Post-traumatic stress disorder(PSTD) is a mental health condition. It is characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event in life. The condition may last months or years depending on the medical approach that has been taken. Most people have tried all the possible treatments to this disorder without success. Before giving up, have you tried cannabis to solve your problem?
Some countries have allowed the use of certain cannabis-derived drugs. Such drugs include:
- Sativex
- Marinol
- Epidiolex
How can Cannabis treat PSTD?
Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat PSTD symptoms. However, many people prefer using Marijuana as an alternative. This is because it is ALL Natural. There are various PSTD symptoms that can be treated by cannabis. They include:
- Insomnia
- Severe anxiety
- Fear
- Lack of appetite
- Anger issues
- Irritability
- Flashbacks
- Depression/general sadness
- Insomnia
Insomnia is related to poor sleeping habits. It includes struggling a lot to fall asleep and feeling abnormally tired almost all the time. How can cannabis cure Insomnia?
Cannabis shortens the time it takes to fall asleep. It does so for both people with sleep problems and guys who fall asleep without struggling. This means that it lengthens time spent in a deep and sound sleep.
Marijuana contains different natural chemicals that affect sleep. The two main components that trigger sleep are: cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plants. It has the ability to increase daytime alertness and promote night sleep. This is perfect since you will be active during the day and have a peaceful sleep at night.
Terpenes appear to play quite a significant role in the marijuana. Terpenes are tiny, aromatic molecules in cannabis that create its smell and taste. They are also found in other natural plants, fruits and flowers. There are different types of terpenes. They include:
- Caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Terpineol
- Linalool
Caryophyllene
This a stress and pain-relieving terpene that also promotes sleep. It is also found in cloves and black pepper.
Limonene
This is a citrus-flavored terpene. Apart from cannabis, it is also found in citrus fruits. It affects the sleep cycle. How so? It causes a peaceful sleep at night.
Terpineol
This type of terpene has sedative, relaxing and pain-relieving effects. In addition its presence in marijuana, terpineol is also found in lilac, pine and eucalyptus. Being relaxed will definitely help you to enjoy your sleep with little struggles.
Linalool
This is a lavender-scented terpene found in hundreds of plants, including cannabis. You probably know about the benefits of lavender for sleep. Presence of lavender in this terpene makes this an added advantage concerning sleep.
Although marijuana is helpful in bringing about sleep, there are side effects you need to be ready to deal with. The side effects include:
- It can you feel sluggish during the next day
- Overuse of the herb causes dry mouth, euphoria and increased appetite after ingestion
- Withdrawal symptoms
Insomnia can also be treated by behavior therapy besides cannabis. Sleeping pills may also be used but should be monitored for side effects.
- Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is another PTSD symptom that can be cured by marijuana. PTSD makes one to have no interest in food. As a result, one’s life may be at risk. This is because extreme appetite loss reduces quality of life and slows recovery.
Cannabis alters eating behavior which could lead to treatments for appetite loss in chronic illness. How so? The herb triggers hunger hormones.
Inhaling marijuana tricks appetite circuits in the brain into hunger mode. The effect of the herb might delay. But that should not worry you. Eventually your appetite will come back to normal and once again you will enjoy your favorite meals.
- Flashbacks
Everyone has memories. Some memories are so good that we wish it lasted forever. However, some are bad and we try our best not to remember them.
Humans have long and short-term memory. Short-term memory filters out unnecessary information and ensures that only vital information is retained.
Long-term memory is more permanent and stores very important information for good.
When you use marijuana, it improves your short-term memory. It works just like alcohol does. When you are high on marijuana, you will have trouble in remembering certain things. What makes it helpful in curing PTSD?
Terrifying experiences makes one have unpleasant flashbacks. Therefore, marijuana will make you forget the painful events that you faced in your life.
However, you need to be careful. Avoid using cannabis for a very long period of time. If you overuse it, you may be at risk of having a permanent blackout. If this happens, it will be more difficult for your brain to create new memories.
- Anger issues
Anger is a very alerting symptom. Extreme anger may result in serious damage. People have different ways of dealing with anger.
Some prefer to have a walk. Others find spending time with their loved ones to be more helpful. Others prefer to do what they love. For example singing, dancing, drawing, swimming or riding a bicycle. Some choose to find help from a psychiatrist.
Cannabis can also be a solution. It’s certainly useful for reducing immediate anger. It’s possible to be on marijuana and still be angry. But the chances are very low.
Many things really don’t matter when you are high on cannabis. Things that would normally piss you off will not do the same when on medical weed.
Medical marijuana plays a vital role in anger management. The natural medicine sees off the ability to take offense on minor issues. Hardly will you witness someone use the medical herb lose control.. Most of the time they just laugh, get hungry, listen to music or relax. This is extremely helpful to for those who suffer from anger issues!
- Depression
Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest. It is becoming more common today. Due to the anxieties of life, people are getting carried away by their life problems.
Depression is the main symptom of PTSD. Most suicidal cases are as a result of depression. This disorder can be very dangerous if not treated at an early stage.
Medical cannabis will do the magic! It will help you to forget about your endless problems. Just have the right amount of the medicine. An over or under dose is not advisable. Keep in mind too much of a drug is harmful.
The marijuana herb lowers the negative thoughts and allows good thoughts and feelings to rise. It makes you feel your emotions and experience them properly and safely.
Anti-depressants are handy in this case. You will have a quicker recovery if you use anti-depressant drugs. They include Adapin, Paxil, Sarafem, Serzone, Zoloft, Celexa and many others. These anti-depressants prevent depression from reoccurring.
- Severe Anxiety
Severe anxiety can be cured by marijuana. The anxiety comes with rapid heartbeat, dizziness, dry mouth and even nausea.
People with phobias often experience an immediate and sometimes overwhelming sense of panic. This is mostly when they are faced with a dangerous place or situation. Medical marijuana may help PTSD patients to manage their anxiety.
Cannabidiol oil (CBD), a marijuana extract is helpful in the treatment of anxiety. It is often dispersed under the tongue with a dropper.
Seek more help from the medical doctors if the anxiety persists. Ensure that you find help only from qualified doctors.
Is Medical Marijuana allowed to be used by everyone?
The answer is no. One must pass an eligibility test before they are allowed to use the medical marijuana. In most states, marijuana is prohibited. It’s only a few jurisdictions that allow the use of medical weed. The states add up to 33. Such states include Florida and 33 others.
You have to be a registered user to be able to have access to medical cannabis. What are the requirements?
First you need to have a Marijuana Medical Card. No one will sell to you the herb without a weed medical card. That’s the reason why it is very important. The card will allow you to get the cannabis treatment from whichever dispensary you’ll walk into. This will save you the trouble of looking for a doctor.
The advantage of this card is that you will get the marijuana at a cheaper price. You can also be sure of getting marijuana that is of high quality. Getting a medical marijuana card near me can be a lengthy process but can be accomplished.
You can acquire the Marijuana Medical by applying for it. The first step to do so is to go for medical assessment. The doctor should be qualified and approved by the Health Department of the state.
The second step is to go for recommendation. This is after the doctor determines that your health condition meets the requirements for Department of Health for Medical Marijuana. The physician then makes a recommendation for the medical use of the herb. He/she will also create a medical plan for your treatment. This simply means writing for you a recommendation.
The last step is registration. Here you register your name and information with the Department of Health’s database. This gives you the permission to obtain your medical marijuana from any dispensary licensed by the state.
Getting a medical marijuana card in Florida is more than possible. It is easier and cheaper. It will save you the trouble of moving to distant places.
After going through the above processes then you can successfully obtain your card. However, the marijuana medical card is not accessed by anyone. You have to meet certain requirements. They include;
- You must have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Other diseases apart from PTSD are cancer, Epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, chronic muscle spasms, seizures, MS and more.
- The patient should be a resident of that state and should be able to prove it.
- Should be above 18 years. If the patient is a minor, a physician should provide a medical proof that allows the use of the marijuana.
- The patient should have tried other methods of treatment without any improvement noticed.
- The patient must be registered with the Health Department and declared fit to have the Medical card.
How much Medical Cannabis should you consume?
Are you confused about the required amount to use? You should always consult a licensed doctor before using it. The doctor will give you a prescription. Please follow it to the latter. He/she will also tell you what types of products you are allowed to buy.
Some patients will only be allowed to access products with high level of marijuana. While others can only access products that have low level of marijuana. This is determined by your health conditions.
Where can you find the medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is available in all government approved chemists and dispensaries. The medicine is affordable and of high quality.
Be careful so that you buy the legal medical marijuana. There are some pharmacy and chemists that are not licensed. Avoid them. Accessing your marijuana from these unlicensed providers may get you arrested. This is because it is a criminal offence. Medical Cannabis should only be accessed from the licensed chemists and pharmacy.
How will you know that the pharmacy is licensed? It’s easy. Certified pharmacies usually have a license from the “Healthcare Medical Marijuana Organization.”
How is the Medical Marijuana administered in the body?
There are different ways of taking the cannabis. You are the one to choose which one will work best for you. The methods of taking it work differently in your body. Your consultant should help you decide this. After a medical examination, a dose will be administered based on your condition.
As you take your medication, note the progress of the disease. If symptoms persist, ensure you see your doctor for further advice.
Conclusion
Medical weed can be used for treatment. Just like any other medication, you need a consultant to advice you on the right dosage. Keep in mind this is not just any other drug. The government is keen on how the medical marijuana is dispensed. That is why regulations are stringent and in place.