CBD and Its Benefits in Helping to Treat PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
How Does CBD Interact in the Body to Help with PTSD
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout our brains and bodies, made up of cannabinoid (CB) receptors. The ECS is involved in emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain management, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. In the case of PTSD, CBD interacts with the receptors in the ECS, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors, to help to reduce anxiety, aid in depression by regulating serotonin levels, and relax the body to sleep throughout the night.
Evidence Relating to PTSD Specifically
In 2022, the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry released a study into the effects of CBD on PTSD patients. One group of patients were given 300 mg of CBD and the other group were given a placebo (a treatment or substance that looks real but has no effect on the body). They concluded that a single dose of 300 mg of CBD significantly helped to lower anxiety in patients that faced non-sexual related traumas.
The Best Method of CBD for PTSD
CBD is available in various forms including tinctures, capsules, and topical creams. In the case of PTSD, it is recommended to use either tinctures or capsules. These methods allow CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the entire body. Tinctures are faster acting than capsules, but capsules are longer lasting. PTSD is not a localized condition, making topicals (which target specific areas) ineffective for this condition.
Finding Your Dosage
CBD dosing is personalized, being influenced by your body’s amount of cannabinoid receptors, body weight and metabolism, and the severity of your condition. It is recommended to start with a low dosage and slowly adjust this amount as needed. Typically, it is advised with tinctures or capsules to start by taking 10-15 mg per day for mild conditions, and to increase it by 5 mg every few days if no effects are felt. However, it is typical to see patients with severe PTSD take up to 300 mg daily. During this process of finding the dosage that works best for you, it is important to monitor your body’s reaction every step of the way.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Explore the Mechanisms by Which CBD Interacts with the Body to Support PTSD Management.
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