Using medical cannabis for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) involves a lot of careful thought and understanding. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of using medical cannabis to treat PTSD, keeping in mind the insights from Dr. Jordan Tishler, a leading expert in the field.
Pros of Using Medical Cannabis for PTSD
- Relief of Symptoms: One of the biggest advantages of using medical cannabis for PTSD is the relief it offers from several intense symptoms. Patients often report reduced anxiety, fewer nightmares, and an overall decrease in the intensity of their emotional distress.
- Improvement in Sleep: Cannabis is known for its ability to help people fall asleep more easily and improve the quality of sleep. For PTSD patients, who often struggle with insomnia or disturbed sleep due to nightmares, this can be particularly beneficial.
- Alternative to Conventional Medications: Some patients find that conventional medications do not work for them or have undesirable side effects. Medical cannabis offers an alternative that, for some, may have fewer side effects.
- Enhancing Therapy: Cannabis can sometimes help reduce the psychological barriers during therapeutic sessions. It may enable patients to approach their traumatic memories with less fear and anxiety, potentially making therapy more effective.
Cons of Using Medical Cannabis for PTSD
- Regulation and Dosage Issues: One of the challenges with medical cannabis is the difficulty in regulating doses. Unlike conventional medications, which come in precise dosages, the amount of active ingredients in cannabis can vary widely from one batch to another.
- Potential for Dependency: There is a risk of developing a dependency on cannabis. Patients may start to rely on cannabis not just for easing their PTSD symptoms but for coping with everyday stressors, which can lead to problematic use.
- Side Effects: While cannabis may have fewer side effects than some conventional medications, it is not without its own risks. These can include cognitive impairment or mood alterations, particularly with high doses or prolonged use.
- Legal and Social Issues: The legal status of cannabis is still complex in many places. Using medical cannabis for PTSD might lead to legal complications or stigma in communities where cannabis use is frowned upon.
Special Risks to Veterans with PTSD
Veterans considering medical cannabis for PTSD face several unique risks:
- Aggravation of Mental Health Symptoms: Some veterans might experience an aggravation of symptoms, including increased anxiety, paranoia, or a worsening of PTSD symptoms in some cases. This risk highlights the need for close monitoring by healthcare professionals.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Complications: Veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury may find that cannabis exacerbates cognitive dysfunctions or psychiatric symptoms, complicating their treatment landscape.
- Higher Risk of Substance Misuse: Given the higher rates of substance misuse among veterans, there is a concern that initiating cannabis could lead to misuse or addiction, particularly if there is a history of substance abuse. Unfortunately there is a long history of veterans getting cannabis-use advice from their peers and quickly accelerating from little to excessive use. Again, this highlights the need for close monitoring by healthcare professionals, which is not presently available through the VA and may not be sought outside the VA by many veterans.
- Impact on Veterans Affairs (VA) Services: Veterans receiving care through the VA may encounter challenges with medical cannabis use, as it remains a federally illegal substance and the VA is a federal institution. VA policy is very clear that cannabis use should not affect the types of treatments offered and the advice provided by VA healthcare providers, nonetheless veterans may encounter resistance.
- Social Stigma and Isolation: Veterans may also face social stigma or isolation from peers and community due to using cannabis, which is often viewed negatively within military communities.
Deciding to use medical cannabis for PTSD should involve a careful evaluation of the potential benefits and risks, as well as consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare provider like Dr. Tishler. It’s important to consider all treatment options and choose the one that best suits the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
For veterans, the decision to use medical cannabis for PTSD involves not only weighing its potential benefits against the risks but also considering how it integrates into their overall treatment plan and lifestyle. Consultation with healthcare providers who understand both the benefits and complexities of cannabis use in the context of veteran health is crucial. Ensuring careful monitoring and support can help mitigate risks and enhance the potential benefits of this treatment option.
Consult with a Qualified Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Expert Today
Those considering using THC, CBD, or any type of medicine found in cannabis to help manage their condition should consider speaking to a trained medical expert who is knowledgeable about using cannabis therapeutically.
Massachusetts medical marijuana doctor Jordan Tishler, M.D. sits on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and has years of experience helping patients treat pain and other ailments using cannabis. He and the team at InhaleMD stand ready to assist patients in determining whether medical marijuana is right for them.
For more information, or to set up a virtual consultation with the team at InhaleMD, call us at (617) 477-8886 today.