Our Extraordinary Brains
Wizard of Oz. Scarecrow. All he wanted was a brain. He might not want one if he knew how complex a brain is – how it handles all of our experiences and, sometimes, holds onto them long-term. Various areas of the brain are involved in autonomic functions (things we don’t think about like breathing and our hearts beating), cognition, and emotional processing. The brain is comprised of a few areas that each control specific functions. For example, the amygdala processes trauma, emotions associated with it, and the fight-or-flight response innate within us. In humans, the amygdala is closely associated with PTSD.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is particularly complex. Often associated with veterans who have seen combat and had harrowing experiences there, PTSD can also be experienced by anyone who has experienced a traumatic event or even people who have seen a trauma occur. It doesn’t necessarily show up at the time of the traumatic event but can show up months or even years later. PTSD is extremely debilitating for those suffering from it and those close to them. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Reliving the event through flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding talking about the event or having severe distress when remembering it
- Feeling numb
- Feeling very negative about everything
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty sleeping
- Extreme emotional outbursts
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Self-destructive behavior
Sadly, this isn’t a comprehensive list of PTSD symptoms. This disorder is complex and difficult for those living with it.
Is Cannabis an Effect Treatment for PTSD?
Yes, believe it or not. Anecdotally, many veterans and other sufferers of PTSD have affirmed that marijuana products help alleviate their symptoms. As recently as 2020, studies (NIH – National Library of Medicine, here and here) have shown that cannabis use for PTSD is effective in different ways:
- By decreasing the level of reactivity in the amygdala
- By enhancing the extinction rate and reducing anxiety responses
Medical Marijuana Can Help
Canna Card Express, located in Worcester, MA, can help sufferers of PTSD if they qualify for a medical cannabis card, and potentially alleviate some of their symptoms. We can be reached by phone at 508-817-9300 or email at info@cannacardexpress.com and would like to help you achieve the best life you can live.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
