Your Suffering:
PTSD

Medical Cannabis for PTSD
How PTSD develops is not fully understood. Scientists believe that many factors are involved in its pathophysiology. Among them is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in the erasure of memories via cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB-1 receptors) in the brain – which is why it is suspected that traumatic experiences are also "forgotten." These receptors modulate the release of neurotransmitters to prevent excessive neuronal activity. The ECS is involved in pain relief, inflammation inhibition, control of movement and posture, regulation of sensory perceptions, memory, and cognitive functions [6].

Many people with PTSD use cannabis to relieve symptoms. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, has an anxiolytic effect via CB1 receptors. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in anxiety-related learning and memory processes [8].

In 2013, a neuroimaging study showed that individuals with PTSD exhibit reduced ECS activity in various brain regions, particularly the amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and striatum [9].

Different brain regions are active in threatening situations [8].

Amygdala
Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)
Rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC: adjacent rostral anterior cingulate cortex)
Patients with PTSD often exhibit dysfunction in these brain regions. This dysfunction can contribute to the persistence of acute stress reactions after traumatic situations and lead to mental illness. Scientific studies have shown altered cooperation between the amygdala and cerebral cortex in processing threats in individuals with PTSD compared to healthy subjects.

In people with PTSD, the amygdala reacts more intensely to traumatic triggers such as images, sounds, smells, photographs, words, and threatening faces. Reduced regulation of the amygdala by the cerebral cortex may explain this. This leads to hyperarousal (overexcitation of the autonomic nervous system). Those affected are also unable to suppress their attention and response to traumatic triggers.