Medical Marijuana Providing Respite To Army Veterans Suffering From PTSD
Army veterans often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD more than others. Approximately 12% of ex-army people experience this problem. Currently, about 150,000 army veterans are living with PTSD in Florida. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of medical marijuana, more and more army veterans are turning to this miracle tonic to cure their condition.
Other causes
The events witnessed by soldiers on the battlefield aren’t the only causes of PTSD. Common folk locked inside their houses for prolonged periods due to are also suffering from it. Furthermore, political situations are also working as a catalyst. These people are constantly complaining about panic attacks, sleeplessness, anxiety, and nightmares. In other words, the number of PTSD patients is growing with every passing day.
The use of medical marijuana
Here are a few ways how medical marijuana can help PTSD patients.
A misconception: Extreme violence and trauma are the causes of PTSD, but it’s a common misconception that these are the only causes. Those who aren’t soldiers rarely experience indescribable levels of violence. They don’t fight like soldiers and some of them never suffer from physical or mental abuse. Nevertheless, such people can develop PTSD. It suggests the presence of an underlying condition that gets triggered by trauma.
The deficiency: So, what’s this underlying condition? According to medical researchers, it’s the result of the absence of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are compounds containing cannabinoids produced naturally by a person’s body. The ones present in cannabis flowers include CBD and THC. Experts use the term phytocannabinoids for these compounds created by plants.
The role played: Based on experiments conducted by specialists, endocannabinoids play a crucial role in regulating the mood of a person. The results of those experiments prove that an imbalance caused by the absence of endocannabinoids in the body of a person can appear in the form of PTSD. These folks experience fear, anxiety, and depression. One may argue that these problems are common, but in PTSD patients, the processes regulating these moods remain suppressed.
The brain function: When a normal person feels he/she is in danger, his/her brain releases compounds that prepare him/her to fight or flee. Once the danger passes, another combo of neurochemicals calms the person. Those who suffer from PTSD, however, experience the same bouts of panic and fear in circumstances entirely devoid of danger. In a way, their brain functions differently. PTSD patients remain on edge almost all the time.
Perfect for PTSD patients: What kind of medical marijuana products will be suitable for a PTSD patient? Well, according to experts, marijuana strains containing low quantities of THC are effective on people dealing with panic attacks. They can smoke or vape cannabis. They can also use marijuana-based tinctures. For someone who experiences nightmares or spending sleepless nights, strains containing higher quantities of THC are more beneficial. These individuals require something that’ll last long enough. That’s why doctors suggest using edible marijuana products.
Final considerations
It’s always safer for people to start with minimal dosages because optimal dosages tend to differ from one patient to another. The patient may even need to reduce dosage quantity or power if he/she starts experiencing unwanted side effects, such as daytime drowsiness or paranoia.