Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Some patients report improvement in anxiety and sleep after using medical marijuana. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of THC/CBD on PTSD symptoms.

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.

If you think you have undiagnosed PTSD, you can be evaluated by our provider and be started on medicinal marijuana. It’s recommended that you also follow up with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist.

How can people develop it?

People can develop PTSD in response to traumatic events. This includes traumatic death of loved ones. COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of people to be experience death of a loved one and develop PTSD. A lot of healthcare providers also developed PTSD during COVID-19 Pandemic, witnessing unusual number of deaths.

Medical Marijuana can alleviate some symptoms of PTSD, such as insomnia, vivid dreams, or flash backs. There has not been a randomized clinical trial proving effects of THC/CBD products in PTSD, and all the data are driven from patient reports or small crossover trials on the pharmaceutical cannabinoid nabilone.

What is this disease?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or “PTSD” is a condition that can happen after people see or live through a trauma. A trauma is an intense event that involves serious injury or death, or the chance of serious injury or death. This can include medical events, such as a heart attack, surgery, or being in the intensive care unit “ICU”.

What are the symptoms?

Upsetting memories, nightmares, or flashbacks, feeling “numb” and avoiding certain people or places, fear, or anger over normal life events.

How can my doctor or nurse tell if I have PTSD?

They should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms, asking questions, and doing an exam.

How is it treated?

PTSD is treated with Trauma-focused or medications.

When should I get help?

If you are having trouble coping because of your PTSD symptoms, you should see a doctor to start treatment with medicine and start looking for a therapist who is trained in trauma-focused therapy. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, or if you feel that life isn’t worth living, get help right away by calling 911 or go to emergency department.