Veterans With PTSD Are Given A Little Hope

By Amy Hansen, The Fresh Toast on Dec 3, 2024

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Some good new from the government about veterans who are suffering from PTSD and are using marijuana.

While our military is generally honored, medical treatment for them can lag behind the praises given by politicians and bureaucrats. Almost 23% of veterans who use the Veterans Admstinatrion (VA) health care have had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. In 2021, 10% of men and 19% of women veterans using VA care were diagnosed with PTSD. A study of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan found the prevalence of PTSD varied by unit component. For example, deployed active duty veterans had an 18.5% prevalence of PTSD, while non-deployed active duty veterans had a 13.2% prevalence. It is difficult to treat and has ruined thousands of lives. But cannabis has helped and now veterans with PTSD are given a little hope with additional medical research.

Cannabis has shown promising potential in alleviating symptoms PTSD, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition. Earlier studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms behind cannabis’s therapeutic effects on PTSD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week authorized a long-delayed clinical trial to test whether marijuana can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The agency had raised a variety of objections. The change is good news for veterans and their families. And another indicator the FDA is supportive of the rescheduling.

One key way cannabis helps PTSD sufferers is by reducing activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear responses to threats. This dampening of the anxiety response can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.Additionally, cannabis may aid in extinguishing traumatic memories through a process called ‘extinction learning’.

The cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can enhance the rate at which challenging memories are processed and reduce overall anxiety responses. Research has shown that cannabis use is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life. Low doses of THC or a combination of THC and CBD have been found to be particularly effective in enhancing extinction rates for traumatic memories and reducing anxiety.

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The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this process. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, indirectly affects this system by inhibiting the uptake or enzymatic degradation of endogenous cannabinoids. This action allows for a greater effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found in brain regions important for anxiety and aversive learnin

.Cannabis may also help address specific PTSD symptoms such as sleep disturbances, recurrent fear memories, and panic episodes. While individual responses can vary, cannabis can be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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