{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/ptsd/2","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_9958-markdown","title":"What do we really know about the risks of cannabis for psychological issues?","slug":"what-do-we-really-know-about-the-risks-of-cannabis-for-psychological-issues","content":"\"I search through medical journals with regularity searching for consensus on this issue. Often within the very same search, I can find a well-vetted journal paper that espouses the benefits of cannabis for issues such as anxiety and PTSD, yet ten minutes later there will be a paper with fairly severe warnings about possible long-term psychological impacts (psychosis/schizophrenia/etc). \n\nThis is frightening, and makes it very difficult to enjoy the benefits of this plant, knowing that researchers seem to conflict so heavily on such a basic topic. Additionally, whenever I ask this question, people seem to get their \"dog in the fight\" over it rather than helping to either assuage or confirm my fears.\n\nPersonally, I've had great relief for anxiety from cannabis. But I've also had some of the most intense and severe panic, lingering for days afterward from cannabis as well. I hear \"use high-CBD strains!\", and yet they seem to be hit or miss. I hear \"use indicas over sativas\", yet I can have a wonderful sativa experience one day, and indicas can throw me into panic the next.\n\nThere seems to be no rhyme or reason, and the medical literature seems to confirm this fact. So how can one safely use this medicine without worry of severe anxiety (and the threat of further mental illness)?\n\"\n_____________________\nI am not a medical expert but I do have this to say, which is something that I honestly question because I truly don't understand:\n\nHow does smoking or ingesting thc cause schizophrenia, a disorder known to be genetic??\n\nNot sure if that's helpful or just more confusing, but the actual advice I suggest when comparing two seemingly equally reputable and valid sources with scientific information about the effects of marijuana:\n\n1) Check the date of the source publication. There's new information coming out all the time and anti-drug campaigns that site studies done in 1995.\n\n2) Check who is backing the publications or who published the study. Sadly our government is not the best source when it comes to practically any kind of statistic.\n\n3) Consider the agenda of the publisher. Even the WHO and CDC answer to someone. Think of the consequences of what they proclaim to be true; you can't un-ring a bell but you can say that new findings suggest your previous, more cautionary statements may not be true.\n\n4) Go with your instincts. \nIt sounds like you've had your own experiences to guide you. If something seems off to you then it's probably worth looking into. If your gut says something is a lie, it probably is. \n\nAnyway, good luck. \nLCP\n\nlily_coyote_paw\n_____________________\nNo, I don't believe we know what causes the risk of psychological problems in cannabis users because there are far too many factors that have to be controlled for good clinical trials. Most of the information we have regarding cannabis use and the potential positive or negative effects are anecdotal stories not clinical trials. Clinical trials are typically paid for by pharmaceutical companies but they have a vested interest in seeing that their clinical trials have the outcome the drug company, or the Universities funded by the drug companies, wants to see.\r\nWhen I see patients with psychological imbalances, I cautioned them to not go high with their THC which could aggravate anxiety, anger, panic attacks and increased pain. CBD will tend put those symptoms in remission but when a person has a psychological problem they need stability with their medication. I also don't usually recommend smoking bud because there's too much variability and Tinctures or vape pens maybe a much better way to utilize the cannabis for more consistent dosing. If you have psychological problems it maybe best to keep your dose of CBD : THC, higher in CBD since it is the CBD that tend to calm and relax the body relieving stress and anxiety and the CBD is not psychoactive as long as your \r\nCBD: THC ratio is greater then 8:1.  If you experience anxiety on a lower dose CBD with equal or higher THC then you need to add in more CBD's.\r\nI highly encourage you to eliminate Sativa Cannabis until you have learned how to control your anxiety and other symptoms with CBD and lower THC.\r\nKeep in mind, my advice is only a suggestion, you must find out how your body responds to cannabis and maybe in the future we will actually have some honest clinical trials that may help to guide us along the way.\r\nSince imbalance in the neurotransmitters causes psychological problems  including schizophrenia, I do encourage that all people with psychological problem consider having their genetic chart mapped for their methylation defects and see a practitioner who can help them with their Methylation Defects called snps (Single nucleotide polymorphism)and that practitioner should be able to provide a Nutritional roadmap around the methylation defects in order to balance the neurotransmitters helping the patient obtained a higher degree of stability in their emotional life. \r\n\n\ndrolson\n_____________________\nHello there!  Having pored over many of the papers that you describe, I think I can answer your question.   The clinical trials that you mention ( i.e. the randomized controlled trials using cannabis for PTSD) are performed in a controlled setting with low,  pre-set doses of cannabis.   However, when you read papers detailing the possible long-term psychological impacts of cannabis use, they all deal with  patient population that has HEAVY cannabis use (defined as daily, mult- times a day usage).  I always tell my patients about this apparent dichotomy;   cannabis seems to have , in pharmacologic terms, what is known as a  biphasic response curve.  At lower doses,  cannabis can have an anxiolytic (anxiety-fighting) effect but at high doses, it can actually worsen anxiety, mood swings. \n       As to your next question, how can one safely use this medicine, I use the following observations over the years treating patients with mental health issues.  There is always the risk with medications designed to help pts with mood and anxiety that things could go south.  I've had patients on Wellbutrin for years suddenly develop psychosis.  I've had patients take benzodiazepines develop a paradoxical anxiety attack.  Your mental state, factors like the amount of sleep you've had, stress levels from work and personal life; these are all factors that might have contributed to the variable responses you've had from cannabis products in the past.   I have a system that I've used with patients that might be helpful for you.  I tell patients to keep it \"low and slow\" with cannabis products:  low indicating a low starting dose of the cann. products used and slow referring to the slow speed in terms of redosing.\n                I understand your concerns and fears.  If you are dealing with mental health issues, I would highly suggest what I suggest to all my mental health patients;  make sure you are using a multi-modal treatment approach that not only only involves cannabis.   Are you part of a behavioral therapy program w/ regular talk sessions?  Are you exercising regularly?  Are you incorporating mindfulness/ meditation in your daily regimen.   Utilizing all these techniques will not solve all problems but I guarantee it will make a difference if you haven't used them yet.  It will give you additional tools to help manage vicissitudes of mood and anxiety.  Also check out the ADAA.org site from the Anxiety/ Depression Association or America.  Learning more about your conditions can help out.  If you have further questions, come on by for a consultation and we can talk further. Good Luck!\n\ndrpark","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_9822-markdown","title":"How do I get a prescription in Tennessee?","slug":"how-do-i-get-a-prescription-in-tennessee","content":"\"I'd like to get cannabis CBD products for seizures and PTSD. Do I need to travel to another state?\"\n_____________________\nTennessee permits hemp-derived CBD products. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa L. species that contains very little (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Tennessee only recognizes one qualifying medical condition, and that is intractable seizures. Unfortunately, there are no state-licensed dispensaries, and home cultivation is prohibited. Currently, you must obtain cannabis oil lawfully in another state to possess it in Tennessee. The product must be in a bottle labeled by the manufacturer showing it contains no more than 0.9% THC; and you'll also need to have “a legal order or recommendation” from the other state showing you suffer from intractable seizures.\n\nashleigh\n_____________________\nIf you are looking for CBD products I was recommended by one of the budtenders at my Dispensary, which had too little CBD products at the time, Green Gopher \"#2 in Leafly's List of SoCal best dispensaries spring 2016\"  to check out https://buylegalmeds(.)com . I know the websites name is very shady sounding but after a lot of research it was seemingly credible. It appeared in a number of MMJ web blogs and sponsers a few 'Weedtuber'. I got a few of the products, which they do have a variety of, & they are on par with the CBD tinctures and concentrates I get medically and am sure it can arrive to Tennesse. If it's worth the time and in desperate need I would atleast check it out.\n\nbryteflight","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_9618-markdown","title":"Can I get medical marijuana for my bipolar disorder and PTSD?","slug":"can-i-get-medical-marijuana-for-my-bipolar-disorder-and-ptsd","content":"\n_____________________\nIt will depend on your Bipolar diagnosis. Some evidence points to cannabis helping bipolar, while other evidence reports that cannabis can exacerbate your symptoms and make your condition worse. Cannabis can and is currently prescribed for PTSD in CA.\n\nryan","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_7148-markdown","title":"Why vape instead of smoke?","slug":"why-vape-instead-of-smoke","content":"\"Is it healthier? I use cannabis to help deal with my depression and PTSD. \"\n_____________________\nSmoking it reduces the concentration by about 40% and you are left with similar effects of smoking a cigarette; you're getting all the carcinogens ( I think thaya what its called) vaping or using a pen is not 100% safe but it is better for you. Or even edibles. They take a while to kick in but last longer.\n\nsheri420","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_7142-markdown","title":"How do I find a medical doctor In Portland Oregon for my minor daughter that will evaluate her for MM use?","slug":"how-do-i-find-a-medical-doctor-in-portland-oregon-for-my-minor-daughter-that-will-evaluate-her-for-mm-use","content":"\"She suffers from PTSD, Autism, Anxiety and Depression. She is extremely aggressive. I want her to start on a protocol of MM. How do I achieve this. \"\n_____________________\nHi- I am not familiar with Portland, Oregon but have you tried MERCY Centers' website for some information: http://mercycenters.org/orgs/Clinics.html#clinics_PDX or (503) 363-4588. Hope this helps. Best of luck.\n\nBartSmart","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_6870-markdown","title":"what is a good strain for bad ptsd, severe anxiety and arthritus please Thanks","slug":"what-is-a-good-strain-for-bad-ptsd-severe-anxiety-and-arthritus-please-thanks","content":"\n_____________________\nI would consider CBD-rich flowers and medications for PTSD, anxiety, and arthritis! Cannabidiol is both an anxiolytic (an anti-anxiety agent) and an inflammation fighter so you should find the most benefit from CBD when addressing these 3 ailments. If you'd rather consume medications not in flower format, consider CBD-rich tinctures as an option. Many patients find benefit from our Moxie Meds Recovery 4:1 specifically for PTSD, anxiety, and arthritis. Patients are likely to get the most pain control from equal parts CBD to THC, so if the arthritis pain is getting more severe, consider our Relief 1:1 for your increased pain moments.\n\njessicapeters","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_6791-markdown","title":"I am am looking for a doctor for my  PTSD, BiPolar Disorder.  I also have DDD and suffer with arthritis and Nervous Stomach and High Blood Pressure. Will cannabis help me?","slug":"i-am-am-looking-for-a-doctor-for-my-ptsd-bipolar-disorder-i-also-have-ddd-and-suffer-with-arthritis-and-nervous-stomach-and-high-blood-pressure-will-cannabis-help-me","content":"\"I am 53 and I have been diagnosed with PTSD BiPolarDisorder and I have DDD and suffer with arthritis and Nervous Stomach and High Blood Pressure. I have been or Standard medicines sense I was 19 years old medicine stop have any effects on me  in my 30s I have suffered because I refused to take the medicine because I knew it was harmful to my organs.. I have faith that medical marijuana is my last hope!! please help me get the card and the medicine that I need to have a somewhat normal life Pain free as much as can be anyways! \"\n_____________________\nIf you are in California - you can connect with a doctor right here on our website. Just click 'Talk to a Doctor' top right - and follow the instructions to get connected.\n\nIf you are outside of California, we will soon be a launching a national directory of local doctors that can help you.\n\nmark","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_6761-markdown","title":"My son was injured in Iraq and has PTSD","slug":"my-son-was-injured-in-iraq-and-has-ptsd","content":"\"Will this work better than CBD?\"\n_____________________\nWe are sorry to hear this, and we thank him for his service. I would recommend a 1:1 ratio CBD/THC vape, like our \"Cashey's Honey.\" A vape pen is a very convenient way to medicate, anytime, anywhere. Our oil is tested for purity and potency. Please feel free to email us at info@wvapes.com with any further questions.\n\namberleewvapes","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_6638-markdown","title":"What should I take for PTSD & severe lower back pain?","slug":"what-should-i-take-for-ptsd-severe-lower-back-pain","content":"\n_____________________\nOur experience using Sweet Releaf for lower back pain has been largely for folks who had physical injury to the site or muscles related to the spine, vertebra, discs, nerves etc. Yes, in such cases, Sweet ReLeaf is often the only thing that works well because it's highly concentrated medicine that penetrates and relieves chronic pain exactly where needed and usually within 5 to 10 minutes. Often folks with PTSD also have physical injury to the area and they will feel physical relief without psychoactive effects. In this way, it helps relax the patient to the point where they can sleep better which again helps PTSD. Being able to curl up in a comfortable position at bedtime is very therapeutic. Being able to relax tense muscles is also therapeutic and supports an increased sense of wellbeing. Best way to know is to try it out, applying to the lower back daily & as often daily as needed to get the best results. Sometimes a topical in combination with a tincture for anxiety or depression can really work wonders!\n\ndidi\n_____________________\nWill cannabis patches relieve my lower back pain. I've had all the treatments that are available to rid me of my pain,but nothing has worked. I'm 85 years old and have suffered lower back pain for years. I want to find some relieve somewhere. Can you help me?\n\nrammagigi\n_____________________\nI agree with the use of the cannabis salve for your back pain especially the high CBD salve or a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC works well for pain relief for 4-6 hours but you may want to apply a second layer about 5-10 minutes later for longer and more effective relief. I would also encourage the daily use of high CBD low THC tincture or vape pen of a higher CBD to THC like ACDC to relieve the PTSD symptoms. It may take time to obtain relief with the oral medication but it should work well for you so you can start sleeping. There is an 18:1 high CBD spray you may store in your refrigerator and if you have brain chatter, try a spray in your mouth to stop the chatter to help you sleep more effectively. If you wake in the night you may want to have a vape pen next to your bed with 1:1, CBD:THC to help you return to sleep if you wake during the night.\n\ndrolson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11544-markdown","title":"Does marijuana ever make PTSD worse? ","slug":"does-marijuana-ever-make-ptsd-worse","content":"\"What has been your experience with vets in general? If it helps someone with PTSD, why?\"\n_____________________\nVeterans and others dealing with PTSD often experience panic attacks, nightmares, pain, insomnia, anxiety and other debilitating issues. Most of the medications that are prescribed for these conditions can have serious side-effects. Cannabis is very safe and their is no harm in giving it a trial. It should be used with care, and patients should start with small doses and observe closely for effects. CBD is a good option if anxiety is a concern.\n\nandrewvanmd","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11473-markdown","title":"The Right Dosage of CBD ?","slug":"the-right-dosage-of-cbd","content":"\"I recently had a consult to get my ID card and during the consult we talked about CBD spray or drops 2x a day. Living in a non-friendly state - all I can get are Hemp based drops Plus CBD Oil ( https://pluscbdoil.com/cbd-products/cbd-oil-spray/pluscbd-oil-spray/) seems to be the best. I am getting the 500mg strength - Recommended Dosage is 2 sprays twice a day (They say that is about 3mg of CBD) ? The is primarily for PTSD and Diabetes (2 separate people). Thanks\n\"\n_____________________\nCBD or cannabidiol works differently than THC. CBD increases our own natural cannabinoid levels (endocannabinoids), without actually binding to the CB1 or CB2 receptors. In conjunction with the other components in a cannabis whole plant extract, It seems to help stabilize many of our homeostatic functions. Basically CBD, THC and other compounds in cannabis work with our endocannabinoid system to help bring it back to equilibrium. Im sorry that I cannot comment directly on specific products. But I would start with a small dose, observe for results, and increase the dose until the desired results are achieved. There is no danger in taking very high doses of cannabis products. However, as with other plant derived extracts and concentrated products, quality and purity can vary significantly. Take caution and proceed with care.\n\nandrewvanmd","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11459-markdown","title":"As a Women with PTSD, yes please answer the previous question ","slug":"as-a-women-with-ptsd-yes-please-answer-the-previous-question","content":"\"As a Women with PTSD; I have been having an awful time. Started with a high CBD. Worked great , for only 3 weeks,  now I have severe depression. Tried a little up on the THC , nothing, tried tapering of my Meds... usual stuff for PTSD and depression..had such bad time, ended back on Meds . Because I am on SSI And State insurance, I am unable to find therapy to work on this horrific bought (symptom wise) , again with  PTSD and depression. If I was a Veteran, and don't get me wrong ! I soooo, very appreciate everything our Vets do and did for our safety,. But there is not a group or organization that will help. Women like need more help in different areas, and I thank you for your products.\nIn making this long story even longer- :) Have any suggestions , So novice on the whole concept. I like the CBD for getting out of my head. But need a pick me up .AM energy. Haven't been out to socialize in MONTH's. Something to  help keep the thoughts quite at night. \nThank you\nLooking forward to learning more about \" Siva \"\"\n_____________________\nI'm so sorry to hear about your experiences with PTSD - and of course the lack of appropriate resources to address it. As a fellow non-veteran woman with PTSD, I've also found I had easier access to pharmaceuticals than to therapy and I understand your frustrations. It's also difficult to find a medication only temporarily successful. While it's unclear to me what ratio of high CBD medication you tried first, and what the small increase of THC equated to in terms of ratio, I suggest trying something in the range of 4:1 - 1:1. Unless of course you have a very low tolerance to THC, in which case you might want to stick to 4:1 or above and stay at a low dose initially. We find that it's very worthwhile to try a couple different CBD rich medications with a bit of range on the ratios so that you can assess what may work best for you. This can be costly and it's worthwhile to take advantage of sampling events, sales, free gifts and donations where you can.\n\nYou bring up a very good point about how many patients have to troubleshoot before they find what ratio, dose, and delivery system works best for them. It's also important to consider that your dosing needs can potentially change over time as you develop a tolerance or as your body and wellness experiences change. I encourage patients not to give up and to work with advocacy organizations to request medications providers, dispensaries, and delivery services to offer more free samples so this process doesn't become financially taxing for those who are on a fixed income.\n\nWe also find a lot of benefit to taking notes of your experiences with various cannabis medications so that you can better suss out which options may be most effective for you in the long run. This \"note taking\" may also include your experiences with pharmaceutical medications as well as diet, exercise, and other natural medicine modalities - it's all about allowing you, and any caregivers or health practitioners you engage with, a full picture of your experience with wellness and health.\n\njessicapeters\n_____________________\nWe are sorry to hear of your challenges. We are very sensitive the struggles of PTSD as many of our customers come to us with concerns.\n\nAs @jessicaPeters has so eloquently laid out, patients often have to troubleshoot on their own and a journey of experimentation is ahead of them. Unfortunately, due to regulations, we can't recommend a serving size or a particular product, but what we CAN do is give you a few recommendations that our customers with PTSD have reported success with, along with the tip to check out the work of Dr. Phillip Blair, MD. Dr. Blair is a champion of CBD use for PTSD and has seen success with several of his patients. As an MD, he has much experience with serving sizes as well as potency both of which can affect your personal experience with CBD You can read more about Dr. Blair's work with PTSD and CBD here: https://elixinol.com/blog/cbd-oil-ptsd-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/\n\nMany of our customers like CBD Hemp Oil Capsules (newly on sale, found here: https://elixinol.com/product/cbd-capsules/ ) because it's so easy to control serving size as well as the CBD Hemp Oil Liposomes (https://elixinol.com/product/cbd-capsules/).  If you feel comfortable doing so, please don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Blair through the Elixinol website for guidance on CBD. Good luck with your journey.\n\nelixinol","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":3,"currentPage":2,"id":5667,"name":"Ptsd","slug":"ptsd","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}