Many people who have survived life-threatening events experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a complex condition that is difficult to treat successfully. Prescribed medications are often ineffective and/or are accompanied by undesirable side effects. Misunderstood and stigmatized, patients are often discouraged and under-served by currently available treatment options.  However, research into the endocannabinoid system (ECS) suggests that cannabis may help relieve some of the symptoms of PTSD.  

In New Jersey, the Assembly passed a bill (A3726) to add PTSD as a qualifying condition for the medical marijuana program.  While there is a companion bill in the Senate, it has not been voted on as of November 2015.

Below is a collection of studies exploring the link between PTSD and the ECS:

Study finds lower levels of endocannabinoids in people with PTSD:
The abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24035186
The article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870889/pdf/nihms524984.pdf

A study investigating stress induced endocannabinoid deficiency:
The abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Central+anandamide+deficiency+predicts+stress-induced+anxiety%3A+behavioral+reversal
The article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119220/pdf/tp201453a.pdf

Elevated endocannabinoid receptors in the brains of those with PTSD.  Indicates a reduction in available endocannabinoids in those with PTSD.
The abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23670490
The journal article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3752332/pdf/nihms-469491.pdf

More tested abnormalities in PTSD:
The abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Metabolite+profiling+in+posttraumatic+stress+disorder
The article:
http://www.jmolecularpsychiatry.com/content/pdf/s40303-015-0007-3.pdf

Cannabidiol as a non-psychoactive anti-anxiety treatment.
The abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22729452
The article: 
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbp/v34s1/v34s1a08.pdf

Cannabis in German soldier for treatment of PTSD.
The article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601286/pdf/Dtsch_Arztebl_Int-110-0144b.pdf

Cannabis for PTSD correspondence:
The article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601285/pdf/Dtsch_Arztebl_Int-110-0144a.pdf

Using cannabis to help you sleep: heightened frequency of medical cannabis use among those with PTSD:
Abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24412475
Article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3929256/pdf/nihms-552820.pdf

Use of a synthetic cannabinoid in a correctional population for posttraumatic stress disorder-related insomnia and nightmares, chronic pain, harm reduction, and other indications: a retrospective evaluation
Abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24987795
Article: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4165471/pdf/jcp-34-559.pdf

The use of cannabis to treat those with PTSD:
Abstract: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=PTSD+cannabis+new+mexico
The article:
http://theroc.us/images/PTSD%20Symptom%20Reports%20of%20Patients%20Evaluated%20for%20the%20New%20Mexico%20Medical%20Cannabis%20Program.pdf

0
0
0
s2sdefault