Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a common term and while you may associate it with veterans and military personnel, it can develop from various traumatic events at any time in one’s life. “PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms may not appear until several months or even years later.”
Although PTSD develops in both military personnel and civilians, the rate of PTSD is about 50% higher for veterans, likely because a whopping 87% of military personnel are exposed to traumatic events. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to an array of lifelong challenges.
What are major troubles of PTSD?
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Flashbacks (related to the traumatic event)
- Nightmares, Insomnia
- Social Anxiety, Depression
- Short-tempered, Angry
- Emotional Detachment
Some of the most common health conditions and mental concerns among veterans who suffer from PTSD include chronic pain and suicidal thoughts along with illicit drug and alcohol abuse. As with civilians, those who have served in the military often search for an alternative to pharmaceutical medications to treat these conditions; this path often leads to medical marijuana. Even if not taken as a frontline treatment, medical cannabis can be helpful in conjunction with prescription drugs to reduce the cost and health implications of taking those meds for the remainder of their lives. The overall goal is harm reduction and studies show that cannabis can help. “Evidence suggests that treatment with medicinal cannabis is a potential alternative to the use of alcohol, unwanted medications, and opioids among veterans.”
Keep in mind that, “Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Sometimes, learning that a relative or close friend experienced trauma can cause PTSD.” If you suffer from PTSD, you can have an arsenal of herbal support on hand throughout the day to meet your needs. There are many marijuana strains that treat anxiety, chronic pain and depression, as well as a lengthy list of other beneficial attributes. Hybrid cannabis strains typically offer energy and upliftment at the onset and over time ease into a relaxing, tranquil feeling. Many medical marijuana patients like to have a sativa strain to dose in the daytime, as they typically offer clarity, energy and motivation. On the other hand, indica strains are often consumed in the evening because they not only make patients feel pain-free, but also drowsy.
So, what are some of the best medical marijuana strains for PTSD?
Balanced Hybrid:
Golden Pineapple – PTSD, Psychological Burdens
Rated 5 out of 5
April (verified purchase) April 6, 2023, “In comparison to their prior drops at 1000mg, these drops hit harder! 1 dropper full is my sweet spot. Hoping to catch these on sale soon.”
Indica:
Grape Ape – PTSD, Chronic Pain, Insomnia
Rated 5 out of 5
William (verified purchase) July 21, 2022, “I love this one. it has a dark golden oil which is always the best. the flavor is enjoyable, it has a grape taste that mixes well with the Kush flavors. it helps a lot with my physical pain/muscle spasms and is also very nice for relieving stress.”
Sativa:
Sour Diesel – for Fatigue, Mood Swings, PTSD, Chronic Pain
Based on the outstanding reviews of over 8,000 medical marijuana patients, Sour Diesel is simply legendary. Joanne (verified purchase) October 7, 2022, “One of my favorite strains! One of the few that don’t make me paranoid. Good for daytime use as well as anxiety and depression.”
“Over the past 2 decades, there has been an increase in support for the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids, despite the bias in cannabis funding globally.” That’s great news for the population in general, as medical marijuana can be a superior ally for those who suffer not only from PTSD, but other life-threatening conditions as well.