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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity.

Cannabis and PTSD Symptom Management
Recent studies have shown promising results in using cannabis to manage PTSD symptoms. A 2021 study published in PLOS ONE by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) found improvements in PTSD symptoms among participants using cannabis with varying THC and CBD concentrations.
Dr. Marcel O. Bonn-Miller, the lead author, stated, "This study served as the first randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing the therapeutic potential of varying ratios of THC and CBD for treating symptoms of PTS."
Many veterans have reported positive experiences with cannabis for PTSD. One participant in a 2020 MAPS study shared, "Cannabis has helped me sleep better and reduced my anxiety. It's made a real difference in my day-to-day life."
Another veteran commented, "After trying various treatments, cannabis has been the most effective in managing my PTSD symptoms. It's given me a sense of control I didn't have before."
These anecdotal reports are backed by the study's findings, which showed that cannabis users were 2.57 times more likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to non-users.

Ongoing Research and Caution
While these results are encouraging, it's important to note that research in this area is still in its early stages. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is at the forefront of this research, but larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis for PTSD.
Dr. Bonn-Miller emphasizes the need for further investigation, stating, "The next step is to conduct larger, randomized placebo-controlled trials to determine the minimally-effective doses of THC needed to safely treat individuals suffering from PTSD while mitigating risks of cannabis dependence in this vulnerable population."
 

At OUI, we believe in empowering women with information to make informed decisions about their health. While the potential of cannabis in PTSD treatment is exciting, we encourage consulting with healthcare professionals and staying informed about the latest research developments. As always, we're committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on cannabis and women's health. Stay tuned for more updates as this promising field of research continues to evolve.