Marcus RichardsThe Department of Veterans Affairs and subsequent studies estimate that 13-20% or more of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of these veterans are turning to cannabis as a way to self-medicate and relieve their symptoms. Can cannabis really help veterans with PTSD? Read on below to find out whether or not cannabis is right for you.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. People with PTSD may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel hopeless and detached, and they may experience physical symptoms like insomnia and anxiety.
Unfortunately, many veterans might suffer from the effects of PTSD, which can result from traumatic events such as:
- Experiencing combat
- Witnessing a traumatic event
- Being the victim of sexual assault or violence
- Suffering a life-threatening injury
While anyone can develop PTSD, it is more common in people who have experienced multiple traumas or who have experienced trauma at a young age. Veterans are also at increased risk for developing PTSD due to the nature of their work.
How Can Cannabis Help Veterans With PTSD?
Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of symptoms associated with PTSD, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anger
- Hypervigilance
Many veterans view cannabis as a good way to cope with PTSD symptoms without having the same complications that would accompany alcohol use. Sadly, as many as 2 out of every 10 veterans that struggle with PTSD also struggle with substance use disorder.
Cannabis may be especially helpful for veterans who are struggling with traditional PTSD and who don’t want to potentially develop substance use disorder. Fortunately, cannabis is non-addictive, meaning veterans can use cannabis without fear of getting addicted or having cannabis impair their life.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Cannabis has long been known to have anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties. While many people might not know this, PTSD is actually classified as an anxiety disorder, with many veterans suffering from generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks as well.
Cannabis strains like Indica and high CBD strains can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. In fact, studies showed that cannabis strains with low THC and all doses of CBD can help alleviate anxiety.
Some strains that have high CBD content that can help with PTSD and anxiety include:
- ACDC: This is a sativa-dominant hybrid that has a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC.
- Cannatonic: This is a 50/50 hybrid that has a 6:1 ratio of CBD to THC.
- Charlotte’s Web: This is a high-CBD, low-THC strain that was specifically bred for children with epilepsy.
- Harlequin: This is a sativa-dominant hybrid that has a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC.
Cannabis and Depression
Depression is another common symptom of PTSD, with many veterans finding it hard to cope with the negative thoughts and emotions associated with the condition.
Cannabis has long been known to have antidepressant properties, with studies showing that THC can increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.
Cannabis and Insomnia
Insomnia is also among the most common symptoms of PTSD, with many veterans finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. Cannabis can help with this by promoting sleep and relaxation, especially Indica strains that can help provide a body-high and induce relaxation. In addition, having a good night’s rest can also help reduce nightmares for those suffering from PTSD.
How to Have Access to Indica at Home
For many veterans, getting care can be difficult when living with the symptoms of PTSD. Fortunately, weed seeds can help veterans have access to Indica, Sativa, and CBD strains in the comfort of their home.
For those that need help with cannabis growing at home, autoflower seeds are the best option. These are easy to grow and don’t require a lot of experience or knowledge. You can simply plant them, water them, and let them grow on their own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, talk to your doctor about whether cannabis could be right for you. Cheap Marijuana Seeds are widely available nowadays, so you may also want to consider growing your own cannabis at home to have easy access to the strains when you need them.
Growing your own cannabis can also provide you with a sense of relaxation and accomplishment, which can be helpful in managing PTSD symptoms.
