Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Marijuana Research Studies

Countless post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patient testimonials champion medical marijuana’s ability to soothe anxiety, calm aggression, alleviate sleep disorders, and stabilize mood swings.

Several studies speak to the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) – a nonpsychoactive marijuana compound – and its ability to counteract anxiety. As New York University psychiatrist and researcher Esther Blessing summarizes:

“I think there’s good evidence to suggest that CBD could be an effective treatment of anxiety…”

According to psychiatrist Sue Sisley:

“I think the most intriguing thing is that a single plant can provide monotherapy for this whole constellation of [PTSD] symptoms.”

Research suggests PTSD patients may be deficient in anadamine, an endogenous cannabinoid compound. This deficiency could skew performance of cannabinoid receptor CB-1, which is charged with deactivating traumatic memories and helping us to forget.

Scientists claim CBD delays the re-uptake of anadamine and its inhibition by certain enzymes. Surprisingly, that’s not all.

A 2016 Frontiers in Pharmacology study found that CBD may also reduce learned fear – a condition that triggers the fight or flight response at inappropriate times – by decreasing fear expression, disrupting memory reconsolidation, and enhancing extinction (the process by which exposure therapy inhibits learned fear).

Before purchasing marijuana from a Florida medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) – or dispensary – patients must first qualify for a medical marijuana certification; CannaMD provides qualified patients with the state-required recommendation to complete this process.

According to Florida state law, patients suffering from PTSD may qualify for medical marijuana treatment.

Patients can see if they qualify for free by completing a brief form or calling 1 (855) 420-9170.

For additional information on PTSD, please see CannaMD‘s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Patient Resource Page.

CannaMD welcomes the opportunity to connect with fellow physicians and facilitate medical cannabis care.

For additional information, including how to refer PTSD patients and request complementary referral cards, please visit CannaMD‘s Physician Resource Page.

While the list below is not exhaustive, we hope you will enjoy the following primary source articles reviewing PTSD and marijuana research:

• Cannabidiol regulation of learned fear: Implications for treating anxiety-related disorders
• Current status and prospects for cannabidiol preparations as new therapeutic agents
• Pharmacologic alternatives to antidepressants in post-traumatic stress disorder
• PTSD symptom reports of patients evaluated for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program
• The use of a synthetic cannabinoid in the management of treatment‐resistant nightmares in post-traumatic stress disorder 
• Use and effects of cannabinoids in military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder