Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active compounds from the cannabis plant. While there is emerging evidence that CBD may help reduce and manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research is still in its infancy.
According to the
Although there are several treatments for PTSD, there is increasing evidence that CBD may help people manage symptoms.
People should not use CBD to treat PTSD symptoms without first discussing doing so with a doctor. There may be a risk that taking CBD alongside any other medication might
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
PTSD is a mental health condition a person may develop after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD can happen to anyone of any age, affecting approximately
Most people may associate PTSD with war veterans. However, traumatic events, such as witnessing or being involved in an assault or accident and living through a natural or human-made disaster, may lead to this condition. Adults and children who live through traumatic events over a long period may develop complex PTSD.
People who have PTSD may have re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, and cognition and mood symptoms. Examples of these symptoms
- Re-experiencing: These symptoms include flashbacks, recurring dreams, distressing thoughts, and physical signs of stress.
- Avoidance: These symptoms include avoiding places, memories, or thoughts that trigger memories of the traumatic event.
- Arousal and reactivity: These symptoms include being easily startled, having difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable or having angry outbursts, and doing dangerous or reckless activities.
- Cognition and mood symptoms: These symptoms include being unable to remember parts of a traumatic event, finding it difficult to feel positive emotions, and having ongoing negative emotions, such as feelings of guilt, anger, and shame.
Read more about the signs and symptoms of PTSD here.
COVID-19 and PTSD
COVID-19 was a traumatic experience for many people.
A 2023 study of 329 participants who survived hospitalization after contracting the virus found that
COVID-19 also affected people who were not hospitalized.
A report that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) commissioned states that over half of public health workers experienced symptoms of a mental health condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these,
Current methods of treating PTSD include medication and psychotherapy.
According to the
Other therapies include psychotherapy or talking treatment, which usually lasts
There is also
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Researchers are still unclear as to why CBD may work as a treatment for PTSD. However, according to a
Medical News Today on CBD for PTSD
Medical News Today will only suggest CBD products if there is a large amount of evidence to suggest they may help the symptoms of certain conditions.
While there is emerging evidence that CBD may be beneficial for people with PTSD, there has not been enough research into its effectiveness and safety for us to recommend products.
For evidence-backed CBD recommendations, read:
Multiple studies investigate whether CBD is an effective treatment for PTSD. Some of the studies use topical CBD, such as oils, and others use edible CBD, such as gummies. Some studies looking at the different forms of CBD found the following information:
- CBD capsules: A small
2019 study of 10 people found that people with PTSD who took CBD capsules alongside traditional counseling saw a reduction in their symptoms. - CBD oil: A 2019 study into 18–19-year-olds in Japan found a reduction in anxiety-related symptoms when participants received 300 milligrams of CBD oil orally. However, this study did not specifically investigate CBD oil on PTSD.
- CBD with THC: A
2018 literature review suggests that a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD may help treat PTSD symptoms.
However, THC may have more severe side effects than CBD. According to a
Individuals with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia should discuss using CBD products with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable in this area, particularly if these products also contain THC.
CBD has few side effects compared to other cannabinoids, such as THC. However, people may still experience some side effects and increased risks while using CBD. These
- drowsiness and sleepiness
- suicidal thoughts and behavior
- people with a history of alcohol or drug use disorder may find THC addictive
- allergic reactions
- to avoid
liver damage , people should proceed with caution when using CBD alongside certain medications, such as valproate
Most
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
If a person has PTSD symptoms that last for
- difficulty sleeping
- being on edge
- flashbacks
- bad dreams
- frightening thoughts
- trying to avoid places, objects, and other reminders of the traumatic experience
- distorted feelings
Early evidence suggests CBD may help reduce PTSD symptoms. However, there has not been enough research into its safety or effectiveness. People should not use CBD instead of, or alongside, their current treatment unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
There are two main strains of cannabis: sativa and indica. CBD can come from both strains, but many CBD products use hemp from the cannabis sativa plant.
While some companies may state that indica and sativa have different effects on the body, there is no clear evidence to support this. More research is necessary to determine whether these strains have different benefits and which one is best for PTSD.
The American Psychological Association strongly recommends the following PTSD treatments:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- cognitive processing therapy
- cognitive therapy
- prolonged exposure
Healthcare professionals may also recommend other treatments, such as medication or other types of therapy. People can work with their healthcare team to find the best way to treat PTSD anxiety.
There is not a fast way to get rid of PTSD flashbacks. People with PTSD should work with their healthcare team to find out which therapies work best to help reduce symptoms such as flashbacks.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a long lasting mental health condition that people may develop after experiencing a traumatic event.
Various traditional treatments are available, such as medication and therapy. However, evidence suggests cannabidiol could also help symptom management, such as reducing fatigue and stress and promoting relaxing sleep.