CBD comes from the plant species called Cannabis Sativa, which also includes hemp and marijuana. CBD has anxiolytic properties, which help in alleviating symptoms of mental health conditions, including PTSD, and control emotions such as fear, Anxiety, flashbacks, etc. CDB also promotes significant improvement through its best edibles for PTSD, but it still requires more research.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental health illness characterized by poor adaption to terrifying events. In PTSD, people also witness traumatic conditions such as abuse, assault, combat, natural disasters, etc. According to the National Center for PTSD, almost 9% of people are experiencing PTSD at the same time at some point in their lives.
How does PTSD develop, and what are its symptoms?
People who have PTSD experience symptoms at different levels, and some may re-experience multiple times due to the traumatic event, such as:
- Distressing thoughts
- Avoidance
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intrusive Memories
- Physical Signs of stress and Insomnia
- Guilt and Shame
- Flashbacks
- Recurring Dreams
The severity of all symptoms can vary on an individual, but CBD has the best edibles for PTSD symptoms, which may help to alleviate them.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after a prolonged traumatic incident and is triggered by an intense fear or helplessness response. PTSD occurs approximately in 1 in 3 people who experience painful incidents and severe traumatic events.
Cannabidiol and PTSD: what’s the research saying?
Even so, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not easy to crack, but CBD for PTSD is considered a therapeutic possibility due to its 40% active components in the plant. There are several types of research established where CBD alleviates symptoms of PTSD, such as:
- In 2024, recent research on CBD for PTSD found that 5 adults were diagnosed with severe Anxiety along with Insomnia and pain. They used CDB for their symptoms for almost four weeks and found an evident short-term relief in their symptoms. All of them were using CBD edibles for PTSD three times a day.
- Another study constructs that approximately 75% of patients treated with CBD products for their nightmare issues and after consuming it for a few weeks, visible results come out as improvement in their sleep cycles, time, and quality.
What is the potential for CBD to treat PTSD and improve people living with PTSD?
CBD for PTSD shows notable potential in the treatment of stress disorder symptoms by improving lives with the help of inflammatory properties and anxiolytic properties. It reduces brain inflammation, Anxiety, and Depression by the eCB system, which has two receptors, CB1 and CB2. By the regulation of the eCB system in the brain, CBD alleviates reducing flashbacks, intrusive memories, emotional reactivity, etc. CBD’s ability to control disturbed sleep patterns, Insomnia, nightmares, and common symptoms of PTSD. However, more research is needed to figure out its therapeutic potential fully.
CBD for PTSD: what’s the best form?
CBD for PTSD is an effective treatment that helps to alleviate common symptoms. CBD is available in several forms, each with benefits and absorption timings. The most common forms include:
- Capsules: It offers consistent dosing when taken orally in the form of capsules, but due to the slow release, it takes a bit longer to digest.
- Oil and Tinctures: It offers fast absorption while taking orally in a flexible dosage.
- Topical: It works as a localized pain reliever, which works as a fast-acting but is less effective for overall PTSD symptoms.
- Gummies: They are more yummy and convenient to use but less effective in providing pain relief.
However, the best edible for PTSD depends on a person’s needs and preferences according to their symptoms. The dosage should be taken after a consultation with healthcare professionals for specific needs.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
Generally, CBD for PTSD is well tolerated, but it also has some side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Decreased Appetite
- Sleepiness
- Male infertility
- Mood Swings
- Liver Damage
- Specific Allergic Reactions
To minimize risk, Consult with your medical expert before consuming CBD for PTSD, especially if you are taking certain medications such as antidepressants, antibiotics, blood thinners, etc.
Conclusion:
CBD exhibits a commitment to alleviating PTSD symptoms like tension, flashbacks, and sleeplessness. CBD has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties that can assist reduce brain inflammation and promote relaxation. While CBD has few side effects, it’s essential to consult a physician before using it, especially if taking medications. More research is needed to fully understand CBD’s therapeutic potential for PTSD. With the right dosage and form, CBD can be a valuable agent in managing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life.
Reference list
Ankshita (2024). CBD shown to ease anxiety without the risks that can come with THC. [online] ScienceDaily. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240227172143.htm.
Crippa, J.A., Zuardi, A.W., Martín-Santos, R., Bhattacharyya, S., Atakan, Z., McGuire, P. and Fusar-Poli, P. (2009). Cannabis and anxiety: a critical review of the evidence. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 24(7), pp.515–523. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.1048.
Elum, L. and Shannon, S. (2021). Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. [online] The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1089%2Facm.2018.0437.
Fraser, G.A. (2009). The use of a synthetic cannabinoid in the management of treatment-resistant nightmares in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, [online] 15(1), pp.84–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00071.x.
Scheurink, A.J.W. (2019). Carlien Wolters (s3395901) Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience; track Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience Supervised by: prof. dr. [online] Available at: https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/20809/1/mBCN_2019_WoltersAT.pdf.
