How Effective Is Cannabidiol (CBD) in Treating Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) in Veterans?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a health condition that people, especially veterans, can develop after experiencing one or more traumatic events. It can last for an extended period of time, and around 7-8% of the US population experiences it at some point in their lives. 

However, among the returning service members (both deployed and non-deployed), about 13.5% cited PTSD symptoms after returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. This is marginally higher than the rest of the population, and it is estimated that the PTSD prevalence rate among veterans hovers around 20-30%.

Indeed, PTSD can be very challenging for people who have it, but it doesn’t help that there are still very many things that we don’t understand about this condition. Likewise, those struggling with the condition are still stigmatized by people because of their mental health condition. This leads them to suffer in guilt or worry that other people may not be able to understand what they’re going through. 

Fortunately, with the help of research, doctors have found that cannabidiol (CBD)—a chemical component found in the hemp plant  (Cannabis sativa)—has high potential in managing the symptoms of PTSD.

So, how effective is CBD for PTSD veterans? Let’s learn more about the condition and the use of CBD for its treatment. 

What Triggers PTSD?

People with PTSD can have symptoms that may come and go. One moment, you may feel fine until you hear a loud noise coming from a car that has backfired loudly. You instantly become afraid, and images of your experiences in the war come rushing back.

In fact, there are specific triggers that can set off PTSD. They often bring back strong memories, and you may feel like you’re going through the same experiences again. These can include:

• Sights
• Smells
• Sounds
• Thoughts

How CBD Helps with Depression and PTSD in Veterans

Based on a literature review on medical cannabis, synthetic CBD, and PTSD completed in 2019, experts have found that CBD may be helpful in treating the condition holistically. However, it also states that more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s effectiveness, safety, and therapeutic effects.

Another study published in 2016 also found evidence that compounds which act on the endocannabinoid system may reduce the symptoms experienced by a person with PTSD after a memory extinction procedure. The researchers explained that CBD has this effect because the endocannabinoid system has receptors for the said component. It can affect memory and anxiety—factors that play a significant role in propagating the condition. They also suggest that taking CBD right after experiencing a traumatic event can make it more difficult for the brain to make the associative memory connections which may later lead to the development of PTSD.

How CBD alleviates depression and PTSD symptoms is still largely debated. However, a study published in 2018 suggested that CBD can affect the hippocampus and amygdala—two parts of the brain that process memory and emotion, respectively. Aside from that, CBD has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as decrease the heart rate.

The researchers found that a hyperactive amygdala, part of the brain largely responsible for processing memory and emotion, is commonly found with people diagnosed with PTSD, making the symptoms much worse to handle and treat. CBD deals with this problem by reportedly reducing the hyperactivity of the amygdala and by making the hippocampus, the part of the brain that converts short-term memory into long-term memory, grow. 

Real accounts of using CBD for PTSD patients

Scientific studies are not the only evidence showing how effective CBD is for PTSD in veterans (and everyone affected by this condition). Everyday stories account for this phenomenon:

• Roger Davidson served in the military for around two years and returned home with a diagnosis of PTSD. Although he visits a therapist regularly, he also takes 30 mg of CBD oil daily. “It helps me sleep better and decreases my sensitivity to triggers,” he stated. The oil also made a big difference in his relationship with family and friends.
• Joyce Evans got diagnosed with PTSD after she survived a car accident five years ago. Although her body has completely healed, her mind still takes her back to the day of the event. She recalled, “I got diagnosed with PTSD a couple of years ago and searched everywhere for something to relieve the constant anxiety and panic I was experiencing, sometimes from simple and normal outside triggers.” 

She began taking CBD oil several months ago, and the results were astounding. According to her, “Now, I’m able to drive my car to work and back without experiencing panic attacks, and my general overall sensitivities in day to day life have improved.”

You can find support and more testimonials from veterans on websites such as guardsdown.

The Best Forms of CBD for PTSD

There are many studies that used various forms of CBD to test their effectiveness for treating PTSD. Here are a few insights from some of them:

• Taking in CBD capsules while also participating in traditional counseling can significantly reduce symptoms based on a 2019 study.
• Researchers also looked into how CBD oil regulates PTSD symptoms. They found that applying it on the skin can effectively treat anxiety and sleeping problems for children diagnosed with the condition. 
• Combining tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD can also be used as a treatment for PTSD symptoms. THC causes the sensation of “being high”.

However,  given its composition, THC can also pose many more side effects compared to CBD. It can even increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia. Further studies are also needed to determine the safety of using the substance as a treatment for PTSD. 

The Most Recommended CBD Oils for PTSD

These CBD oils can help show you how CBD benefits PTSD symptoms management. Therefore, the following products are highly recommended.

Sagely Naturals Drift & Dream Body Oil

This product is a dry body oil that can be quickly absorbed by the skin. It comes with 100 mg of broad-spectrum CBD in each bottle, along with lavender and geranium extracts and clary sage oil. The manufacturer claims that the body oil can make the user calmer, have more mental clarity, and become more relaxed. 

Liftmode Calm CBD Oil (for sleep) with Terpenes & Melatonin

This CBD oil has full-spectrum hemp extract oil, 1 mg of melatonin, and coconut-derived MCT oil for every serving. Besides that, it also comes with lavender, chamomile, and frankincense extracts to promote relaxation and restfulness.

The manufacturer recommends that people should take this product to lower stress response and to calm the mind after a tiring day. 

Calm by Wellness Hemp CBD Sleep Oil Tincture

Compared to other CBD products that induce sleep, this product does not contain melatonin. So, if you want to be refreshed and ready for the day, this is ther right option for you. 

The Calm by Wellness Hemp CBD Sleep Oil Tincture includes 17 mg of CBD per serving. It also includes lavender, chamomile, hops, and lemongrass extracts. It is also recommended to be taken an hour before going to sleep. 

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Oil

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about CBD oils:

What are the benefits of CBD to older people?

Seniors can enjoy the analgesic properties of CBD. By binding to receptors in the body, CBD compounds trigger the release of serotonin that can reduce the feeling of pain. It also makes the body less sensitive to stimuli and reduces inflammation. 

Is the use of CBD legal?

Generally speaking, buying CBD oil is legal in the US, but it should only have a THC content of less than 0.3%. However, local laws may differ depending on where you live.

How long does it take for the body to feel the effects of CBD?

The duration of CBD’s effects differs from person to person, how much you take, and how you take it. But the component’s effects usually last from 2 to 6 hours.

What are the long-term effects of CBD use?

Although a lot of people can tolerate it, CBD can cause side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. CBD can also cause a reaction to other medications that you take. But the main aspect to look out for in terms of quality is the purity of the product, its processing method and lack of additives. Cheaper and white label products may look appealing but are usually not safe and can prove harmful to your body. 

Can CBD oil make you gain weight?

Although CBD has several benefits for appetite and weight loss, it may also cause weight gain. The component has been proven to improve appetite in some studies. Also, one of the most common effects of CBD treatment is appetite change.

In Closing

Getting diagnosed with PTSD can be devastating and life-changing. Not only do you have to cope with having a mental health condition, but it can also affect your relationships and your job-making the symptoms much worse. 

Nevertheless, doing some research on how effective CBD is for PTSD veterans, familiarizing yourself with veteran stories of healing, and staying well-informed will definitely help make the situation better. Having a positive mind-set and applying a few health tips to your daily routine  would be a perfect first step to recovery.

Browse our website to learn more!