Rationale: PTSD is a mental health condition that frequently leads to adverse outcomes like depression, anxiety, and suicide. There has been a strong push from the medical marijuana community to use cannabis for symptom management. Cannabis use is also shown to be higher among patients with treatment-resistant symptoms. Two recent studies provided evidence that the use of cannabis could show short- and long-term improvements in symptoms.

Method: 80 adult veterans with PTSD entered into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and smoked cannabis. Over 6 weeks, approximately 20 subjects had access to either THC, CBD, THC+CBD, or placebo. After this 6-week exposure period, researchers looked for changes in PTSD symptoms using two commonly accepted tests (CAPS-5 and PCL-5), as well as effects of the treatment on Social Anxiety and Depression (both using the IDAS) and Insomnia (using the ISI assessment)

Results: Both groups experienced increased anxiety after remembering the traumatic event. However, across all sessions, the CBD group had fewer thinking or recall problems than the placebo group. The groups showed no difference in sleepiness, discomfort, or physical responses like heart rate.

Meaning: In preliminary trials, the active treatment groups did not statistically outperform the placebo. The study showed that CBD reduced thinking or memory problems, but use of THC increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. CBD may be something that individuals with PTSD could consider using to help symptoms, but more research is needed.