Using medical marijuana as a therapeutic treatment for a number of illnesses and conditions has sparked numerous debates in the world of medicine. While some researchers believe it does not possess the required compounds to treat certain medical conditions, there are a lot of reports from patients who suffer from common illnesses that claim the use and consumption of medical cannabis has proven more effective than a lot of the other drugs being prescribed to them. The use of marijuana for PTSD has since been a common method of treating various diseases such as chronic pains, anxiety, and even helps in eliminating cancer cells. It has also been widely accepted as an effective way of controlling mental illnesses. One such mental condition is the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or more commonly known as PTSD.
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition caused when a person experiences a traumatic or terrifying event such as combat, natural calamities, or physical assault. It has had other names, especially during the first and second World Wars, such as being “shell shocked” or “combat fatigue”. Although mostly used in connection with combat soldiers, it can occur to anyone who has experienced any traumatic event. This disorder lasts well beyond the happenings of the events and causes people to have extreme and unsettling feelings and thoughts connected to the traumatic event that they experienced. Depression, anger, detachment from society, overreaction to minimal sounds, and even suicidal thoughts are common symptoms that a person exhibits if he or she is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Can you Use Marijuana for PTSD?
Because of the somewhat dark and unhappy effects of PTSD among people in all countries, one common form of treatment has stood out from the rest: the use of medical cannabis. This is evident in Canada as the government has allowed veteran soldiers a reimbursement for medical cannabis, stating that the treatment of PTSD is one of the reasons. Some people may think that the only effect of the consumption of marijuana for PTSD patients is to avoid the negative thoughts that they experience, but cannabis actually does stimulate the body to counter the effects of PTSD. As some of you may know, each of our bodies contains an endocannabinoid system that stabilizes bodily processes such as sleeping, pain management, appetite, mood, memory, and regulates the immune system. Two of the main components of the cannabis plant are the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids, along with the others found in the cannabis plant, enter the body through marijuana consumption and travels to the endocannabinoid system. There, it stimulates the system and interacts with the signal receptors of the body, causing a therapeutic effect on those people who suffer mental disorders including PTSD patients. THC and CBD both cause psychoactive effects that may help in countering the traumatic thoughts that PTSD patients experience.
Since marijuana has been known to be a common option for people who feel anxiety and depression, it comes as no surprise that it is often used by PTSD patients to keep their condition in check. However, it has also been reported that the use and consumption of medical cannabis have resulted in negative results such as increased anxiety, the worsening of the condition due to panic, hallucinations, nausea, and many others. It would be wise to consult a doctor first and the dosage of marijuana taken must always depend on the degree of traumatic feelings that the patient has.
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