Cannabis and PTSD

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 study’s results were profound and, as a result, published.

These types of findings are the reasons why Cannabis Cultivation is our passion and why we are constantly learning and consciously evolving.

The Connection Between Cannabis and PTSD

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.

Scientific Studies on Cannabis for PTSD Relief

How does Cannabis help PTSD patients? Several scientific inquiries over the years have sought to prove whether medical marijuana is a valid solution for 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

Challenges in PTSD Research and Cannabis Studies

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. Scientists have circumnavigated this hurdle by using animals to test for cannabis response to PTSD symptoms. Despite the brilliance of this movie, 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 essential roles in emotion and behavior. It is best known for its part in processing fear and the fight or flight response. Two is the endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant 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 specific 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.

Cannabis for PTSD: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?

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 and 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. Regarding medical value, the body-numbing effects of Indica strains make them suitable for treating 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) and become energized and creative. Medically, Sativa strains are suitable for 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. However, the downside of Indica strains is their tendency to leave users 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. As you will see ahead, they feature heavily in Rize Cultivation’s list of the best strains for PTSD and anxiety.

Cookies N Cream: A Breakthrough Strain for PTSD Relief

Cookies N Cream F2 stands out as one of the most balanced 50/50 hybrid strains, carefully crafted from a lineage of eight highly effective strains known for their therapeutic potential in treating PTSD. This exceptional blend combines the best qualities of its parent strains, making it a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and other PTSD symptoms.

Notable strains in its lineage include:

• Girl Scout Cookies – Studied at Colorado State University for its remarkable positive effects on PTSD, offering relief through its unique cannabinoid and terpene profile.
• Northern Lights – Renowned for its euphoric properties, this strain has been the focus of multiple European university studies, highlighting its ability to uplift mood and provide relaxation.
• Grand Daddy Purple – Extensively studied in Europe for its calming effects, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with heightened anxiety.
• OG Kush – A classic strain celebrated for its ability to soothe the mind and body while promoting relaxation.
• Chemdawg – Known for its cerebral effects that boost focus and clarity, helping manage emotional stress.
• Hindu Kush – Offers deep relaxation and grounding effects, often used for stress relief.
• Lemon Thai – A bright, uplifting strain that promotes a sense of positivity and mental clarity.
• Afghani #1 – Famous for its sedative properties, making it ideal for reducing stress and promoting restful sleep.

With its carefully selected lineage, Cookies N Cream F2 delivers a harmonious balance of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. This makes it an exceptional choice for individuals seeking relief from PTSD symptoms while maintaining a clear and calm state of mind.

RiZe Cultivation: Innovating Cannabis for PTSD Treatment

With the right combination of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Terpenoids, Flavonoids, and VSCs, this strain is excellent in controlling the human body’s Stress Responses.

Author

Corey Formolo, Director of Rize Cultivation