Complete Guide on How Cannabis For PTSD Works & Expert Advice to Use it Safely

Marijuana can help in reducing PTSD symptoms naturally. As a result, more patients with this condition are preferring cannabis treatment over medications. With a recommendation letter from medical marijuana doctors New Jersey, you can easily get high-potency cannabis products.

Before you start using marijuana for PTSD, learning how the herb works, different methods to consume it, etc. is important. Let’s discuss in detail.

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is caused by a life-threatening event, such as a natural disaster, rape activity, loss of a loved one, serious accident, etc. Patients with this condition often relive upsetting moments and experience sleep problems.

PTSD patients often experience mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, etc.

In the United States, PTSD affects about 3.5 percent of the adults every year. Women are twice as likely as men to experience this condition.

Marijuana For PTSD – How Does it Help?

Medical studies show that cannabinoids in marijuana can help fight PTSD. Cannabis can help reduce activity in amygdala—a brain region linked to fear responses and threats.

Moreover, marijuana has the potential to reduce anxiety in stressful situations. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, thus boosting mood and other important bodily functions.

Research shows that PTSD is usually about learned fear, which can trigger the fight-or-flight response. For instance, a patient can re-experience symptoms when put in the same situations or traumatic events they experienced before.

However, CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system can lead to deactivation of traumatic memories. Scientists have found that patients with PTSD often have an endocannabinoid deficiency. And, phytocannabinoids can replenish the missing endocannabinoids, thus providing relief.

CBD is helpful in reducing anxiety-related issues. It’s a major non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Thus, CBD provides medicinal benefits without causing psychoactive effects.

Patients with PTSD have lower levels of anandamide than healthy people. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that manages stress levels and traumatic memories. Marijuana can help turn off traumatic memories, thus promoting wellness.

Marijuana vs PTSD Medicines

For fighting PTSD symptoms, medical professionals often prescribe medications, such as sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine. However, the FDA has approved only sertraline and paroxetine for PTSD.

SSRIs help in modulating the activity of serotonin in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety disorders.

However, PTSD medications can lead to various health risks. These include constipation, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, etc.

But, marijuana treatment is safer as compared to medications.

What about combining cannabis with medications? Well, doing so can lead to negative consequences. Mixing marijuana with depressants can decrease heart rate, thus inhibiting basic motor skills.

How to Get a Recommendation From Medical Marijuana Doctors New Jersey?

Although the federal law bans cannabis, the majority of the states have approved its medical use. If you are living in a cannabis legalized state, such as New Jersey, you can legally use it for managing your condition.

To get a medical marijuana evaluation, you need to talk to a board-certified doctor who will evaluate your condition. For verification purposes, they may ask you to show your medical history. And, after you are approved, you will get your rec letter.

At Online Medial Card, you can get a medical marijuana recommendation in just 10 minutes. Here’s the complete process-

Sign up for an account online

See one of our medical marijuana doctors New Jersey via video call

Receive your MMJ rec letter in PDF format via email

How to Consume Marijuana For PTSD?

There are many ways to consume cannabis compounds. Usually, consumers prefer inhalation methods, such as smoking and vaping. The best part is—these methods deliver instant effects. Smoking involves burning the flowers and inhaling the smoke containing active ingredients, such as THC.

Since cannabis smoke contains many toxins and carcinogens, many medical experts recommend vaping as a healthy alternative. Vaporizers are special devices designed to heat cannabis at a low temperature to generate vapors, which are then inhaled to receive therapeutic effects.

Edibles are foods and beverages containing cannabis. Since they are processed through the stomach, they take longer to kick in, usually 30-90 minutes. Even some edibles take longer, depending on the concentrations of chemical compounds.

Tinctures are cannabis extracts in liquid form. They can be absorbed sublingually. Simply put a few drops under your tongue and cannabinoids will reach the bloodstream immediately. However, some consumers prefer mixing tinctures with foods or beverages.

If you are looking for localized relief from pain or muscle spasms, you can use topicals. These are creams, lotions, etc. containing cannabis compounds. Simply apply topicals directly on the skin and get relief.

So, what’s the right method to consume cannabis? Well, it depends. Since everyone has a different condition and personal preferences, delivery methods may vary from patient to patient. It’s good to talk to medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey for professional help.

Dosing is Important

Taking too much THC can lead to a cannabis overdose, thus causing anxiety, paranoia, etc. This usually happens in the case of edibles because they have a slow onset.

So, how much cannabis should you consume for managing your symptoms? Again, it depends. Because everyone has different body chemistry and processes cannabis compounds differently.

If you are a beginner, we suggest you start slow & see cannabinoids are working. So, depending on the kind of medicinal effects you need, you can adjust the dosage.

Key Takeaways

Marijuana can help ease symptoms of PTSD. Studies show that cannabis compounds bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus reducing anxiety and boosting mood.

If you are considering cannabis treatment for PTSD, get a doctor’s recommendation. This will help you access high-potency products from state-licensed dispensaries, get age relaxation and save cannabis taxes. Moreover, learn how to use the herb for managing your condition. Select the right consumption methods, doses and products. For professional help, you can contact a licensed medical marijuana doctor.

Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/how-cannabis-for-ptsd-works-expert-advice-to-use-it-safely/