Cannabis For PTSD: 6 Best Strains For PTSD Symptoms

For a long time, people living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been telling the world about their experiences with the use of medical cannabis.

Particularly medical marijuana, in different clinical trials and treatments to combat the symptoms of PTSD, which are often associated with intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. 

In the psychiatry field, the benefits of cannabis treatment are becoming more clear. Medical cannabis can help treat PTSD since its use has demonstrated the potential to slow down brain activity in the amygdala, which is the area where emotions are given meaning, remembered, and attached to associations and responses to them (emotional memories). 

Also, some research has put into the debate whether cannabinoids may help eliminate trauma memories, which can be incredibly therapeutic for people PTSD patients. While still being studied, the possibility is making many take notice of the potential effects of cannabis on mental health, especially given the traumatic experiences many, like military veterans, go through. 

On the other hand, it is also known, and studies suggest that cannabis use is associated with lower scores in physical and emotional anxiety disorders. Whether marijuana use is regular or occasional, it often offers quick relief.

The human brain, being a complex organ, responds to a traumatic event in multi-faceted ways. PTSD symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and sleepless nights can pop up when life throws curveballs that disrupt the smooth jazz of balance in our brain. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the unsung hero working tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain our body’s homeostasis. This includes regulating our appetite, mood, sleep, and

sensations of pain. When trauma impacts the brain, the ECS gets dysregulated, leading to previously mentioned symptoms. 

Medical cannabis, rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD, interacts with the ECS, particularly cannabinoids receptors CB1 and CB2, which are thought to have several beneficial effects for PTSD patients, including but not limited to anxiety alleviation, mood regulation, and improvement, memory processing, and sleep regulation. 

But, a heads up: while cannabis has its fan club, it’s not the universal VIP pass for everyone. Strains and intake methods can hit different notes for different folks and can have varying side effects. 

Considering tuning into the frequency of cannabis to treat your PTSD symptoms? Have a chat with your doctor or healthcare guru first, and ensure your consumption experience is a safe one.

When it comes to choosing cannabis products to treat PTSD, it is very important to do proper research and be very careful and proceed with caution when consuming. Remember, everybody has their chemistry. 

Studies have shown that some of the consequences of PTSD are directly related to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), demonstrating that the production of endocannabinoids in the body is altered. 

Therefore, by using cannabis as a medicinal alternative, the body restores balance in the ECS, giving potential relief from PTSD symptoms. Thus it is essential to understand that one strain or another can help depending on the needs of each user. 

It is recommended to discuss the use of medical cannabis to treat PTSD with a healthcare professional on a case-by-case basis. 

Whether indica or sativa strains are the go-tos for PTSD boils down to an individual’s unique symptoms and their body’s response to each strain. 

Some may vibe with Indica strains for a peaceful evening and Sativa strains to spark their daytime. Others may opt for a hybrid with a lean towards indica or sativa to strike the right mood. 

Finding the perfect strain for PTSD is akin to a personal treasure hunt. Experimenting with a medley of strains – embracing the whole trial-and-error adventure – is often key. And seek some guidance from a healthcare professional for the smoothest ride! 

Before the magic occurs, for us you must understand the difference between cannabis strains with a high concentration of THC and those high in CBD. 

High CBD cannabis strains are usually recognized as being ideal for daytime use thanks to their mood-stabilizing characteristics, while high THC is more used at night because it can help get a deep sleep.

Knowing that in the market are a huge amount of strains, we have identified six of the best strains for PTSD. 

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain made by crossing Blueberry and Haze. Many users mention that this strain produces a balanced high accompanied by cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. 

Medical cannabis patients often use Blue Dream to treat symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and nausea. This strain is recognized for having 18% THC and a low CBD percentage. In terms of flavor, Blue Dream is characterized for smelling and tasting like sweet berries.

Named after its notorious heritage, OG Kush is a powerful strain with high levels of THC. It provides a mellow indica buzz that helps to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety.

This strain is ideal for people with PTSD because it provides a pleasant and euphoric effect and does a remarkable job of calming the entire body, which makes it perfect for a relaxing evening.

Great for mind and body, the pineapple express marijuana strain makes you feel at ease and alert. It has a sweet, fruity aroma that gets you buzzing quickly.

Pineapple Express is a powerful strain of marijuana that’s renowned for reducing physical and mental trauma. It features a high THC content that can help assuage your fear, while the CBD helps relax you even more.

ACDC is a CBD-dominant cannabis strain made from a phenotype of Cannatonic. Medical cannabis users use this strain to treat pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and the negative effects of Chemotherapy. 

If it is your first time considering smoking weed to treat PTSD, ACDC is recommended for first-timers as it produces little to no intoxicating effect. 

The main effect of this CBD 14% – THC 1% strain is a sensation of relaxation and happiness.

Cannatonic is highly recognized for being a CBD cannabis strain made by the crossing of MK Ultra and G13 Haze. The effect after smoking produces a soft high that is also uplifting and powerfully relaxing.

This CBD 9% – THC 5% strain is used for medical cannabis users because it helps a lot with pain, stress, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, and migraines.  

Cannacotic is also recommended for daily users.

Harlequin is a CBD-rich cannabis strain characterized for providing clear-headed effects and the ability to relax without sedation or intoxication. This strain is descended from Colombian Gold, a Nepali India, and Thai and Swiss landrace strains. 

Its high levels of CBD make this strain one of the most effective strains at the moment of treating pain and anxiety as CBD works together with THC to amplify its painkilling properties. 

As noted above, the experience with the use of medical cannabis as a trauma-informed alternative treatment varies by individual. Remember that every organism reacts differently to cannabis. So if you are able to consult or work with a therapist who specializes in medical cannabis, we recommend you do so.  

As a personal recommendation whether you are under PTSD symptoms or not, it is much better if you go low and slow to choose the right strain depending on your needs. You can also look for nonsmoking methods like oils, edibles, or sublingual alternatives.