Cannabis and PTSD

COOKIES N CREAM, by RIZE CULTIVATION Cultivated to face the storm and defy it

CONSTANTLY LEARNING, CONSCIOUSLY EVOLVING

I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the research department of Colorado State University on a PTSD study and the relief proponents of Cannabis specifically our phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. The results of the study were profound and as a result published. These types of findings are the reasons why Cannabis Cultivation is our passion, and we stay, Constantly Learning, Consciously Evolving.

Corey Formolo, Director of Rize Cultivation

So, why are Cannabis and PTSD even considered a good combination? First, the components in cannabis have the twin ability to tweak memory processes and reduce depression and anxiety. Secondly, a recent study revealed that cannabinoids administered shortly after exposure to a traumatic event could prevent the development of PTSD-like characteristics. 
So not only can medical marijuana provide relief, but it may also be a safeguard against post-traumatic stress disorder itself.
How does Cannabis help PTSD patients? Several scientific inquiries over the years have sought to prove whether medical marijuana is a valid solution in reducing the severity of symptoms among PTSD patients.
Most recently, a study published in the book, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research sought to understand whether cannabis sold in dispensaries helped PTSD patients.
The test involved PTSD patients who were divided into two groups. Those who used marijuana for their PTSD and those who didn’t. Over three months, patients who used cannabis reported a significant reduction in the severity of their symptoms than their counterparts.
Moreover, preliminary human studies also suggest that treatment with cannabis may effectively decrease PTSD symptoms. For instance:

• Frequency of nightmares
• Sleep quality
• Hyperarousal

Despite these promising results, most studies decry the limitation in their research as a result of the illegal status of the herb. As a result, studies cannot be conducted on a large scale and comprehensive manner to provide conclusive results.
Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And scientists have circumnavigated this hurdle by using animals to test for cannabis response on PTSD symptoms. Despite the brilliance of this move, replicating the true psychological effects of PTSD in animals still proves a challenge.
Despite this, animal trials have shown that cannabinoids affect several PTSD-related symptoms. For example:

• The effects of stress on emotional functions and memory processes
• Enabling fear extinction
• Having an anti-anxiety-like effect on a variety of tasks.

Nonetheless, human trials may be on the horizon to put the effectiveness of medical marijuana for PTSD to the test owing to a recent wave of legislation and voter input which has seen many states decriminalize and legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use. 
Cannabis prevents hyperarousal and PTSD-related anxiety Since PTSD is a psychological problem, it’s important to understand what happens in the brain that promotes its development and persistence.
One is the amygdala, a part of the brain believed to play important roles in emotion and behavior. And is best known for its part in processing fear and the fight or flight response. Two is the endocannabinoid system which plays a big role in balancing many processes in our body. Most importantly, the cannabinoids present in marijuana, mainly CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) react with the endocannabinoid system to spur certain effects.
How does Cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system? Several studies have linked PTSD to lower anandamide levels and an increased expression of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1); both found within the endocannabinoid system. This is also known as an endocannabinoid deficiency.
Therefore, this imbalance is assumed to result in hyperactivation of the amygdala. Hence causing extreme threat processing with characteristics of hyperarousal anxiety.
As a result, hyperarousal anxiety then causes a myriad of PTSD symptoms, such as:

• Sleep disturbances
• Memory and cognitive impairments
• Altered pain sensitivity
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Emotional numbing
• Suicidality
• Re-experiencing
• Avoidance

So how does cannabis prevent hyperarousal? Well, since hyperactivation of the amygdala is caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency, specifically the endocannabinoid anandamide, CBD increases the anandamide levels. So, no deficit means no amygdala hyperactivation hence no extreme fear. Additionally, THC also plays a role in regulating threat processing in trauma-exposed PTSD patients.
To support this theory, PTSD patients participated in a study where they took doses of THC and got exposed to situations designed to trigger fear. As severe as the test may seem, the results were worthwhile since participants showed lower threat-related amygdala activity besides reduced fear and anxiety.
Cannabis reduces inflammation Sometimes, psychological conditions may involve elevated inflammatory processes within the brain. CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This element not only works for pain relief but also doubles down against PTSD by activating the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors.
Cannabis promotes fear extinction What is fear extinction? Fear extinction is a decline in conditioned fear responses, and this occurs during new learning.
When we experience a traumatic event, something known as fear conditioning occurs. This means that you automatically develop a fear-conditioned response related to a specific event or object. Even if the traumatic event occurred once.
Indica or Sativa for PTSD? The Indica and Sativa are two distinct species of the marijuana plant. And they differ in appearance and the kind of ‘high’ they deliver. In terms of appearance, Indica strains are shorter, have a deeper shade of green, and have broader leaves than Sativa strains which grow tall, have a lighter shade of green and thin leaves.
For the ‘high’, Indica delivers a body high where users experience body numbing effects besides the calming and sedative effects of the strain. In terms of medical value, the body-numbing effects of Indica strains make them suitable in the treatment of chronic pain, lack of sleep, and inflammation.
Contrastingly, Sativa strains pack a punch when it comes to the ‘head high’ they deliver. Users experience euphoria (happiness), become energized and creative. Medically, Sativa strains are suitable in the treatment of fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, in large doses, Sativa strains may increase anxiety and paranoia.
When it comes to PTSD, patients are often seeking calmness, relaxation, and clarity of mind and that’s why Indica is the best for PTSD. But the downside of Indica strains is their tendency to leave users feeling lethargic. So, patients are at a disadvantage since they can’t get up and about to do their daily tasks.
However, that isn’t an issue with hybrid stains. These strains come about when both the Indica and Sativa are crossed. The resulting strain is often a combination of the best of both worlds; the calming effects of the Indica plus the improvement in mood from the Sativa.
So, in essence, an Indica-dominant hybrid is the best strain for PTSD and anxiety. And as you will see ahead, they feature heavily in Rize Cultivation's list of the best strains for PTSD and anxiety.
Cookies N Cream F2 

• 50/50 hybrid

Cookies N Cream is one of the most balanced Hybrids with a combination of 8 of the most highly effective strains for Treatment of PTSD in its lineage. 
Strains such as:

• Girl Scout Cookies - Which was studied at Colorado State University for its positive effects on PTSD and why.
• Northern Lights – Studied in Europe at multiple universities for the amount of Euphoria that casts over you when indulging.
• Grand Daddy Purple – Studied in Europe at multiple universities for the calming effects in brings to highly anxious individuals.
• OG KUSH
• Chemdawg
• Hindu Kush
• Lemon Thai
• Afghani #1

With the right combination of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Terpenoids, Flavonoids and VSC’s this strain is excellent in controlling the human body’s Stress Responses.
Corey Formolo, Director of Rize Cultivation