Recent years have seen a rise in the use of Cannabidiol—or, CBD—for a wide range of uses. Much in the way its cousin THC is popular for recreational use, interest in CBD is largely due to its potential health benefits.
Though research surrounding the health benefits of CBD is still being gathered, evidence suggests that using CBD may help relieve symptoms of numerous conditions—everything from cognitive impairment to chronic pain.
Mental health conditions, in particular, are thought to be improved through the use of CBD. For those who suffer from PTSD, CBD could be what help you relieve your symptoms and get back to a life of peace and comfort.
Read on to learn more about CBD for PTSD, and find out how it can help you today.
What to Know About CBD
CBD is a natural compound that is derived from the cannabis plant. When it comes to using CBD for therapeutic purposes, research has suggested that CBD can provide relief for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Epilepsy
Schizophrenia
Stress
PTSD
CBD can also be found in a variety of forms, including tinctures, topicals and edibles. Thanks to its variety of uses and easy application, CBD use has become extremely common, with 33% of adults having used it at least once before.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
If you aren't familiar with CBD, you may be wondering how it differs from tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not alter your consciousness or trigger a "high." Although they derive from the same plant, CBD interacts with the brain differently than THC. So while it is psychoactive enough to provide you with relief from PTSD, it is not intoxicating given the correct dosage. Additionally, some studies have suggested that therapeutic use of THC may have serious side effects that don't occur when using CBD.
CBD vs. Traditional Medications
When it comes to treating some mental health conditions, many people favor CBD over traditional medications.
Some medications can take weeks to come into effect, while CBD users often report quick, sustained effects. Additionally, many medications pose the risk of serious side effects, such as insomnia, mood swings, fatigue and irritability. CBD, however, is not known to cause these issues, and may even mitigate them.
CBD for PTSD: Does it Really Work?
From mood swings to severe anxiety, PTSD can take many forms; all of which affect your ability to live a happy life. While treatment methods such as therapy or prescription medications may work for some, but if they've had no effect on you it may be time to look for alternative methods for relief.
Though you now know more about CBD in general, you may still be wondering: does it actually work? Because the therapeutic use of CBD is still relatively new, research is still being gathered. However, existing studies suggest that CBD may provide relief to those suffering from symptoms of PTSD.
How CBD Reduces Symptoms of PTSD
CBD is able to reduce the effects of PTSD due to the way it interacts with your brain.
A 2018 study conducted by Frontiers in Neuroscience determined that many patients with PTSD have hyperactive amygdalas, which may be responsible for the severity of their symptoms. The study found that CBD may affect both the amygdala and the hippocampus in the brain, causing the hippocampus to grow and thus reducing the amygdala's activity. Without a hyperactive amygdala, patients saw their PTSD symptoms lessen.
Another study found that drugs like CBD can affect the part of the brain that controls memories and anxiety. Since these two factors play a significant role in PTSD, altering them with CBD can provide relief in most cases.
Some research has even suggested that taking CBD immediately following a traumatic event may prevent the brain from forming memories that may later cause symptoms of PTSD.
How to Take CBD for PTSD
If you've decided to use CBD to find relief from your PTSD symptoms, it's important to decide which form is right for you. Luckily, scientists have conducted studies to determine which is the most effective for treating the condition. A 2019 study found that those who took CBD capsules saw a reduction in their symptoms, while one from 2016 found that applying CBD oil to the skin before bed effectively reduced sleeping issues for a patient with PTSD.
No matter how you choose to take CBD, it's important to ensure you're taking the correct dosage to avoid experiencing any side effects. For most people, anywhere between 30 mg and 60 mg per day is recommended. It's possible to go as low as 10 mg each day, but a dose this small may prevent you from finding the relief you seek.
How long does CBD take to start working?
One of the benefits CBD has over some medications is that it is relatively fast-acting, though the amount of time it takes to kick in depends on how you use it. In the form of a capsule or edible, CBD may take between 30 minutes to an hour to start affecting you. Other forms, such as oils, may take 20 minutes or longer.
Sourcing Your CBD: Where to Find High-Quality CBD
If you've decided to use CBD for PTSD relief, it's time to start finding the right form of CBD for you. When it comes to CBD, it's best to look for products that are made from organic, locally processed cannabis plants. Shops like Virginia's Hanover Hemp are ethically farmed and can be counted on to provide high-quality CBD in every form. Visit the Hanover Hemp shop and find CBD for PTSD relief today.