While research on CBD (Cannabidiold) is still in the early stages, existing studies and anecdotal evidence points to exciting potential for CBD to help patients with PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder).

CBD May Help PTSD Symptoms:

  • Encourages Better Sleep
  • Decreases Anxiety
  • Eases Symptoms of Depression
  • Decreases Traumatic Memories

What is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. According to Psychiatry.org, “People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.”

Many patients with PTSD report trouble sleeping, struggles with anxiety and depression, and repetitive thoughts that replay the traumatic incident over and over in a loop. In fact, PTSD can be a debilitating mental health condition that can lead to chronic challenges like overwhelming emotions, recurring nightmares, panic attacks, detachment from others, and even self-destructive behavior. In the most extreme cases, severe PTSD symptoms can lead to suicide.

Conventional PTSD Treatments

Most conventional therapies for PTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy with several types of prescription medicine, such as antidepressants designed to address symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are also support groups that help sufferers manage their stress and anxiety.

CBD for PTSD may represent one more tool for managing PTSD symptoms, and there are many anecdotal reports that CBD works.

 

CBD For PTSD

There is research that “administration of oral CBD in addition to routine psychiatric care was associated with PTSD symptom reduction in adults with PTSD. CBD also appeared to offer relief in a subset of patients who reported frequent nightmares as a symptom of their PTSD.”

According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, it is possible that CBD may affect the amygdala and the hippocampus in the brain.

What is amygdala and the hippocampus in the brain?

They are scientific words for the parts of the brain that control emotional memory recalling and regulation.

The amygdala is specialized for input and processing of emotion, while the hippocampus is essential for declarative or episodic memory. During emotional reactions, these two brain regions interact to translate the emotion into particular outcomes.

Amazing Brian

Photo Credit: momentousinstitute.org This Amazing Brian poster is available for purchase in their shop.

CBD for PTSD Treatment

May block the retrieval of the traumatic memory

Encourages better sleep. One study found that a CBD dosage of 160 milligrams was shown to increase participants’ sleep duration.

Reduces the long-lasting anxiety

Reduces the use of prescription drugs

THC and CBD: There is also research suggesting that THC along with CBD plays an even more substantial role in treating PTSD. THC (think medical cannabis) requires certification. If you are curious about qualifying for medical cannabis, click here to get started. Our staff will help you on finding the right balance between THC and CBD.

CBD Products for PTSD

CBD Gummies

CBD Gummies

cbdMD gummies are vegan and gluten free, and made with natural flavorings and organic sweeteners. Their Superior Broad Spectrum CBD formula is drawn only from hemp grown in the United States, and rigorously tested to ensure that it’s THC-free* and has a consistent amount of high quality CBD, CBG, and CBN for the fullest benefits. This makes them the best CBD gummies around!

Read more about CBD Gummies at Southern Comfort Wellness.

Healer CBD Tincture

CBD Tinctures

Start with Dr. Sulak’s non-impairing CBD formula, which includes CBDA, the raw form of CBD, and the Healer Spectrum, so you can achieve better results while using less. Taste and feel the difference.

Organically farmed in Maine, this CBD Tincture will improve mood, promote resilience to stress, and relieve irritability.

Read more about CBD Tinctures at Southern Comfort Wellness.

CBD PM Tincture

CBD Tincture PM

cbdMD combined their Superior Broad Spectrum hemp extracts with the snooze-inducing properties of melatonin and calming herbs to create a CBD oil for sleep. Their innovative Superior Broad Spectrum formula results in a high-quality product packed with additional cannabinoids (CBG and CBN) and terpenes.

Read more at Southern Comfort Wellness.

Risks and side effects

CBD may have a few side effects that may include, but not be limited to:

  • Drowsiness and sleepiness
  • People with a history of alcohol or drug use disorder may find CBD addictive
  • Allergic reactions
  • Increased risk of liver damage if people use CBD alongside certain medication

If you have any questions about taking CBD, feel free to contact us. Or speak with your physician. Always talking with your doctor is the best bet.