{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/ptsd/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3892-markdown","title":"How Medical Marijuana Can Help PTSD Patients in Louisiana","slug":"how-medical-marijuana-can-help-ptsd-patients-in-louisiana","content":"[Post-traumatic stress disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) (PTSD) is a serious and sometimes debilitating disorder that develops in people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. \n\nThere are four key types of symptoms associated with PTSD:\n\n- Re-experiencing symptoms which include flashbacks and bad dreams.\n- Avoidance symptoms which cause the patient to stay away from certain places, events, thoughts, or feelings.\n- Arousal and reactivity symptoms that can cause those suffering from PTSD to feel jumpy or “on edge.”\n- Cognition and mood symptoms which bring on negative thoughts about the world and feelings of blame or guilt.\n\nAccording to the [U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp), about 6% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD is often unavoidable, but it can still be treated. One recently developing treatment for [PTSD is the use of medical marijuana](https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2021/9/federal-study-finds-cannabis-beneficial-for-ptsd-treatment). \n\n![Untitledval140.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval140_0e8bcb189d.png)\n\n### How Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat PTSD in Louisiana?\n\nStudies have been ongoing on the topic of cannabis and its relation to PTSD — and some interesting information has come to light in recent years. \n\nA [study from researchers at Wayne State University](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162103/) looked at how cannabis use impacts the amygdala (a part of the brain that is thought to process fearful and threatening stimuli) response of those dealing with trauma-related anxiety, such as PTSD.\n\nThe study concluded “that **THC** modulates threat-related processing in trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD” and the plant “may prove advantageous as a pharmacological approach to treating stress and trauma-related psychopathology.”\n\n[It has also been found](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6397040/) that “PTSD is associated with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and reduced peripheral levels of the eCB [anandamide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anandamide) as well as a compensatory increase of CB1 availability, which was linked to excessive threat processing and with features of anxious arousal.” \n\nThis essentially means that the [endocannabinoid system](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system) of those suffering from PTSD has been impacted and therefore has the availability for adjustment through the therapeutic capacity of cannabis.  \n\nWhile more research is needed to paint the full picture of what cannabis can do for PTSD, we already know that marijuana helps with things like insomnia, depression, anxiety, and suppressed appetite — which are all symptoms associated with PTSD. \n\n### Top Cannabis Products for PTSD in Louisiana\n\nWith new products entering the Louisiana cannabis market at a rapid pace, there is a wide variety to select from when looking for treatment for PTSD. \n\nKeep in mind that it’s important to consult with a physician alongside doing your own research. Cannabis isn’t a “one size fits all” medication and can take some experimentation before you find the right product. \n\nHere are 3 beneficial cannabis products for PTSD to try out at your local Louisiana dispensary. \n\n![Untitledval136.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval136_a77f7d1e63.png)\n\n### Wellcana Balanced Cherry\n[Wellcana’s Balanced Cherry tincture](https://theapothecaryshoppe.net/online-ordering/) contains equal parts CBD and THC in a fast-acting, potent liquid form. This kind of product provides nearly immediate relief from PTSD-related symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, or edginess. You can purchase this tincture for $84. \n\n![Untitledval135.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval135_66b3e0b7cc.png)\n\n### 9 Pound Hammer Vape Cartridge\nThe [9 Pound Hammer vape cartridge](https://theapothecaryshoppe.net/online-ordering/) is a strong Indica that packs a powerful punch - effectively reducing any anxiety or restlessness that one may feel. Users report that 9 Pound Hammer helps with relaxing the body and is a favorite option for those who have trouble sleeping. Pick up the cartridge for $105. \n\n![Untitledval137.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval137_decc847394.png)\n\n### AYO Tropical Chew\n[AYO Tropical Chews](https://theapothecaryshoppe.net/online-ordering/) are a favorite for a reason. They’re simple, yet effective. Edibles often last longer so you’ll find a greater period of relief. These THC edibles are perfect for boosting mood and improving outlook on life. You can buy the edibles for $75.\n\nPTSD is serious. And it should be treated as such. Take time to consult with your doctor on what treatments are best. It can be beneficial to seek therapy as well as additional medication, but it’s worth adding cannabis as a viable option to help those with PTSD. \n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/louisiana) provides online certifications for medical marijuana cards via Telehealth appointments. Meet with a licensed practitioner online - it's fast, easy, and private. You only pay if you're approved.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAIAAAAC64paAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAEz0lEQVQ4ywHEBDv7ANfY2trc3t3f4d7f4eDh4+fp6+Hf4uvp6+/w8t3e4N7f4fLz9u/v8e7v8e/w8vDy8/Hz9PLz9fPz9vT19wDa293d3uDf4OLg4ePm6eqjh49+KUKVcn1qbm0pJykpKCmAgYLt7vHw8fPx8vTx8vTy8/Xz9Pb09ff19vcA2tvd297g3uDi4+Tm4uTmVi4yPQAGGQkPBQECDwsMGBUUFRMToKKj+/z+7u/x8vP18vP29PX39PX39Pb3ANbX2djb3dzg5Obo7O3u8M3IzEpBQxoKCDYhHREPDxcWFhUUFWVlZvb4+fDy8/Lz9fP09vT19/X2+Pb4+QCztLTS09TU1dbc3d7x8vW4rqlMOS9WNiR1SDMqHBYgGRcjGhc+Pj/q6uj2+frz9Pfz9Pb09vfx8vLv7uwAo6SjyMnIhYN0cHBbh3ZpXjcmYz0pfFA7gFQ/ZkMyZUMzZkg8Tjsylndo1cW87O7u7e/x4+Tj0svD29LHAJKRjFlXSUZCL1ZTPW1mSnBRPlw2JHRIM31RPJJjTHZIM187KmdBLIlZQZduWse+suDg3cnDusa3puHSwgBKRzYyLx0yLh86NiVmY0p2bVQ9IhdWMB1xQy13RS9gST5POzJzRSyPXUKEVT3Ft6/b29rW0s7W0Mvd188ANTEgNTEhMS0dNTIgTUo0gX5hUUg3QSEVaEQ0inFlrqqpbE4+iVQ5mW9Yr52T0tLU2d7h29/i3uPnx8/bADQwHzk1IzUxIDQwH0E9KmhkS1ZTPX95b7u4uNTX2a6qqX1NM7GIc83Lytnf4tbZ29XY29rc3sLI0JqowgAuKhs0MCBBPis8OCc7NyVeWkJbVz+HiHrBwsLGycmTf3Wkb1DAsKbCxsjCwcDIycjFx8fLy8qjq7iYpL8AKiYXHhsQPzwpTUo0REIuVVQ9dHBVdGxYwsC7rq2thl5JvZJ2o6Gdq6uqsrGwuLi3tre2v7++lp2vi5ezAComFx4bECQiFi4pG045J3JWPbGLbZpvV6OUjIBqYKVxUa6Tf5KTkp2dm6Ghn6qqqa+tq7Cxs5WftYGMqwAwLBsvKxsmIhURDwk9IhV9TTSpeFm1hmlbOy6EVkC+jW6SgneIiIWWlZOamZaeoqGggnezlI6Sn7xvfZ4ANjMiOTYkLyscJiMWHRcMVzUggFI3pHZbhlxJpHRZrIVsdXBrg4B+goF/gYF+ioyKgHFqom9bram9ZXieADw5JzUzITUxIDEsHFpaUHlvZl44JH9SO4dcR6V0VpSBdGtqaH98eHl4dHRzcHh3dHp8e2phZLzB1XqIpQAwLh0vLB0uKhtDQDN1cWpsaWNHNClcNSN+UDuYclyZk4ZsaWRuamdpZmJiX1tjYF5lY2BhZGhqcX08PkUAPjwqR0UxMS0hMi0kRzwwX1JDXlNGTjsxZ09Bk4Nyr6KLkYt9TEpHT0pISUVDRkI/QT48Pjs5NzQxHh0fAElAMTkzJT42Kk9ENVxQP21gT4NyX4ByYaCRfJaJdZyNeIqCcZWVk5iZmZOUk4mKinp6em1tbFBQUCMjJABORTdCOjA3MSVXTTxeU0FbUD6HdmF/b11+blx4a1mDeGVgWUesqaCqqqmoqKWhoJ6QkI56eXhOTk4tKCb/NF0Trxdr8wAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/ee604/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.png","srcSet":"/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/69585/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.png 200w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/497c6/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.png 400w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/ee604/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.png 800w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/f3583/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/58556/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/61e93/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.webp 200w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/1f5c5/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.webp 400w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/58556/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.webp 800w,\n/static/772d946f8c8e026612b35c95f7c56d33/99238/b9afcb38a782ee37428b383674a923c3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2850-markdown","title":"How CBD & THC Affect Our Bodies’ Response to Fear","slug":"how-cbd-and-thc-affect-our-bodies-response-to-fear","content":"Fear can make our bodies do all kinds of things: shiver, sweat, run, freeze, faint, even pee—all without our consent. These reactions begin in our brain as part of our bodies’ wired fear response. When we sense danger, a signal is sent to the amygdala. This almond-shaped cluster of neurons in our forebrains serves as the alert center for our bodies and primes us to either face the threat in front of us or run away from it. \n\nOnce danger subsides, signals to the amygdala relax, and our bodies return to a normal, less-heightened state. While we know a lot about what goes into triggering our fear response, we know a lot less about how to turn it off. And this is important because the inability to turn off inappropriate fear responses is associated with conditions like PTSD, phobias, and other anxiety-related disorders.\n\nThis is where cannabis comes into the picture: It turns out that [cannabidiol](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476) (CBD)—and possibly [tetrahydrocannabinol](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol) (THC)—may be able to affect our bodies’ fear response. This makes sense when we think of the anecdotal evidence that exists for cannabis and various mood disorders. This property could have medical applications, and research is already underway to better understand how cannabis’s components can be used to treat [anxiety-related disorders](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961). \n\n![Untitledval102.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval102_5ec448864c.png)\n\n### The Endocannabinoid System Is Part of Our Fear Response  \n\nThose of you familiar with cannabis science know a little about the [endocannabinoid system](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), the network of receptors located throughout the body that cannabis acts on to bring about its therapeutic effects. \n\nThe endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. In the body, endocannabinoids are made when they’re needed; they attach to receptors, and once they’ve served their purpose, they’re broken down by enzymes. These endocannabinoids are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis, like THC. \n\nResearchers think that CB1, one of the receptors in this system, is key to controlling our fear response. In fact, they’ve observed that [mice without CB1 receptors have trouble controlling their fear](http://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/25/6677.full). \n\nStudies have also found that activating this receptor—either naturally via the body’s own cannabinoids or those found in cannabis—is key to turning off the fear response. Normally, [anandamide](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-018-0075-x), an endocannabinoid, attaches to CB1. Once it’s served its purpose, it’s broken down by an enzyme known as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). \n\nKnowing all of the above, researchers decided to see what would happen if they turned off FAAH. In other words, they prevented FAAH from breaking down anandamide in mice. They found that the [mice recovered from fear faster](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3549323/) and that these actions were traceable all the way back to the amygdala. \n\nAn older study in 2009 by the same researchers could offer more insight on FAAH. In some folks, the FAAH enzyme is more active, and in others, the enzyme is less active. The researchers think that this activity is due to a difference in DNA. In the study, those whose DNA was coded for less active FAAH were able to overcome their fear response [more quickly](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215587/). \n\nIn other words, because FAAH was less active, there was more anandamide in their system available to attach to CB1 receptors, making it easier for these people to override their fear response—at least in theory. \n\n![Untitledval99.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval99_677b4c22c0.png)\n\n### THC & CBD Also Affect the Fear Response \n\nSo, what does this all have to do with cannabis? Well, as it turns out, THC has a similar structure to anandamide, and it often attaches to the CB1 receptor. \n\nAdditionally, some studies suggest CBD can prevent the FAAH enzyme from breaking down anandamide. Both of these abilities suggest that these cannabis components could help folks whose brains have a hard time shutting down inappropriate fear responses. \n\nThe effects of both THC and CBD on fear response have been studied. So far, research has shown that THC may [encourage the brain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445738/)  to shut down learned fear responses in humans. And more recent studies in people suggest that [it may make the process of overcoming fear easier](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322318309971). \n\nBecause CBD shows a lot of promise in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, a lot of preclinical research has been done on the topic. Collectively, this research suggests that [CBD can not only help stop the body’s fear response, it can also blunt the overall bodily reaction to fear](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5121237/pdf/fphar-07-00454.pdf) and the way the brain remembers past fear-inducing events. \n\nThese findings make CBD seem like a good additional option to traditional therapies for anxiety-related disorders because it may have lasting positive effects. \n\nSo far, the studies done on THC and CBD are promising, but we still don’t have a full grasp of the mechanism behind these positive outcomes. CB1 and FAAH are likely at play, but there are other parts of the endocannabinoid system that could be responsible as well: A recent study in _Biological Psychiatry_ found that people with PTSD have [elevated levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), another endocannabinoid,](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322318301719) in their brains, but their FAAH and anandamide levels were normal. \n\nResults like this highlight how cannabis science is always changing. Overall, it’s obvious that more research is needed. But given that anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the U.S., there are many people who can’t afford to wait for that research to be more conclusive. This is why cannabis communities like HelloMD—where people can share their experiences and offer support—are helpful and important. \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private, and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/14b42/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/f836f/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 200w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/2244e/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 400w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/14b42/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 800w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/47498/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/0e329/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/71809/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.jpg 3164w","srcWebp":"/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/58556/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/61e93/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 200w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/1f5c5/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 400w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/58556/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 800w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/99238/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 1200w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/7c22d/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 1600w,\n/static/b09283c0fd6566021226e6572eb62bad/b3e90/3ec950d3de8fcd0ad32297bac70ed7df.webp 3164w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3889-markdown","title":"What is Ayahuasca: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-ayahuasca-psychedelics-101","content":"*\"There are all kinds of ways to challenge ourselves. Some people do it by climbing a mountain or scuba diving. The most profound and challenging ordeal is to drink ayahuasca. It is in a way the ultimate adventure.\"* \n\n*- Graham Hancock, British writer, and journalist*\n\n-------------\n\nAyahuasca is a psychedelic medicine indigenous tribes have used for thousands of years. Today, it's garnering the attention of Westerners from all walks of life - from the Silicon Valley elite to urban psychonauts who are on a quest for deeper self-awareness and personal healing. \n\nThey're venturing near and far to drink ayahuasca in 'ceremony', often traveling to retreat centers in the South American rainforest. Films like [The Reality of Truth](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2056751/) take us on trips deep into Peru to explore how plant medicine may help us access deep states of conscious awareness. \n\n![Ayahuasca is made from a vine in the Amazon](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_08_46_PM_4adb853f9e.png)\n\nBut it goes past the desire to expand consciousness. In recent years, people who struggle with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, addiction, and even bipolar disorder claim that ayahuasca has immense therapeutic benefits. As a result, ayahuasca is now being studied, along with psychedelics, by research centers worldwide for its medicinal potential. \n\nWhat is it about ayahuasca that has such a profound impact on people? Could this plant-based psychedelic be used as a medicine for optimal health?\n\n### What Is Ayahuasca?\n\n![Ayahuasca is a vine that grows in the Amazon](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_07_25_PM_2e266429dc.png)\n\n\nThe \"vine of the spirits\" – ayahuasca has been used for therapeutic and spiritual purposes for centuries. The indigenous people of Peru, Guyana, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador began using ayahuasca as a sacrament in the 1930s. Today, its properties are studied for its positive impact on [mental health disorders, autoimmune disorders, and addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343205/). A recent study showed promise on ayahuasca's immediate [antidepressant effect](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/103531v1) for those suffering from severe depression.\n\nAyahuasca is ingested as a brew or a tea made from the banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains DMT, and the psychotria viridis leaf, which contains plant-based monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs extend the effect of DMT, making ayahuasca a long-lasting and powerful psychedelic. Most often, ayahuasca is made from plants in the Amazon, although people outside of South America also cultivate these psychedelic plants. Interestingly, DMT is a naturally occurring chemical found in small amounts in the human brain. \n\n![Ayahuasca is a brew or tea made from vines and a specific leaf](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_08_59_PM_6d97a5ca77.png)\n\n\n### What Are the Effects of Ayahuasca?\nWhen taken in controlled doses, [DMT significantly alters electrical brain activity]( https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191119075305.htm), although the effects associated with DMT are different from other psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin.\n\n[A study published in 2019](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51974-4) was the first to show how DMT impacts waking brain waves, causing subjects to experience an immersive \"waking-dream\". Those who take DMT, specifically ayahuasca, often report intense hallucinations and emotional experiences, leading to significant breakthroughs. As scientists describe this experience, \"it's like dreaming, but with your eyes open.\"\n\nAyahuasca has been shown to [modulate brain activity]( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895707/); impacting key neurotransmitters and gene expression. Ayahuasca may not just treat psychology and emotional well-being, but it may also [support brain health](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayahuasca#benefits), protecting brain cells while stimulating new cell growth.\n\n### What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Ayahuasca?\n\n![The Ayahuasca vine](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_12_44_PM_d8b6832f71.png)\n\nThe neurological effects of ayahuasca are both vast and complex. For example, there is evidence that [ayahuasca alters thinking style](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182612/), impacting areas such as judgment and reactivity. This suggests that consumers may experience greater acceptance of their thoughts and feelings, specifically benefiting those who have persistent negative, unhealthy thoughts – such as those with depression.\n\nAs [stated by Cambridge University Press](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/rapid-antidepressant-effects-of-the-psychedelic-ayahuasca-in-treatmentresistant-depression-a-randomized-placebocontrolled-trial/E67A8A4BBE4F5F14DE8552DB9A0CBC97), when individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression take ayahuasca, they can experience rapid antidepressant effects. Published in Psychological Medicine, this study concluded that when ayahuasca is dosed within an appropriate setting, it holds safe, and therapeutic value for those with depression.\n\nThe same is true for PTSD, as ayahuasca has become a popular alternative among those who have tried traditional treatments, such as medication and therapy, without much success. \n\n\n![People take ayahuasca for a variety of reasons, including to heal past trauma](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_10_34_PM_d2799fe91f.png)\n\n\nRegarding addiction, ayahuasca may exert [significant anti-addictive properties]( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773875/), based on how it influences dopamine and serotonin levels while interfering with synaptic plasticity, which contributes to learning and memory. Psychological insights also increase, helping individuals process repressed trauma while enhancing their decision-making skills.\n### Are There Any Risks Associated with Ayahuasca?\nTaking ayahuasca can be a very intense experience, and in some cases, individuals may experience psychological stress, higher blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. \n\n![Ayahuasca is most often in the form of a tea or thick brew](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_14_22_PM_8d71fe5b5a.png)\n\nWhen consuming ayahuasca, it is common that consumers 'purge', or vomit. It is also known to cause sweating, shaking, crying, and even defecation. Often, purging is looked upon as a cleansing of the body, mind, and spirit. To many, it's seen as a necessary part of the process when consuming this psychedelic. Many shamans consider the purge an essential part of one's journey and spiritual awakening.\n\nFor the most part, when taken in a responsible, controlled environment, ayahuasca is safe. As [stated by York University](https://trauma.blog.yorku.ca/2019/11/ayahuasca-and-its-potential-to-treat-ptsd/), this substance is most dangerous when individuals have a pre-existing illness, such as a heart condition. \n\nIn the few reported cases of death, such existing conditions are believed to play a role and other [ possible drug interactions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007657/). Ayahuasca is not intended to be taken with other recreational drugs, antidepressants, nicotine, or caffeine. There has never been a death during a clinical study.\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Treatment with Ayahuasca?\nAyahuasca is currently illegal to consume, sell, possess, import, or distribute in the United States. However, there are judicially granted exceptions for select churches, and in some cases, these legal battles reached the Supreme Court. There are similar exceptions being made in other Western countries, including Canada.\n\nIf you seek a retreat center outside of the United States that offers ayahuasca ceremonies, it is vital to do your homework.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/ee604/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png","srcSet":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/69585/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 200w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/497c6/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 400w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/ee604/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 800w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/f3583/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/58556/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/61e93/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 200w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/1f5c5/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 400w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/58556/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 800w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/99238/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3886-markdown","title":"What is Psilocybin: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-psilocybin-psychedelics-101","content":"After several decades of being ignored by mainstream society, psychedelic mushrooms, known as [psilocybin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin), are being embraced for their remarkable healing qualities. Every day seems to bring new reports about the abundant therapeutic benefits of psilocybin — reports often generated by respected research institutions, such as [Johns Hopkins](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html) and the [Imperial College London](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/). It's time to start paying attention to psilocybin and how it may disrupt our mental healthcare system.\n\n### What is Psilocybin?\n\n![Untitled45-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled45_min_f93a11a214.png)\n\nPsilocybin, also known as [magic mushrooms](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/psilocybin.html), is a chemical compound found within certain mushrooms. It is also one of the most well-known plant-based psychedelic drugs. When psilocybin is consumed, it turns into psilocin, which has psychoactive properties which result in a psychedelic experience for the consumer. \n\nMore than 180 mushrooms contain this compound, with [psilocybe cubensis](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_cubensis) being probably the most well-known. In fresh or dried form, the mushrooms are usually mixed into food or brewed into tea, although some research labs process the mushrooms to precisely measure the psilocybin dosage.\n\n### What are the Effects of Psilocybin?\n\n![Psilocybin can cause hallucinations](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_36_40_PM_ba92eae610.png)\n\nThe word \"psychedelic\" is commonly associated with changes in perception and an altered state of consciousness. Consumers report generally enhanced sensory experiences, including visual halos and geometric patterns, time dilation, and a physical sense of relaxation. \n\n[Synesthesia](https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-synesthesia#:~:text=Synesthesia%20is%20when%20you%20hear,street%22%20and%20taste%20citrus%20fruit.) is also commonly reported. This experience is a blending of sense experiences so that music may appear visual or physical sensations are felt as sounds. \n\nMost importantly, however, psilocybin generates powerful emotional and psychological experiences. These tend to be strongly positive, often described as euphoria, wonder, or delight, and most people also describe feeling a new sense of [connection with the universe, or even God](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6478303/).\n\n### What are the Therapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin?\n\n![Medical labs are studying the effects of psilocybin on mental health and more](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_33_42_PM_fbe99427b8.png)\n\nThe emotionally uplifting experience brought about by psilocybin has many applications for mental and physical health. It has also been demonstrated to effectively treat [depression](https://psychedelicstoday.com/2019/11/13/psilocybin-depression/), [PTSD](https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/divisions-sections-centers/medical-ethics/education/high-school-bioethics-project/learning-scenarios/ptsd-treatment-psychedelics), [anxiety](https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/shrooms/), [headaches](https://maps.org/news/media/5967-new-york-magazine-psychedelic-mushrooms-cured-my-cluster-headaches), and [spiritual alienation](https://maps.org/news/media/2619-hopkins-researchers-study-therapeutic-use-of-psilocybin-in-magic-mushr). \n\n![Psilocybin is being used to treat depression and PTSD ](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_34_08_PM_56451fbfc8.png)\n\nIn September 2019, [Johns Hopkins University](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html#:~:text=In%20a%20small%20study%20of,and%20half%20of%20study%20participants) announced the launch of its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. It is pursuing psilocybin-based treatments for depression, addiction, PTSD, Alzheimers, and chronic Lyme Disease. In late January 2020, [Dr. Stephen Ross](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1083825590/stephen-ross), associate professor of psychiatry in the [Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/28/health/magic-mushrooms-psilocybin-cancer-patients-study-wellness/index.html), reported findings that \"strongly suggest that psilocybin therapy is a promising means of improving the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients with life-threatening cancer.\"\n\n![Psilocybin has many positive effects and some people feel more connected to themselves and the universe](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_40_03_PM_b462733990.png)\n\n### Are there any Risks Associated with Psilocybin?\n\nWhile medical science has not identified any long-term adverse effects, some people experience nausea, confusion, fear, or other negative emotions while under the influence of psilocybin. \n\nHowever, these negative experiences are often eased or go away when there is clinical assistance, or a psychedelic guide present, to help the consumer through their psychedelic journey. According to the [University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research](https://cesar.umd.edu/), there is no evidence that psilocybin is physically or psychologically addictive.\n\n![Psilocybin is not yet legal in the States but is decriminalized in some counties](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_41_10_PM_3c18f9c817.png)\n\n### Is Psilocybin Legal?\nYes and no; Like marijuana, psilocybin is illegal at the federal level in the U.S., classified as a [Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act](https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Schedule%20I%20drugs%2C%20substances%2C%20or,)%2C%20methaqualone%2C%20and%20peyote.). \nHowever, some local jurisdictions are passing laws for the decriminalization of psilocybin, and research institutions can obtain legal waivers. In 2019, Denver and Oakland decriminalized psychedelic plant-based substances, including psilocybin. \n\n[Legalization measures](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/05/mushroom-law/589192/) are expected to be brought before the legislatures in California and Oregon in 2020. In Brazil, Jamaica, The Netherlands, and Vietnam, psilocybin use is entirely legal.\n\n![Untitled48-min (1).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled48_min_1_b2277d3a13.png)\n\n### Are there any Drug Interactions with Psilocybin?\n\nThe most important safety consideration when taking psychedelic mushrooms is to make sure that whoever harvested the mushrooms is an expert in making the correct identification. Some non-psychedelic types of mushrooms look similar and can be toxic. It is also wise to [avoid mixing psychoactive drugs](https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psilocybin/) in general. For that reason, you should avoid using psilocybin with other drugs such as ice, speed, or ecstasy. Similarly, you should not use psychedelic mushrooms if you take psychiatric medication.\n\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Psilocybin Treatment?\n\n![Untitled47-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled47_min_3873062f74.png)\n\nCurrently, it is not legal to seek [psilocybin-assisted therapy](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-healing-powers-of-psychedelic-therapy) in the United States, although this may be changing as soon as 2023. Psilocybin is entirely legal in the Netherlands, and retreat centers welcome guests from all over the world. You can also look online to find psychedelic retreat centers, and many are located in Jamaica. \n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/ee604/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png","srcSet":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/69585/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 200w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/497c6/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 400w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/ee604/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 800w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/f3583/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/58556/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/61e93/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 200w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/1f5c5/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 400w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/58556/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 800w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/99238/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3864-markdown","title":"The Top 5 Medical Marijuana Products for PTSD in New York","slug":"the-top-5-medical-marijuana-products-for-ptsd-in-new-york","content":"Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, affects about 8 million Americans. [PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder](https://hellomd.ca/articles/a-basic-guide-to-taking-cannabis-for-ptsd-symptoms) that develops as a result of experiencing a traumatic event - or living with traumatic events for a longer period of time. \n\n![PTSD can affect anyone at any age](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_34_05_PM_aded963c0b.png)\n\nPTSD symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety. PTSD can have a serious impact on every aspect of daily life. Common treatments include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. But years of research have revealed that cannabis can be an effective tool for managing the many symptoms of PTSD. \n\nBelow we list our pick of the five best cannabis products for PTSD, [available now](https://hellomd.com/articles/ptsd-now-approved-for-medical-marijuana-in-new-york)  available in legal cannabis dispensaries in New York.\n\n### What is PTSD?\n\n![Veterans are often associated with PTSD, but it can affect anyone](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_35_28_PM_580b573ae8.png)\n\nPTSD is often associated with combat veterans who come home traumatized by war. But this disorder can affect anyone who has either experienced or witnessed a terrifying event or situation. Natural and human-caused disasters, accidents, assaults, and toxic relationships are among the many [causes of PTSD](https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd), which can strike either right after the trauma, or even months or years later. [PTSD symptoms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967) fall into four distinct groups: \n\n![Talk therapy can help some people suffering from PTSD](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_37_24_PM_05a4275121.png)\n\n**Avoidance:** Staying away from places, people or activity that brings up memories of the traumatic event or situation, or trying to avoid thinking or talking about it\n\n**Intrusive memories:** Flashbacks, in which people relive the traumatic event or recurring, intrusive memories of it. Intrusive memories can also appear in nightmares or extreme emotional responses to something or someone that triggers memories of the trauma.\n\n**Negative mood changes:** Feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in pleasant things, or emotional numbness. Changes can also include problems with thinking and memory, or problems with close relationships.\n\n**Changes in physical or emotional responses:** Constant alertness, being easily startled, anger and irritability. Changes can also include insomnia, trouble concentrating, or engaging in self-destructive behaviors like using drugs or drinking too much. Some people feel guilty or ashamed.\n\nPTSD symptoms can vary widely in severity. In a stress-free environment without anything that might trigger traumatic memories, PTSD symptoms might be relatively mild. But in a high-stress situation or one with reminders of the trauma, symptoms might be severe.\n\n![Anxiety can be crippling - but medical marijuana may help](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_19_at_2_58_44_PM_d9687fad18.png)\n\nCommon treatments for PTSD include one on one and group talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and a variety of medications aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms, such as anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs, and sleep aids. These medications can have serious side effects of their own, and a person with multiple PTSD symptoms might need to take more than one. \n\nBut, [cannabis can help](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-help-relieve-ptsd-symptoms) to treat a complex cluster of PTSD symptoms without the side effects and risks of those medications, thanks to its interactions with the body's system of cannabinoid receptors.\n\n### Cannabis Relieves PTSD Naturally\n\n![Can cannabinoids stop the COVID-19 virus?](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_20_at_9_03_50_AM_452f0908e3.png)\n\nThe human body contains a large network of cell receptors that respond both to the natural cannabinoid chemicals produced by the body itself and the cannabinoids in cannabis and a few other plant sources. The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, plays a major role in maintaining balance among many other subsystems, including managing pain signaling and regulating mood, cognition, and emotion. \n\nCannabis contains a long list of compounds capable of triggering ECS receptors in the brain, including psychoactive THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and calming CBD (cannabidiol). In that way, cannabis can help reduce the anxiety and hyperarousal accompanying PTSD and boost the production of calming neurotransmitters that ease depression and promote better sleep. \n\n### Cannabis Strains for PTSD\n\n![Pineapple Silver Haze cannabis strain](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_6_56_01_PM_48e9cbeffc.png)\n\nSome [cannabis strains are especially helpful](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-know-which-strain-is-right-for-you) for easing the symptoms of PTSD, thanks to their unique cannabinoid profiles. Cannabis strains are the various varieties of the cannabis plant, specially developed for specific properties and characteristics. These include calming Indica and energizing Sativa and numerous hybrid strains with properties of both. \n\nThe most effective strains for relief from PTSD symptoms have features that promote relaxation, calm and better sleep - and qualified holders of medical marijuana cards in New York have [a variety of products](https://hellomd.com/articles/new-york-weed-companies-with-innovative-marijuana-products) to choose from.\n\n![Cannabis is legal in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_32_18_PM_ab015938ae.png)\n\n### The Top 5 Medical Marijuana Products for PTSD in New York\n\nHere we list our top 5 medical marijuana products for PTSD in New York. \n\n### 1:1 Orange Chewable Gels\n![1:1 Orange Chewable Gels](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_40_54_PM_c611bf85b9.png)\n[1:1 Orange Chewable Gels](https://www.verilife.com/ny/menu/verilife-amherst-ny) offer a perfect balance of calming CBD, and euphoric THC. At 100 mg each,  Orange Chewable Gels from matter can provide relief from stress and anxiety along with tangy orange flavor. These gels come in a 20-pack for convenient dosing throughout the day.\n\n### 20:1 Fruity OG\n![Fruity OG flower](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_46_24_PM_5c4001c6f1.png)\n[20:1 Fruity OG](https://www.verilife.com/ny/menu/verilife-amherst-ny)\nFor those who prefer smoking their cannabis,, 20:1 Fruity OG is an Indica strain developed from crossing several popular cannabis strains. With a THC content of 18%, Fruity OG offers a blend of euphoria and relaxation for the relief of anxiety and insomnia.\n\n### 1:1 Green EF90 TXC Vape Cartridge\n![Barry Zingman M.D..png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Barry_Zingman_M_D_e33819fa68.png)\n[1:1 Green EF90 TXC Vape Cartridge](https://www.verilife.com/ny/menu/verilife-bronx-ny)\nfrom matter delivers a perfect balance of THC and CBD, at 45 percent each. This distillate vape cartridge offers premium high viscosity extract in an easy-to-use cartridge to help relieve stress and anxiety.\n\n### 1:4 Orange Chewable Gels\n![1:4 Sour Chewable Gels by matter](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_45_25_PM_711a59fcf0.png)\n[1:4 Orange Chewable Gels](https://www.verilife.com/ny/menu/verilife-amherst-ny) offer a high-CBD version of matter's 1:1 orange chewables, with 20 mg of CBD to just 5 mg of THC per gel. These orange-flavored chewables provide relief from anxiety and insomnia with minimal effects of THC.\n\n### 1:1 Green ES Capsules\n![1:1 Green ES Capsules](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_48_39_PM_aa0ec7ee21.png)\n[1:1 Green ES Capsules](https://www.verilife.com/ny/menu/verilife-bronx-ny) from matter offer an alternative to traditional ways to consume cannabis. These capsules are formulated to break down quickly in the stomach, for fast delivery of anxiety and stress relief with equal amounts of THC and CBD, at 285 mg of each per 30 pack.  \n\nPTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can strike anyone after a traumatic experience, but cannabis can provide safe and effective relief for many of its symptoms. Now, medical marijuana cardholders in New York can choose from the best new products for PTSD at legal dispensaries throughout the state.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/14b42/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/f836f/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 200w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/2244e/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 400w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/14b42/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 800w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/47498/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/0e329/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 1600w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/6a059/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.jpg 6000w","srcWebp":"/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/58556/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/61e93/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 200w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/1f5c5/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 400w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/58556/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 800w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/99238/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 1200w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/7c22d/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 1600w,\n/static/ff88d6ca450f4586b5622601ddf2f35e/3041e/2cfb8c3db3d6269b8e5310bc25850468.webp 6000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3128-markdown","title":"How Ayahuasca May Create More Meaning and Purpose in Your Life, and Stop Depression","slug":"how-ayahuasca-may-create-more-meaning-and-purpose-in-your-life-and-stop-depression","content":"\"There are all kinds of ways to challenge ourselves. Some people do it by climbing a mountain or scuba diving. The most profound and challenging ordeal is to drink Ayahuasca. It is in a way the ultimate adventure.\" - Graham Hancock, British writer, and journalist\n\n### Silicon Valley Execs to Veterans with PTSD\n\nJim recently became the Founder of a psychedelics company within the nascent industry. When asked why he left the traditional tech world for psychedelics, he says, \n\n\"I started taking Ayahuasca in ceremonial settings a few years ago. The profound shift in my mental health and perspective made me wonder what I was doing with my life and career. At that point, I decided to dedicate myself to finding a way to allow everyone to have this mind-expanding experience, but in a legal framework, with effective drugs available in a prescription format. My belief is that we can effect big changes in mental health with smaller doses of these drugs. Today, I still consume Ayahuasca a couple of times a year, to \"reset\" my normal way of thinking.\"\n\nOver the past decade, people from all walks of life have begun the conversation about Ayahuasca. From corporate executives taking long boat rides into the Peruvian jungle for a vision quest to veterans seeking relief from PTSD, people are consuming Ayahuasca for a variety of reasons. Whether you seek to meet the [\"ultimate reality\"](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/experiences-of-ultimate-reality-or-god-confer-lasting-benefits-to-mental-health) or beat back anxiety and depression, Ayahuasca may deserve a closer look. \n\n### What Is Ayahuasca?\n\nKnown as the \"vine of the soul,\"  Ayahuasca has been used for therapeutic and spiritual purposes reportedly for centuries in South America before migrating more recently to North America. A tea or a thick sludgy brew, it is made from the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis shrub (or Diploptrerys Cabrerana) and the stalks of the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine. The consumption of Ayahuasca in folklore is that of an ancient tradition with the indigenous people of Peru, Guyana, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador, although there is no historical evidence to prove this.\n\nAyahuasca is most often consumed in a ceremonial setting where a shaman, curandero, or \"guide\" leads a group. The guide, often creates the Ayahuasca brew itself, which may vary in consistency, potency and plant matter. The bitter \"tea\" is a highly concentrated extract of the medicinal compounds which may be made over the course of several days and is, as a final step, strained to remove any impurities. Interestingly, similar to cannabis, there are different classifications of B. Caapi, with upwards of 20 different strains. According to the psychedelics site [Third Wave](https://thethirdwave.co/indigenous-ayahuasca/), the strains are identified by the \"type of soil they come from, the time of harvest, their spiritual value, and the types of visions they can incur, or healing they can facilitate.\"\n\nAyahuasca's main psychoactive component is DMT, or N, N-dimethyltryptamine,  a naturally occurring chemical that many believe is produced in small amounts within the human brain. In larger amounts however it is a potent hallucinogenic that dramatically alters perception and consciousness when consumed.\n\nProgressive institutions worldwide are studying Ayahuasca to discover how it may help people struggling with mental health disorders. Ayahuasca is known to [activate repressed memories](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773875/) which helps some people move past traumatic events. This may be why research centers including the [Beckley Foundation](https://www.beckleyfoundation.org/ayahuascadmt/), [MAPS](https://maps.org/research/ayahuasca) and the [Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research](https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/) at Johns Hopkins, are studying the effects of Ayahuasca on brain function as well as intractable depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.\n\n### What Are Ayahuasca's Effects?\n\nThe main ingredients of Ayahuasca brew, Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria Viridis, both have psychedelic properties. Ayahuasca as a liquid, is metabolized by the liver and absorbed through the stomach lining. Your stomach naturally contains enzymes that quickly breakdown DMT within your liver and gastrointestinal tract. \n\nFor this reason, Ayahuasca must contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, which stop the breakdown of DMT gastrointestinal tract and stomach. The MAOIs within the vine Banisteriopsis Caapialso also happen to bring about the 'purge' (or vomiting) often associated with drinking Ayahuasca.  \n\nAyahuasca is a thick and bitter brew to drink and between 30 to 60 minutes after drinking may cause some of the following physical symptoms:\n- Bodily temperature fluctuation\n- Rapid heartbeat\n- Shivering and tingling\n- Intense nausea that may come and go\n- A feeling of irritability and discomfort\n- Higher diastolic blood pressure\n- Crying\n- Diarrhea\n- Vomiting\n\nAlthough the physical manifestations may seem unpleasant, they most likely will subside. As you descend into your trip, fractal hallucinations are very common, as are full-blown visions and lucid dreaming. Some people report seeing spirits, other worlds and reflect on the sense of being part of something bigger than the self. For many, drinking ayahuasca can create complete ego dissolution for the duration of the trip - anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.\n\nInitial observational studies indicate that people who consume the Amazonian brew may experience lasting positive impacts on their psychological health, from building more meaning and purpose to having a deeper connection with a \"higher power.\" However, the illicit status of Ayahuasca, also known as DMT, proves challenging for scientific study.\n\nWhen taken in controlled doses, it has been shown that [DMT significantly alters electrical brain activity](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191119075305.htm), creating changes that are different than the effects associated with other psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin. [A study published in 2019](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51974-4) was the first to show how DMT impacts waking brain waves, causing subjects to experience an immersive \"waking-dream\". Those who take DMT, and more specifically, Ayahuasca, often report intense hallucinations and emotional experiences, leading to significant breakthroughs. As scientists describe this experience, \"it's like dreaming, but with your eyes open.\"\n\nAyahuasca has been shown to [modulate brain activity](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895707/); neurotransmission, impacting key neurotransmitters; gene expression, target symptoms of PTSD, depression, etc.. It may even impact epigenetic regulation, targeting conditions in which cellular memory is dysregulated, including neurodegenerative and autoimmune conditions, and addiction. Initial studies indicate that Ayahuasca may also [support brain health](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayahuasca#benefits), by protecting brain cells while stimulating cell growth.\n\n### Ayahuasca and Depression\n\nA 2018 study by Psychopharmacology illustrates how [Ayahuasca alters thinking style](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182612/), impacting areas such as judgment, reactivity, and ego dissolutiom. This suggests that consumers may experience greater acceptance of their thoughts and feelings upon taking Ayahuasca, specifically benefiting those with persistent negative, unhealthy thoughts and depression. The study states, \n\n\"Attendants in the Netherlands and Colombia were assessed before, the day after, and 4 weeks following the (Ayahuasca) ritual. Relative to baseline, ratings of depression and stress significantly decreased after the Ayahuasca ceremony and these changes persisted for 4 weeks. Likewise, convergent thinking improved the post-Ayahuasca ceremony up until the 4 weeks follow-up.\"\n\nIn the first controlled trial by [Cambridge University Press](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/rapid-antidepressant-effects-of-the-psychedelic-ayahuasca-in-treatmentresistant-depression-a-randomized-placebocontrolled-trial/E67A8A4BBE4F5F14DE8552DB9A0CBC97), the significant antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca in patients. The study gathered \"new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of Ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression.\" \n\n### Ayahuasca and PTSD\n\nAyahuasca is now being studied as a potential treatment for PTSD. It is of particular [interest among veterans](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/a3kaye/veterans-are-turning-to-ayahuasca-for-ptsd-relief) who seek peace-of-mind, as they aim to channel feelings of anger while overcoming debilitating trauma. Ayahuasca [may help PTSD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895707/) sufferers due to its \"modulation of brain activity, neurotransmission, and neurogenesis, which are consistent with the reported effects of Ayahuasca on the retrieval of traumatic memories.\" \n\n### Ayahuasca and Addiction\n\nAyahuasca has been shown to exert significant anti-addictive properties based on how it influences dopamine and serotonin levels while interfering with synaptic plasticity – which contributes to learning and memory. Psychological insights also increase, helping individuals process repressed trauma while enhancing their decision-making skills.\n\nRenowned addiction expert Gabor Mate states the following on Ayahuasca and addiction,\n\n\"No matter what a person is addicted to—whether it’s eating, shopping, sex, drugs—each addicted person harbors a deep pain, which they may or may not be in touch with. The plant removes the self-created barriers to get in touch with the source of that pain, so you realize what you’ve been running from all of your life.”\n\n### Are There Any Risks Associated with Ayahuasca?\n\nFor the most part, when taken in a responsible, controlled environment, Ayahuasca is safe. As stated by York University, this substance is most dangerous when individuals have a pre-existing illness, such as a heart condition or bipolar disorder. In the few reported death cases, pre-existing conditions are believed to have played a role, or the possibility of drug interactions. Ayahuasca is not intended to be taken with recreational drugs, antidepressants (SSRIs), nicotine, or caffeine. There has never been a death during a clinical study.\n\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Treatment?\n\nAyahuasca is currently illegal to consume, sell, possess, import, or distribute in the United States. However, there are special judicially granted exceptions for select churches. There are similar exceptions being made in [other Western countries, including Canada](https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/7xg499/the-church-ceu-de-toronto-where-its-legal-to-use-ayahuasca).\n\nPre-COVID, retreat centers in South America were increasingly popular, especially in Peru. For instance, Iquitos, Peru has more Ayahausca retreat centers than anywhere in the world. The key to finding the right retreat center for you is to really do your homework. Although we can not recommend a specific retreat center that meets your needs, here is [a list of Ayahuasca retreat](https://eluxemagazine.com/travel/the-best-ayahuasca-retreats-around-the-world-reviewed/) centers to assist your efforts.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/ee604/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.png","srcSet":"/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/69585/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.png 200w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/497c6/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.png 400w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/ee604/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.png 800w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/f3583/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/58556/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/61e93/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.webp 200w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/1f5c5/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.webp 400w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/58556/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.webp 800w,\n/static/61367d69bd72aa7a50098f34bdc0293f/99238/68f721a8f9020ea0955b1d5063935749.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3123-markdown","title":"The Health Benefits of Breathwork for the Body and Mind","slug":"the-health-benefits-of-breathwork-for-the-body-and-mind","content":"When someone is tense or angry, we often say, \"Take a deep breath.\" And when we've escaped a bad situation, we can \"breathe easier.\" Breathing is an automatic process that keeps us alive, and most of the time, we take it for granted. \n\nBut research suggests that breathwork, a practice of mindful, disciplined breathing, could have far-reaching implications for the health of both mind and body.\n\n### What is Breathwork?\n\nMany people know that deep breathing can be calming and relaxing, and deep breathing routines are part of various yoga and meditation practices. But today's breathwork movements take conscious control of the breath even further.\n\n Breathwork is [broadly defined](https://www.healthline.com/health/breathwork#types) as any breathing techniques or exercises that claim to improve mental and physical health in significant ways. Breathwork practitioners claim that the various breathing practices they teach can improve concentration, boost mood, relieve pain, and open doors to profound insights about the self and the world.  \n\nFor all those reasons, advocates of breathwork claim that these disciplines have applications for spiritual practices and therapeutic ones – and recent research supports some of those claims.\n\nBreathwork practices focus on controlling the breath to achieve specific goals, and that can take several forms.  Some breathwork techniques emphasize the rate of breathing for different results.  Slow, regular breaths can promote relaxation and reduce stress, while rapid breathing may increase alertness and focus.  \n\nOther practices focus on the breathing process itself, such as breathing through the nose, rather than the mouth, or alternating nostrils and mouth breathing in patterns such as inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, or vice versa.\n\nThe idea of manipulating the breath for better emotional and physical health has led to the creation of several breathwork movements that combine cutting-edge science, ancient spiritual practices, and holistic and alternative wellness.  Recent, high profile examples include:\n\n### Shamanic Breathwork\n[Shamanic breathwork](https://www.shamanicbreathwork.org/shamanic-breathwork)\n is a part of today's modern shamanism movement, which incorporates a variety of breathing practices into rituals for journeying to other realms of consciousness. In shamanic practice, breathwork helps connect with spirit animals and other entities for enlightenment and spiritual growth.\n\n### Transformational Breathwork\n[Transformational Breathwork](https://www.transformationalbreath.com/breathwork.aspx) is a holistic breathwork practice endorsed by leading figures in the world of natural wellness including Deepak Chopra and Christiane Northrup. Proponents of this meditative breathing practice claim that it can improve circulation, balance the body's energy flow, and support better immune system functioning.\n\n### Holotropic Breathwork\n[Holotropic Breathwork ](https://www.verywellmind.com/holotropic-breathwork-41754) was conceived in the mid-1970s as a drug-free way to achieve altered consciousness.  This movement centers on \"quickening\" or rapid breathing patterns that, according to its founders, have both spiritual and therapeutic benefits. \n\n### How Does Breathwork Effect Mind and Body?\n\nControlled breathing practices [can have a considerable impact](https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/breathwork-does-it-work/)\n on the health of both the mind and the body,  because we can not live without it. However, because breathwork artificially alters natural breathing patterns, it isn't safe for everyone, and many of its supposed benefits aren't backed by science.\n\nMost research on the effects of breathwork focus on disciplines that involve deep, slow breathing of the kind that's often associated with yoga and meditation. Studies on this kind of breathwork [reveal a range of measurable benefits](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/) for mental and physical health.\n\nDeep breathing practices can lower blood pressure and reduce blood levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.  Deep breaths can also increase oxygenation in the blood and brain, with benefits for focus and concentration.  Deep breathing also activates muscles and nerves that stimulate the [parasympathetic nervous system](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/parasympathetic-nervous-system#:~:text=The%20parasympathetic%20nervous%20system%20is%20responsible%20for%20the%20body's%20rest,heart%20rate%20and%20increases%20digestion), which is responsible for relaxation responses and healthy digestion.  \n\nOther research has [focused on the effects of breathwork practices](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7457013/)  that emphasize nostril breathing, or ones that alternate nostril and mouth breathing.  These studies reveal that breathing through the nose can activate receptors in the olfactory bulb that are not activated when breathing through the mouth.\n\nReceptors in the olfactory bulb stimulate the olfactory nerve, which leads to the brain's limbic system, an ancient part of the brain associated with memory, mood, and emotion. That connection explains why smells can immediately trigger vivid memories and emotions, and it also explains why breathing through the nose could affect emotions such as anger and anxiety.\n\nSome studies have also examined the effects of [practices such as Holotropic Breathwork](https://www.healthline.com/health/holotropic-breathwork#safety) that center on rapid breathing, or hyperventilation. Quick, shallow breathing eliminates more carbon dioxide, which makes blood pH more alkaline. That stimulates the firing of neurons in the central nervous system and triggers epinephrine release, an excitatory hormone.\n\nBreathwork can also lead to a constriction in blood vessels and reduce the flow of oxygen to the brain.  Just one minute of hyperventilation can reduce oxygen delivery by as much as 40 percent. This reduction accounts for the feelings of dizziness and even euphoria that brief periods of hyperventilation can cause.\n\nFor these reasons, healthcare professionals warn that these breathwork practices may not be safe for people with cardiac arrhythmia, a history of heart problems, or those taking certain antipsychotic medications. Although deep breathing can reduce anxiety, rapid breathing practices can trigger it, most likely because that kind of breathwork stimulates the release of epinephrine. Generally, though, certain kinds of breathwork can be a useful part of treatment for mood disorders such as depression and PTSD, but they should be practiced under a qualified therapist's guidance.\n\n### Enhancing the Effects of Breathwork\n\nA variety of enhancements can boost the effects of various breathwork practices, primarily when breathwork is used to boost mental and emotional health or as a spiritual practice.\n\nRituals can help to create an atmosphere that boosts the effectiveness of breathwork. Things like setting an intention, creating a sacred space, or performing ritual activities associated with a particular spiritual practice can support a breathwork practice.\n\nIncense or candles can help enhance a breathwork practice by creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere that promotes calm and relaxation.  Scents such as lavender or lemongrass can trigger positive associations in the brain.\n\nMusic or nature sounds can also enhance breathwork. Calming music can support breathwork for meditation and relaxation. Other rhythmic sounds can help to sustain the rhythm of a breathwork discipline.\n\nAlthough there's no research to support the claim, some users say [cannabis can enhance various breathwork practices](https://docmj.com/ohio/2019/09/14/combining-meditation-breathing-techniques-with-cannabis/) by helping to expand consciousness and [intensify the effects](https://cannabismagazine.com/5-ways-boost-psychedelic-high/)\n of the practice.  But marijuana can also trigger feelings of paranoia and anxiety, so it's wise to use caution when pairing cannabis and breathwork.\n\nBreath is the key to life – and today's breathwork practices blend ancient traditions and modern science in the quest for a healthier mind and body.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/ee604/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.png","srcSet":"/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/69585/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.png 200w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/497c6/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.png 400w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/ee604/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.png 800w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/42c55/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.png 974w","srcWebp":"/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/58556/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/61e93/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.webp 200w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/1f5c5/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.webp 400w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/58556/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.webp 800w,\n/static/468c6956cb84cd9c7b9996c023dd94d7/fccb4/19c7d05b3008fabab7edb9fe6b541b70.webp 974w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3120-markdown","title":"MDMA: Coming Soon to a Therapist's Office Near You","slug":"mdma-coming-soon-to-a-therapists-office-near-you","content":"### MDMA-Assisted Therapy for All\n\nPsychiatrists, psychologists and therapists are quietly assimilating MDMA in their own practices, albeit, for now, it's underground. Emily Nelson is a middle-aged woman from Georgia, who has felt the force of COVID rock the foundation of her existence. Emily lives alone, is caring for aging parents, and is fearful of infecting her parents. As a result, she is feeling isolated, depressed, and lacking her usual “spark of joy.”  \n\nAt a friend’s urging, Emily was connected to an underground therapist who uses MDMA as a tool to quickly create positive mental adjustments for her clients. Emily, who has never taken any recreational drugs before, underwent an MDMA-assisted session with her therapist 3 weeks ago. Since that time, she has since noticed a profound change in her feelings. \n\n“I wanted to try MDMA-assisted therapy because things are terrible right now. I live alone; my job is stressful; I have a parent who’s especially vulnerable to Covid; I’m isolated. I’m sick of all the stress and wanted to get some joy and balance back in my life,” Emily explains.\n\nTherapy consists of two to three MDMA-assisted sessions, with multiple non-drug sessions before and between treatments. Non-drug therapy helps patients integrate and work through what they’ve uncovered during MDMA sessions. \n\nEmily says her first MDMA session was joyful from beginning to end. At her therapist’s home office with two close friends present, she experienced warmth and comfort, mentally and physically, inside and out—\"times a thousand.” She felt safe and loved, her mind expanded, and she had great personal epiphanies. “The epiphanies reinforced the obvious, like ‘live in the moment,’” she laughs, “but with MDMA, you feel it.” In short, Emily felt her depression melt away, a feeling that has lasted.\n\n### Doctors on the Forefront of Psychedelic Therapy\n\nHe hates to say “I told you so,” but psychiatrist Ben Sessa has been telling people about the potential of psychedelics in psychiatry since 2004. In a podcast with [The Third Wave,](https://thethirdwave.co/mdma-healing-trauma-and-the-future-of-psychiatry-transcript/) Sessa recounts the uphill climb he and few others have made since 2004 when he published the first paper on the subject since the 60s. Now, instead of being called “crazy” by colleagues, Sessa is called all the time for his insight on psychedelic medicine. \n\nSessa was drawn to psychedelics because he wanted to find an “antibiotic” for psychiatric disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress. Although he acknowledges pharmaceuticals are useful in certain cases, he says having to take an antidepressant (e.g., Prozac) for one’s entire life is just “not good enough.”\nGovernment administrations worldwide are rushing to get MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and ketamine off the party drug circuit and into clinician’s offices. Many people do not know that the Food and Drug Administration approved the psychedelic Ketamine in the U.S., and since 2019 it has been available for treatment-resistant depression\n\n### MDMA On the Fast Track for FDA Approval\n\nMDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is used in assisted psychotherapy, and was designated as a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA. It is currently heading into its final phase (Phase 3) of testing with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies or MAPS. They anticipate approval for PTSD treatment as soon as 2023.\n\nAn interim analysis of the first Phase 3 trial showed a greater than 90% probability for significant, positive results. Previous trials revealed an actual change in diagnosis; 83% of test participants no longer had PTSD and continued to improve over the following three-plus years. [MAPS](https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/mapscontent/research-archive/mdma/PTSDandMDMA.png) reports MDMA has proven safe, too, with only 1 negative response after testing on more than 780 humans. \n\nWith such positive results and potential for patients facing serious or life-threatening conditions, the FDA also granted the MDMA program Expanded Access status, which affords early access to people critically suffering from PTSD. \n\n### We’re Not Talking About Ecstasy and Molly\n\nWhen you buy Ecstasy or Molly on the street, it is cut with a variety of other ingredients. In fact, [a study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1343333/pdf/jaccidem00030-0032.pdf) of illicit ecstasy tablets seized in the UK showed a third of them had no MDMA at all. Only 28% had an active dose (80 mg), which means there’s a 72% chance that any given “high” from street ecstasy will come in part from a methamphetamine, PCP, bath salts, heroin, ephedrine, you name it. \n\nThe MDMA that will eventually be available for therapy will be just that, 99% pure active pharmaceutical-grade MDMA, [MAPS](https://maps.org/news/media/5984-motherboard-how-to-legally-buy-a-kilo-of-pure-mdma) says. Until then, drug checking kits are available from [Bunk Police](https://bunkpolice.com/product-category/spot-test-kits/) and others to test for MDMA and/or adulterant content. \n\n### What Separates MDMA from “Classic” Psychedelics\n\nFounder Rick Doblin, PhD., says MAPS researchers focused on MDMA first because it is the “most gentle” of psychedelic drugs. In an interview with [HelloMD](https://maps.org/news/media/7732-hellomd-maps-founder-rick-doblin-talks-psychedelics-mdma-the-fda), he described how it differs from LSD and Psilocybin, “The classic psychedelics act by dissolving our filtering systems… You don’t see things from your own individual perspective anymore.” Losing that sense of self can scare people. He says, instead, “MDMA strengthens your sense of who you are.”\n\nMDMA doesn’t affect the 5-HT2A receptors nearly as much as LSD and Psilocybin. The 5-HT2A receptors are in the brain’s logical the cerebral cortex, which maintains consciousness. Inhibiting these receptors causes hallucinations and psychospiritual experiences with “classic psychedelics.” \n\nMDMA is not a hallucinogenic but rather an entactogen, a drug that acts on emotions to create a positive mood. “Where the ego distortion psychedelic effects are less pronounced with MDMA, it’s more about the feelings,” Dr. Sessa explains.  \n\n### The Perfect Assistant for PTSD Therapy\n\nMDMA is also pharmacologically unique among psychedelics in its ability to inhibit the fear response in the amygdala, the primitive fight-or-flight part of the brain. This is key to PTSD treatment, Sessa says, as it’s the only way most deeply traumatized people can even open the door on events that caused their disorder. After a lifetime of avoiding traumatic memories, vets and abuse victims can go back to the event with MDMA assistance and begin the healing process.\n\nBy addressing the root cause of the stress, rather than just treating symptoms like depression, Sessa says PTSD can be cured. And MAPS research is proving it.\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAALCAYAAAB/Ca1DAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADMklEQVQozx2SfVDTBRjHf4i8aIro8FoWRl7GJdy1hi6w48AIVC688TIdECAIKbOiLiocAqNByByMlzE2Nt3GBMYYgcGk1svlcXQceXWl+AeHWvOqg+vKuq5/P/2Ov77/fZ7P93kewe8eZMT8MZ+OOZn2jRKYmiBwfZLF+a+5GZxlyjeGb9RDUe5x0uRyDr4g4+knpORkZBB6cJ/fQ6ssL30j5n0WZsYQRmwm/PYuxu29dLU1Y+rQcUnXiM9t2xgyYOyg6Z3zVBzLpDY3HUXiM0jjdhMRFkZGqoK7t+a5d3uJ335ZZXFuAuGaw8yMZwBnn4Ez5a+jqa5Ela/E2t+D29ZH0Yk8MpOTGNK+yfrsEJ1F6TwnjUMSu4NwQaBGreTBHREYusfS558geOz9zI1aGbZ0U1VRwduaWsrLyhh2Opj2DlOn0XCuWMWXJi0/mBvoUR/h8F4RGLOdbdHR7IwMw9J+gX/+XGcpOIXgtvUSHHfgGeyhIL+IyorTnK06g8d1lRuzs/QOuLms07PY24A+T4Gx5FWy9+0m+SkJO6Ij2bp5E4cT97J861t+WgiKOxQNg76reMVUq1Q4LrWyYG7GLlY8/5aWug8NtLcauNFUi+5YCq0nUkVDCbJ4CXGPRbElYvOGZWdDHT/enEPwOgf5wu/E7xpE80YNX13p5q5Lz3cWLaaWZuob2ni3Xk9fTSnq5HhSpDHsk2wnac8uYqPCRWAEWyPCSX32SdyGiwgTHgefiZUn3VY0NdW4DO3cdrXz18r3rPy8RmPjR2TlFFBYUEqK7CX27z9ATGQ40m1RKGRysjJe4fmEeB7fson6klyEGf+IeGULAZ+bHqMRvc5AZ3MbY97rPPzjX+6shNBe1JOVrUQmf5m0tCPsit1JgaqMjstWTquLqVDmkhQvpSRTjhDwuZh2m5mfm2Ri1IvFbMfcb+f9D3SMTwZYe/QfobW/GboywqGDqRxSpHOhpYumFgOlhYWUi7CzJ/NIiIsl+8VEhGFLF7PXrPgcfbxXV78B6+ww0W2yUFJaRa/ZxsP1Ryyv/orRZKW66pz4BdWceu2oCDtObXE+lcqjJCfsISflAP8D6WML/i3zgisAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","aspectRatio":1.7857142857142858,"src":"/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/ee604/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.png","srcSet":"/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/69585/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.png 200w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/497c6/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.png 400w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/ee604/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.png 800w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/f3583/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/58556/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/61e93/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.webp 200w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/1f5c5/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.webp 400w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/58556/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.webp 800w,\n/static/6e0d0e3502743cf01d70503c2c914378/99238/378fe3869b4ef5759ac7e7b24c7bb4fb.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3000-markdown","title":"MAPS Founder Rick Doblin Talks Psychedelics, MDMA & the FDA","slug":"maps-founder-rick-doblin-talks-psychedelics-mdma-and-the-fda","content":"In pockets around the globe, people are becoming more attuned to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs: The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a form of ketamine for depression; the world’s first center for psychedelic research opened last month in London; and in big cities, young professionals say microdosing psilocybin and LSD helps them stay on top of their game. \n\nOne of the contributors to this shift in consciousness is MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Since 1986, MAPS has helped fund and organize research on the medicinal uses of psychedelics and cannabis.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link)\n\nMAPS’ most publicized work to date involves the use of MDMA (3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine) during psychotherapy sessions for veterans and other folks with PTSD. [The results were so successful](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b157e8c2fd910cc5b5868d/mdma-assisted-therapy-a-successful-treatment-for-ptsd) that the FDA is now working with MAPS on the next phase of research on MDMA. If all goes well, we could see MDMA-assisted psychotherapy become available to the public by 2021. \n\n\n![Rick Doblin, founder & executive director of MAPS](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/markdown-image-injector-f9025ba1-1743-48c5-83b2-221af9a2eb3b/original.png)\n\nTo better understand what the future has in store for MAPS, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelics as a whole, we sat down with Rick Doblin, the organization’s founder and executive director. \n\n### Q: Why did MAPS choose to focus on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as opposed to the other psychedelics? \n\nThe goal for me was mainstreaming psychedelic medicine. And the reason that MDMA was chosen is that it's the most gentle of all of the psychedelics. \n\nThe classic psychedelics act by dissolving our filtering systems—more or less the system in our brain talking about the ego. LSD and psilocybin weaken that part of the brain. You don't see things from your own individual perspective anymore, but you see a larger perspective, and you get more sensory input. \n\nWhen your sense of identity is dissolving, sometimes it feels like you're physically dying, or people just get really, really scared. That aspect of losing control, of letting the ego go—that's challenging to people. But MDMA doesn't do that. MDMA strengthens your sense of who you are.\n\n### Q: And out of all of the conditions that MDMA can help with, why did you choose to focus on PTSD? \n\nWe needed a highly sympathetic patient population. And in general, we also wanted a condition that at the time wasn't currently understood to be biologically caused. \n\nPTSD is something that happens during your life. It's based on a biographical series of events. And so it's more likely psychotherapy, rather than pharmacotherapy, would help. But also, if you were to try to develop a drug for PTSD, MDMA would be it. \n\nMDMA reduces activity in the amygdala; it increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, so you can think more logically. It increases activity between the amygdala and the hippocampus to permit memories to move out of short-term to long-term storage.\n\nThe problem with PTSD is these traumatic memories make it seem like they're always about to happen or they're always happening.\n\nPlus, [MDMA] stimulates oxytocin and prolactin, which are the hormones of nurturing, bonding and love, so it helps build a certain amount of trust between the patients and the therapist. All of [these chemical cascades] make it so that MDMA permits people to look at challenging emotions without so much fear. \n\nWe needed a condition for which the currently available medicines or psychotherapies left a large number of treatment-resistant people—and that's PTSD. There are roughly a million veterans receiving disability for PTSD.\n\nThere's just this vast understanding that trauma is not well-treated in a lot of people and also that the veterans in our culture are highly appreciated it. \n\nI like to say that I don't do science—we do political science because the choice of drug and the choice of patients is designed with politics in mind.\n\nRELATED: [HOW MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY CAN HELP WITH PTSD](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-mdma-assisted-psychotherapy-can-help-with-ptsd/)\n\n### Q: No doubt that MAPS’ work has contributed to this psychedelic revival we’re now seeing. But what are some other reasons that public perception towards psychedelics has started to change? \n\nPeople are coming to understand that PTSD and high levels of stress cause higher health care utilization.\n\nAnd chances are as the global perspective of the war on drugs is diminishing—even the UN is talking about decriminalizing drugs—the way in which the drug war has been used to abuse human rights is becoming more clear. \n\n### Q: What can the movement to legalize psychedelics learn from cannabis? \n\nThere's a long way from decriminalization to legal access. I thought that if a state did decriminalization [of marijuana], that'd be more of a step towards legalization than if a state did medical—and that has proved to be wrong. \n\nWhen you do decriminalization, [marijuana] is still illegal. You don't have public dispensaries. And you don't have new models of selling that people can see without all of this violence connected with the underworld. \n\nI would say the first thing we can learn is that medicalization is the best way—the fastest way—towards legalization, more so than decriminalization. \n\nAnd I think another part is—and this is more for insurance companies—because right now even for all of the progress that has been made with medical marijuana, insurance doesn't cover it.\n\nThere's so much more cost with MDMA or psychedelics, because they’re connected with psychotherapy. So, if we really want to talk about access in a way that's fair, then really the FDA route is something that we should really embrace. It's really the best way to end up through the system to have insurance coverage. \n\nWe also have to be extremely careful not to overstate the benefits or understate the risks [of psychedelics]. And I think that this is where marijuana failed as well.\n\nPeople were like, “Oh yeah, marijuana is a panacea; it's good for everything.” And I think we have to be very careful not to repeat that and lose credibility with the public.\n\n### Q: Can you talk a little bit about the connection between cannabis for health and wellness and psychedelics for health and wellness? What are the similarities between the two and what are the differences?\n\nThe main difference is that cannabis is a take-home medicine for people to use on their own. And MDMA is only to assist psychotherapy—it's always used under direct supervision of trained therapists. \n\nThe model that we have is a three-and-a-half-month treatment program. During that time, there's 12 nondrug psychotherapy sessions each about 90 minutes, and there's only three MDMA sessions. The goal is for people to not need drugs afterwards, as compared to the daily dosing with cannabis.\n\nCannabis has a wide range of uses, and so does MDMA. For example, at our recent training, we had a whole group of people interested in MDMA and eating disorders. So, if you think about MDMA as self-acceptance without fear, that's a lot of what's going on with eating disorders.\n\nWe did a study with MDMA for social anxiety in autistic adults, which worked out well. We did a study with MDMA with people with life-threatening illnesses who are scared of dying. There's a study now in England with MDMA for alcoholics, so it's got a wide range of uses.\n\nBut it's really for short-term, acute, very few administrations in a therapy setting. \n\nI think that we've got a substance that, when it's combined with psychotherapy, is like a general-purpose tool. \n\n### Q: MAPS’ MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research has been successful and well-received. What do you have in store for the future besides phase III research? \n\nOur approach has been to maximize therapeutic outcomes: We have the male-female co-therapy team; we have overnight stays; we have eight-hour sessions. We haven't looked yet fully at “how do we make it more efficient?” \n\nOne of the next big things that we're going to start in a small experimental way is group therapy. All of the studies that the VA has done have shown that individual therapy is more effective than group therapy is. But maybe group therapy is 80% as effective, but only 50% of the price.\n\nThe other thing I want to add, which I think is remarkable, is if we succeed in studying MDMA for PTSD in adults, the FDA is requiring us to do studies in adolescents with PTSD. And that would be 12–17 year olds. And if that works, then we go to 7–11 year olds. \n\nPTSD changes people's brains and changes the way that they're able to function in very negative ways. If we can work with people closer to the trauma, then that's going to be really very productive. It will also be less expensive. People will spend fewer years suffering. \n\nIf you want to learn more about the incredible research that MAPS is undertaking, head on over to [www.maps.org]( https://maps.org/) to find out how you can participate in events, volunteer and donate to help further research initiatives.  \n\nPhoto credit: Max4e Photo/Shutterstock.com (main image); MAPS (body image)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGA//EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABcrGMvm0hgH//xAAaEAADAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABBES/9oACAEBAAEFAsNDxKKysPS2m0TrzQS//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAHRAAAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAhIhQSIxUf/aAAgBAQAGPwIuvwdjXoqanOxRynZ//8QAGRABAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFR/9oACAEBAAE/IeRqFU4Q6pvjA8FU2gjiW1Rq0//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQSz//xAAXEQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABACEx/9oACAEDAQE/EBDpZf/EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAITH/2gAIAQIBAT8QReNt/8QAGxABAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFBYZH/2gAIAQEAAT8QUCugtmvFJzzUFLOFazGMoL9EHaNy0Zp32MjHi0t+c1P/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/14b42/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/f836f/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 200w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/2244e/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 400w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/14b42/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 800w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/47498/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/0e329/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/e37ef/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.jpg 3536w","srcWebp":"/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/58556/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/61e93/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 200w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/1f5c5/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 400w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/58556/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 800w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/99238/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 1200w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/7c22d/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 1600w,\n/static/7c6c70c3877ca60c524c77dd75a1716f/b0294/cf67efc21ccf6eac0d58d0f756868669.webp 3536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2926-markdown","title":"How MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Can Help With PTSD","slug":"how-mdma-assisted-psychotherapy-can-help-with-ptsd","content":"As cannabis’s medicinal properties have entered the public consciousness, we’ve become more aware of alternative (and sometimes controversial) treatments that can have a profound impact on hard-to-treat conditions. The problem with these treatments, however, is that little scientific research exists to support their use. Enter MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. \n\nSince 1986, MAPS has helped fund and organize research on the medicinal uses of psychedelics and cannabis. Some of its current work involves finding alternative treatments to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common condition that’s known for being hard to treat. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nPTSD affects more than 13 million people at any given time, and in some cases, it can be life threatening: Research shows that suicide risk is greater among people with this disorder.\n\nWith this in mind, you’d think that we’d have effective methods of treating PTSD. But we don’t—at least not yet.\n\nMAPS recently finished a series of phase two, double-blind clinical trials on the use of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) during psychotherapy sessions for folks with PTSD—and the results were good. So good in fact, that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is now working closely with MAPS on the design of its phase three research on the topic.\n\n“Based on those preliminary results, [the FDA] thinks that it's a treatment that could be a potentially significant advance over what's currently available for PTSD,” says Brad Burge, director of strategic communications at MAPS. \n\n### What Is MDMA? \n\nMDMA was first created in a lab in 1912. In the 1970s, it was used to improve psychotherapy sessions, and by the 1980s it had become a popular recreational drug associated with dance parties and raves. MDMA purchased on the street is often cut with other drugs and is commonly referred to as molly or ecstasy. \n\nIn 1985, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration made MDMA a schedule I substance, labeling it as an illegal drug with no medicinal value. This archaic designation remains today, much in the same way as it does with cannabis. And similar to cannabis, we’re now realizing that MDMA has therapeutic potential.  \n\n### MDMA Increases the Amount of Serotonin & Dopamine in the Brain  \n\n“MDMA—I like to think of it as a chemical security blanket,” says Brad. He says that MDMA allows people to “feel safer and more comfortable and confident in themselves and in their connections and relationships.”\n\nHe adds that MDMA lets people feel this way while talking about difficult, painful experiences. And it enables them to process difficult feelings in a new way. \n\nBut what’s going on in the brain that allows this to happen? We have some research, but much more is needed.\n\nBrad says that the FDA doesn’t need to know exactly how a treatment works in order to get it approved. It only needs to know that the treatment is effective and that the benefits outweigh the risks. “Which is kind of crazy when you think of all the things that they approve,” he adds. \n\nWith a combination of research and some conjecture, here’s what Brad and his colleagues think is going on: MDMA prompts the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, while also toning down activity in the amygdala. \n\nSerotonin is popularly known as a molecule that evokes feelings of well-being and happiness. Brad thinks that serotonin “makes it easier for people to focus on specific memories, emotions and feelings in their body with greater clarity and awareness.” \n\nDopamine on the other hand, can energize and motivate the patient, giving them the endurance to undergo an intense therapy session that can last up to eight hours.  \n\n### MDMA Affects Our Fight-or-Flight Response \n\nMDMA is also able to downregulate the amygdala. This almond-shaped cluster of brain cells plays a role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, and it’s what’s often hyperactivated in people who have PTSD. \n\nThe fight-or-flight response is the body’s response to stress. It triggers the release of hormones that prepare your body to either fight the threat in front of you or run away to safety. An out-of-whack fight-or-flight response could be why people who have PTSD are triggered by seemingly harmless things. \n\nFor folks with PTSD, talking about a traumatic event can cause them to shut down and become less focused and motivated. The inability to talk about their trauma means that some people with PTSD can be in therapy for decades with little to show for it. \n\nBut [MDMA is able to turn the amygdala—and therefore the fight-or-flight response—down](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24495461). Brain scans in healthy volunteers have shown this to be true.  \n\nOverall, MDMA seems to help PTSD sufferers lower their guard, allowing them to confront traumatic memories, while knowing that they’re in a safe space where they can’t be harmed; with the help of MDMA people with PTSD may be better able to get through the challenging process of trauma therapy.\n\nRELATED: [EXPLORING MIND-BENDING PSYCHEDELICS: PSILOCYBIN & LSD](https://hellomd.com/articles/exploring-mind-bending-psychedelics-psilocybin-and-lsd/)\n\n### What Happens in an MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Session? \n\nBut all of this information doesn’t necessarily mean that anyone can just go out and take some MDMA to help them heal from trauma. This treatment is called MDMA-assisted psychotherapy—not MDMA therapy.\n\nSo, what does a session of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy look like? \n\nDuring MAPS’ phase two clinical trials, participants underwent a 12-week course of therapy, which started out with a series of introductory standard psychotherapy sessions. After these standard sessions, MAPS asked people to come in for an experimental session and receive one capsule of MDMA.\n\nExperimental sessions typically lasted 6–8 hours, and participants had a team of two therapists sitting with them at all times. Brad says that sessions had a standard psychotherapy setup with a couch or lounge chair, which the participant could lie back on. People tended to spend a lot of time with eye shades on, so they could internally process their emotions. \n\n“Often there was intense crying, screaming or yelling. Sometimes [participants] asked for just a gentle reassuring touch from the therapist,” says Brad. “The therapists were there to remind them about why they're there, and maybe ask questions or suggest that they put the eye shades back on.”\n\nThe day after these sessions, participants received follow-ups calls. The entire 12-week course of therapy consisted of three of these MDMA sessions with several psychotherapy-only sessions in between. Once participants finished with this course of therapy, they received check-ins one month, two months and then a year later to see how they were doing.   \n\n### Phase Two Trials for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Have Been Successful\n\nAnd the results? They’re stunning. In total, MAPS’ phase two trials had 107 participants who had chronic PTSD for an average of 17.8 years. Of the total, 68% no longer had PTSD by their one-month follow-up.\n\nBrad points out that almost all participants had an improvement in their symptoms, even if they weren’t among the 68% who no longer had PTSD.  \n\nAs with all treatments, there are side effects. Brad noted that during experimental sessions participants experienced: \n\n* Anxiety\n* Jaw clenching \n* Headaches\n* Muscle tension\n* Dizziness \n* Low mood\n\nAbout a week after an MDMA session, participants reported having: \n\n* Insomnia\n* Irritability \n* Racing thoughts \n\nMost of these side effects are what you’d expect with MDMA. “The physical stress of pure MDMA in these settings is like going for a jog around the block or running up a hill quickly. Basically, if you can do those things, then MDMA is probably safe for your system,” says Brad. \n\n### Phase Three Trials for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Are Currently Underway\n\nThe results were so stunning that the FDA granted this treatment breakthrough therapy status, meaning that if MAPS’ phase three studies are successful, the FDA could expedite the amount of time it takes for this treatment to become available to the public. \n\nPhase three is the last step of testing a treatment needs before the FDA approves it. If all goes well with these studies, MAPS hopes to have this therapy available as soon as 2021. Cost may still be an issue though, as psychotherapy sessions can be expensive. \n\nBrad notes that MAPS is currently looking into strategies to keep costs for this therapy down, should it be approved. He says that the treatment will likely be available with private insurers first, but that they’re also aiming to have assistance plans people can qualify for. \n\n[Recruitment for phase three clinical trials](https://maps.org/participate/participate-in-research) is currently underway in the U.S., Canada and Israel. Brad points out that MAPS is also looking to conduct phase three trials in Europe, so they’re raising money to fund this research. \n\nIf you know anyone who’d be a good candidate for these trials, or if you just want to [donate to an organization that’s revolutionizing our relationship with psychedelics](https://store.maps.org/np/clients/maps/donation.jsp?campaign=11), head on over to the [website](https://maps.org/). \n\nPhoto credit: [Alina Grubnyak](https://unsplash.com/@alinnnaaaa)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/14b42/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/f836f/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 200w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/2244e/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 400w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/14b42/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/47498/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/0e329/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/ce74b/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.jpg 2993w","srcWebp":"/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/58556/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/61e93/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 200w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/1f5c5/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 400w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/58556/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 800w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/99238/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 1200w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/7c22d/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 1600w,\n/static/c9bd204be92b8ac04e60a45feb09e58c/b50b6/c7a5c4ea8593006543d97fc2f1192e4c.webp 2993w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2859-markdown","title":"5 Sleep Disorders Cannabis Can Help Alleviate","slug":"5-sleep-disorders-cannabis-can-help-alleviate","content":"If you’re reading this after a restful, rejuvenating night of sleep, count your blessings. For nearly [35% of American adults, high-quality sleep is hard to come by](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html). The problem with sleep has become so bad, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have even declared lack of sleep a national epidemic. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe things that can keep you up at night can include:\n\n* Stress\n* Breathing issues\n* Night terrors\n* Chronic pain\n\nBut there’s some good news: Cannabis is a natural way to treat these issues and has been proven effective at easing sleeplessness. \n\nHere are five sleep disorders along with five cannabis products that can help treat them. \n\n\n### 1. Cannabis Plus Melatonin Can Help Ease Insomnia \n\nIt’s 3 a.m., and you’re still awake. Finally, you fade into sleep, only to wake up two hours later. If this sounds familiar, chances are you’re suffering from insomnia. Here’s a shocking statistic: [One in four Americans develops insomnia each year](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180605154114.htm). \n\nInsomnia can encapsulate a range of symptoms like: \n\n* Having trouble falling and staying asleep\n* Frequent sleeplessness at least three times per week for a month\n* Lack of sleep due to stress\n* Bad sleep quality\n\nIn 2011, a study in _The Journal of Cannabis in Clinical Practice_ looked at 116 participants with sleep disorders. Of those interviewed in the study, 79% reported better sleep quality thanks to the help of medical marijuana. \n\nCannabis, specifically indica-based products, helps ease insomnia by promoting muscle relaxation and imparting anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties. It also seems to reduce the amount of REM sleep and increase the amount of deep sleep, which is the most restorative phase of sleep. \n\nRELATED: [HOW CAN I USE CANNABIS TO EASE MY INSOMNIA?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5acaeda9f24d1300077ccbc3/how-can-i-use-cannabis-to-ease-my-insomnia)\n\nIf you have trouble falling and staying asleep, a product to try is the aptly named [Sensi Chew Insomnia](https://www.hellomd.com/products/57872308d21f090007000128/insomnia-with-melatonin). This is a high-potency indica taffy that will ease you into a deep sleep and keep you there for up to six hours.\n\nIndica marijuana strains are already known to be more sedative and better equipped to help with sleep than sativas are. But Sensi Chew Insomnia has the added bonus of melatonin, another natural sleep aid. \n\nRELATED: [A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ALLEVIATING INSOMNIA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b50baae8904b90007731b3d/a-holistic-approach-to-alleviating-insomnia)\n\n### 2. Some Cannabis Is a Bronchodilator, so Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea\n\n[Sleep apnea is an incredibly common condition](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a35c6b7100a820006562f26/cannabis-may-reduce-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea) that can be very scary for those living with it. It’s a chronic condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep or breathing so shallow that a person doesn’t inhale enough oxygen.\n\nThe lack of oxygen, which can last for just a few seconds or more than minute, wakes the person suffering from apnea with a start and disrupts their sleep throughout the night. Beyond just disrupting sleep, this disorder can lead to other undesirable health conditions like heart trouble and high blood pressure. \n\nA 2002 study from the University of Illinois looked at animals with sleep apnea to test whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or oleamide—another cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis—could help. Researchers found that [cannabis was effective in stabilizing breathing and respiration during sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12071539). \n\nIt’s still unclear exactly how the relationship between cannabis and breathing works, but there’s at least one study that can help illuminate the answer. Although it’s admittedly dated and the test pool small, a 1973 study published in the _New England Journal of Medicine_ concluded that [cannabis can actually act as a bronchodilator](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM197305102881902), increasing the activity in the central respiratory system and opening up air passages.\n\nIf you’re interested in treating sleep apnea with cannabis, try a [Dosist Sleep vaporizer pen](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5806908323698800071d25b6/sleep). This disposable pen is a good one to keep in the drawer of your beside table, so you can easily access it at bedtime. This CBD-rich pen will help calm and relax the mind to help get you ready for sleep. And the THC can help act as a bronchodilator to expand the airways and increase air flow while you sleep. \n\n[Pinene, a terpene found in many cannabis strains](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b84822681fea20008e62ba0/know-your-terpenes-pinene), has also been proven to be a bronchodilator. So, any cannabis products that contain pinene could also be a good choice for sleep apnea sufferers.  \n\n### 3. Let Marijuana Relax You so That You Can Stop Grinding Your Teeth \n\nBruxism is a fancy way of describing incessant teeth grinding. If you routinely wake up with a sore jaw, your dentist notices damage to your teeth, and/or you often feel headaches starting in the temples, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. \n\nThis odd-sounding habit isn’t all that odd. It affects many Americans, causing symptoms like: \n\n* Extremely sensitive teeth\n* Soreness throughout the jaw muscles\n* Pain similar to an earache\n* Tooth wear\n* Damage to teeth or dental restorations like crowns. \n\nThe main cause of bruxism is stress. When we experience intense stress in our daily lives, our minds can encourage our bodies to deal with it in very weird ways, like grinding teeth throughout the night. The good news is that cannabis can help ease stress and the pain it can create. \n\nIf you’re dealing with bruxism, try including [Wildflower CBD+ Relief tincture](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5b57ae8402f1740001523015/cbd-relief) in your evening/nighttime routine. This CBD product will help provide pain relief, manage stress and anxiety, and relax the muscles while you sleep, without any psychoactive effects. And since it’s made with hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), it can be bought and shipped anywhere in the United States. \n\n### 4. CBD Can Keep You Awake at the Right Times to Get Narcolepsy Under Control \n\nAccording to the [Narcolepsy Network, an estimated one in 2,000 Americans suffer from this sleep disorder](https://narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts/). Narcolepsy is different than the other conditions on this list, because it’s known to cause excessive sleepiness, not a lack of sleep. The issue is that this drowsiness often comes during the day, which can cause unusual patterns in REM sleep when going to bed at night.\n\nAn individual suffering from narcolepsy can be overcome with sleepiness while driving a car, at work or any other activity that requires being alert. And battling sleepiness during the day with a lot of caffeine can worsen the issue.\n\nLuckily, there’s a better alternative. \n\nWhile it may sound funny since this article suggests cannabis products can help people fall and stay asleep, CBD can actually help you stay awake, too. At lower doses, CBD can be the energizing boost you need to get through your day. \n\nIf you’re looking to marijuana to try to stabilize your sleep patterns, try a [Pure Ratios CBD  vape cartridge](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5b985b85d4b1b9f913c11e51/cbd-hemp-vape-cartridge) to help you stay alert and awake throughout the day. Since there’s very little THC in this product, you can use this during the day without ever feeling the typical THC high. Just be sure to stick to one or two puffs. Dosing more than that can lead to sedation and relaxation.\n\n### 5. Keep PTSD-Induced Night Terrors at Bay With Indica-Dominant Cannabis\n\nPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by all sorts of things, from a car accident to being in a war zone. PTSD can manifest itself in many ways, including night terrors that keep sufferers from getting the good night’s sleep they need. Cannabis can help treat PTSD with its anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties, but it can also have a very specific benefit when it comes to nightmares.\n\nThe same 1973 study about cannabinoids and sleep mentioned earlier discovered that THC (and a synthetic version of THC called synhexl) has a very interesting effect on sleep patterns. When we sleep, we move through five sleep stages. [After consuming cannabis, Stage 4 (deep sleep, which is known to be the most restorative) increases](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a7b94a8f24d1300077ccb39/does-cannabis-reduce-rem-sleep-and-your-ability-to-dream) and REM sleep (where the majority, but not all, dreaming occurs) decreases. \n\nTo be clear, REM sleep is important. Some doctors believe it’s when much-needed oxygen is sent to the cornea of the eye, and many see dreams as a way to emotionally process trauma and/or grief. But for those suffering from extreme PTSD struggling with night terrors for days on end with no sleep, cannabis can be a necessary respite from those nightmares. \n\nIf PTSD-induced night terrors are affecting your sleep, try [Bloom Farms Nighttime vape cartridge](https://www.hellomd.com/products/57ae2f18831ad400073a91ea/nighttime-highlighter-refill) before bed to help get a restful and hopefully dreamless night’s sleep. This vape cartridge is packed with a powerful indica blend that will help you relax into sleep and melt away the anxiety and stress of the day.\n\nPhoto credit: [Brina Blum](https://unsplash.com/@brina_blum) \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/14b42/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg","srcSet":"/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/f836f/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 200w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/2244e/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 400w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/14b42/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 800w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/47498/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 1200w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/0e329/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 1600w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/8182b/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.jpg 3651w","srcWebp":"/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/58556/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/61e93/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 200w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/1f5c5/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 400w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/58556/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 800w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/99238/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 1200w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/7c22d/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 1600w,\n/static/877aed34a279e4d46161de5672b31468/208dd/6133e46c26e6d67b1f8b201980246201.webp 3651w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2634-markdown","title":"Top 5 Marijuana Strains to Help Relieve PTSD Symptoms","slug":"top-5-marijuana-strains-to-help-relieve-ptsd-symptoms","content":"Suffering trauma can have effects that last well beyond the traumatic event itself. Post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a [psychiatric ailment that affects nearly 8% of Americans](http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html). People from all walks of life can experience PTSD, as evidenced by the more than five million Americans between the ages of 18–54 suffering from the disorder today. Traumatic events such as car accidents, violent assaults, war, natural disasters and more can all cause PTSD. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Symptoms of PTSD\n\nPTSD is characterized by stress reactions that follow a traumatic event and persist longer than three months. These stress reactions can cause great agony and disrupt a person’s entire way of life if gone untreated. According to the [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/), these reactions typically manifest as three types of symptoms: \n\n* **Reliving the event:** Recollecting the event includes nightmares and/or abrupt flashbacks to memories of the event. Flashbacks are almost always spurred by a trigger—something heard, smelled or seen that reminds a PTSD sufferer of the trauma they experienced. \n\n* **Avoiding situations reminiscent of the event:** People suffering from PTSD often go to extreme lengths to avoid stress reactions, including rearranging their entire life to avoid circumstances reminiscent of the traumatic event. If the event happened in their home, they might move. If it happened in a car, they may stop driving. If it happened while walking on the street, they might not leave their home altogether. People suffering from PTSD also often steer clear of loud noises, crowded places and sleep to avoid nightmares. \n\n* **Negative changes in beliefs and feelings:** PTSD can go so far as to make a person alter their beliefs and feelings. People who were once socially active may begin to isolate themselves from friends and family. In some of the most extreme cases, PTSD patients can become paranoid and distrustful of the world at large and all of the people in it. \n\nRELATED: [TOP 5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO HELP COMBAT PTSD](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-lifestyle-changes-to-help-combat-ptsd) \n\n### Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Treating Symptoms of PTSD\n\nBecause PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that involves many of the symptoms that cannabis has proven to be effective in managing, medical marijuana’s popularity as a PTSD treatment is on the rise. Although much more research must be done, a handful of strains have been successful in managing anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, nightmares and other debilitating symptoms that come with PTSD. \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUJ13-kqsRU`\n\n#### 1. Blue Dream\n\n[Blue Dream](https://hellomd.com/strains/blue-dream) is one of the most popular cannabis strains in legal marijuana states across the country. Luckily, its popularity also makes it one of the most widely available strains out there. It’s a perfectly balanced hybrid strain known for its euphoric and long-lasting high that’s both welcoming enough for cannabis newcomers and pleasant enough for even the most experienced consumers. \n\nFor those dealing with PTSD, Blue Dream’s euphoric and mellow high is known for having a positive effect on mood, especially for those with anxiety and depression. Blue Dream is a good marijuana strain to choose for managing symptoms of PTSD during the day.  \n\n#### 2. Harlequin\n\n[Harlequin](https://hellomd.com/strains/harlequin) is a specialty cannabis strain bred for its consistently high cannabidiol (CBD) content. Unlike many high-CBD marijuana strains, Harlequin still has a decent amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2 in almost every Harlequin plant. This ratio is ideal for those living with PTSD because the high CBD content can have mood-stabilizing effects, while the THC can help fend off the nightmares that often terrorize PTSD sufferers. Harlequin is a great strain for medicating during the day or night.\n\n#### 3. Headband\n\n[Headband](https://hellomd.com/strains/headband) is an indica-dominant hybrid rich in THC (around 20%) that manifests in a strong mind and body high. Its potent THC level is good for relaxing the mind and can help those suffering from PTSD to skip [the stage of sleep where most dreams and nightmares occur](https://hellomd.com/articles/does-cannabis-reduce-rem-sleep-and-your-ability-to-dream), and sail into deep sleep instead. \n\nHeadband is probably best used in the late afternoon or before bed. Keep in mind that many say the effects of this strain can take up to 20 minutes to fully appear. \n\n#### 4. Durban Poison\n\n[Durban Poison](https://hellomd.com/strains/durban-poison) is a high-energy cannabis sativa strain known for its clear-headed and productive high. Durban Poison has been reported to help with social anxiety, energizing people who would usually feel burdened by social interactions. Sometimes PTSD can cause people to withdraw from social situations and friendships in general, and Durban Poison could be a natural way of treating that symptom.\n\nWhen consuming Durban Poison, keep it mind that it’s a pure sativa strain. An increased heart rate is likely, which some cannabis consumers may not enjoy. When a high dose is introduced to a cannabis newbie or someone not used to consuming sativa strains, Durban Poison can even cause paranoia. And since paranoia is already something that PTSD patients can suffer from, exacerbating the problem isn’t productive. If you’re going to try this marijuana strain, take it slow at the beginning and work your way up to a higher dose over time. \n\n#### 5. ACDC\n\n[ACDC](https://hellomd.com/strains/acdc) is a high-CBD marijuana strain ideal for use during the day when focus, calm and productivity are needed. Originating from the popular marijuana strain [Cannatonic](https://hellomd.com/strains/cannatonic), ACDC has a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. This ratio allows the strain to impart increased productivity and relaxation of the mind and body—all without causing the dramatic effects a high-THC cannabis strain might bring on. \n\nACDC is an excellent place to start for those PTSD sufferers who are new to marijuana. And for those who are experienced with cannabis. but may be having trouble staying focused at home, work or school due to a traumatic event, ACDC is an ideal daytime medical marijuana option. \n\nIf you have experience using cannabis to treat PTSD symptoms, we’d love to hear what works for you in the comments below. \n\nPhoto credit: [Ethan Sykes](https://unsplash.com/@e_sykes) \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/14b42/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/f836f/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/2244e/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/14b42/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/47498/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/0e329/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/a2e29/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.jpg 3551w","srcWebp":"/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/58556/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/61e93/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 200w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/1f5c5/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 400w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/58556/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 800w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/99238/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 1200w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/7c22d/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 1600w,\n/static/ec57758f6e5e25a9ff08b0bc90dd2ffd/f2ac4/133e8f8ac08d3536a4d613ecc5b15c7e.webp 3551w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":3,"currentPage":1,"id":5667,"name":"Ptsd","slug":"ptsd","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}