Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs in certain people after they have been exposed to a shocking, frightening, or dangerous events. These symptoms usually appear within three months after the traumatic event.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder can have many different symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD symptoms could be intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Cannabis and PTSD
While marijuana is being examined as a viable mental health treatment for certain people who suffer from PTSD, cannabis may exacerbate some of the symptoms associated with the illness, making it worse. Especially if you have suffered from episodes of extreme anxiety, have sensitivity to the active compounds in cannabis or if you have suffered from episodes of psychosis in the past. Nonetheless, two recent studies indicate that cannabis may be beneficial in the treatment of PTSD. One study shows how cannabis can inhibit amygdala activity – a region of the brain linked with fear responses to threats. Meanwhile, another study reveals that the plant’s cannabinoids may contribute to forgetting traumatic events.
Which Cannabis Strains Can Help Manage PTSD?
The following cannabis strains have been reported to be more effective in helping with PTSD symptoms:
Sergeant Pepper
This cannabis strain is known for its calming effects and for helping increase creativity and focus. Sergeant Pepper is quite high in THC (17%) with caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene and its main terpenes. Sergeant Pepper might help you manage PTSD symptoms.
Alien Apparition
Another cannabis strain that can help with PTSD, Alien Apparition is higher in THC than Sergeant Pepper with 21% of THC. Alien Pepper will induce a calming effect on you. Its main terpenes are terpinolene, myrcene and pinene.
South Indian Sativa
This strain how powerful calming effects and it is moderate high in THC (17%). In addition, South Indica Sativa will make you feel more energetic and euphoric. Its main terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene.
Emperor Cookie Dough
This hybrid strain is also high in THC, with 20% of this psychoactive cannabinoid. Moreover, it also contains 1% of CBG. Emperor Cookie Dough is also recommended for PTSD. Moreover, its main terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene, which give this strain a characteristic terpene profile.
Granddaddy Purple
Also known as GDP, Granddaddy Purple doesn’t have the same calming effects as the previous cannabis strains in this list. Nonetheless, it will make you feel relaxed, sleepy, and happy. Granddaddy Purple is quite high in THC (17%) and its main terpenes are myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene.
Harlequin
We have included this cannabis strain in other lists, such as our list on best cannabis strains for anger issues. This cannabis strain contains a high concentration of CBD, with a CBD:THC ratio of 5:2. Harlequin has more CBD than other well-known CBD strains, such as Cannatonic. CBD and THC are both cannabinoids that help to alleviate stress and anger. Harlequin’s unique CBD:THC ratio makes it a good strain for dealing with anger issues. Additionally, because to the CBD concentration, adverse effects such as paranoia are quite infrequent. Myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene are the primary terpenes found in Harlequin.
Sour Kush
This cannabis strain is also known as Sour OG Kush. Sour Kush is very high in THC with 23%. Moreover, this cross between Sour Diesel and OG Kush will make you feel happy and relaxed. Its main terpenes are myrcene, limonene and linalool.
Oca Gold
Another strain high in THC with 20% Oca Kush is an Indica strain with powerful calming effects. It has been used to help deal with PTSD. Its main terpenes are myrcene, pinene, and limonene.
Prevention
It has moderate levels of THC (16%). Prevention is a cross between Romulan, Blueberry and Pre-98 Bubba Kush. Moreover, this strain will make you feel creative and euphoric. Its main terpenes are limonene, caryophyllene and pinene.
Rob Ford Kush
Also known as simply Rob Ford, this cannabis strain is high in THC with 23% of this psychoactive cannabinoid. Furthermore, it contains 1% of CBG. Rob Ford Kush is an effective strain to deal with PTSD symptoms. It will make you feel relaxed and euphoric. Moreover, it will make stimulate your appetite. Its main terpenes are myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene.