSD varied by unit component. For example, the prevalence of PTSD among active-duty deployed veterans was 18.5%, while among non-active-duty veterans the prevalence was 13.2%. It is difficult to treat and has ruined thousands of lives. But cannabis helped, and now veterans with PTSD are being given a little hope through additional medical research.

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Cannabis has shown promising potential for alleviating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, providing hope for those struggling with this debilitating condition. Previous studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms behind cannabis' therapeutic effects on PTSD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved a long-delayed clinical trial to test whether marijuana can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The agency had raised various objections. The change is good news for veterans and their families. And another indicator that the FDA supports the rescheduling.

One important way cannabis helps those suffering from PTSD is by reducing activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear responses to threats. This dampening of the fear response may help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. Additionally, cannabis can help erase traumatic memories through a process called “extinction learning.”.

The cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can speed up the processing of challenging memories and reduce general anxiety responses. Research has shown that cannabis use is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms and an improved quality of life. Low doses of THC or a combination of THC and CBD have been found to be particularly effective at increasing the rate of extinction of traumatic memories and reducing anxiety.

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The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this process. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, influences this system indirectly by inhibiting the absorption or enzymatic breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids. This action allows for a stronger effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in brain regions important for anxiety and aversive learning

.Cannabis can also help relieve specific PTSD symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, recurring fear memories, and panic episodes. While individual reactions may vary, cannabis can be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision.