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CBD Helps Veterans Cope with PTSD 

By on February 9th, 2019 in Company Info

“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.” 1

Researchers are launching new clinical studies2 to showcase the positive effects of CBD (Cannabidiol) and how it can help veterans overcome common issues post-service.

“When inhaled or delivered orally or transdermally, cannabinoids (the psychoactive components of unrefined marijuana and various derivative products) activate endogenous cannabinoid receptors, modulating neurotransmitter release and producing a wide range of central nervous system effects, including increased pleasure and alteration of memory processes.

While further research into cannabinoid treatment effects on PTSD symptoms is required, the evaluated evidence indicates that substantial numbers of military veterans with PTSD use cannabis or derivative products to control PTSD symptoms, with some patients reporting benefits in terms of reduced anxiety and insomnia and improved coping ability.” 3

CBD helps PTSD patients manage the three core symptoms of the condition, which include re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing, and hyper-arousal. PTSD patients saw a 75% reduction in PTSD symptoms, as measured by the Clinical Administered Post-traumatic Scale, when they were using cannabis compared to when they were not. 4

Cannabis can also serve to minimize or prevent nightmares5 that frequently occur in those suffering from PTSD. Not only that, but PTSD triggers intense stress that places a person in a constant state of awareness and tension, making it very difficult to get any sleep.

By reducing REM sleep and the vivid dreams that occur during this stage, this can allow cannabis to relieve any recurring nightmares that are associated with PTSD.

In fact, a study was conducted to test this hypothesis by utilizing a cannabinoid receptor stimulant called nabilone. This involved 47 patients who despite using antidepressants and seeing a psychiatrist regularly, continued to have recurring nightmares. Following treatment, 72% of patients stopped having nightmares or had their severity drastically reduced.

Not only that, but many patients also stated that the quality and duration of sleep improved, while daytime flashbacks and sweating at night also decreased. The study showed that cannabinoids could serve a much more effective role than many prescription medicines and antidepressants that were proving to be futile in comparison.6

 

Interview with A Veteran Suffering from PTSD

Elvis Alonzo began smoking cannabis as a last resort. Three years in the Marine Corps and 13 years with the Glendale Police Department in Arizona—where he was exposed to murders, suicides and people dying in his arms—had left him emotionally crippled. Toward the end of his police service, doctors diagnosed Alonzo with post-traumatic stress disorder and prescribed various medications to temper his nightmares and flashbacks. The drugs “turned me into a zombie,” he says. “I was so out of it that I couldn’t even drive, so they (the police department) had to medically retire me.” Alonzo stopped showering. His wife left him, and he nearly lost his house. Then a friend suggested he try marijuana to relieve his symptoms. “It’s been a godsend,” he says. “It curbs my anxiety, and it makes me sleep fantastic for at least four hours. It needs to be studied.”7 Scientific American: As Vets Demand Cannabis for PTSD, Science Races to Unlock Its Secrets)

 

Additional Statistics and Literature on CBD Benefiting PTSD Symptoms:

PTSD patients saw a 75% reduction in PTSD symptoms, as measured by the Clinical Administered Post traumatic Scale, when they were using cannabis compared to when they were not.8

A review of published evidence finds that cannabinoids help PTSD patients manage the condition’s three major symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing, hyperarousal) and helps improve sleep in those PTSD patients suffering from insomnia and nightmares.9

Our Products

Our full-spectrum hemp extract oil is made from organic industrial hemp which contains only legal trace amounts of THC (less than O.3%). These amounts are so small there is no psychoactive effect. We also offer THC-Free Isolate CBD Oil for an alternative option.

All our hemp crops are grown free of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. From the time our hemp oil is harvested, to the manufacturing and shipping of our products, we test our hemp oil multiple times to ensure accuracy in potency information and to check for contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, mold and cannabinoid content.

We also use a super critical CO2 method of extraction for all of our CBD Oil Tinctures. CO2 is a much healthier choice than other potential solvents and is “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA.

If you decide to use CBD products for pain management, be sure to consult with a doctor first to help avoid harmful interactions with your current medications and treatments, along with negative side effects.

Visit our shop of legal CBD products today and see which ones will be the best for your needs.

Safe Harbour Wellness, is a contemporary wellness focused company, offering natural products made exclusively in the U.S.A. We aim to optimize individual wellness through natural American made products of uncompromising quality, while furthering our quest to give, love and serve.  Visit www.SAFEHARBOURGIVESBACK.com to learn about our BOG1 mission and how we support our US Heroes; US Veterans, Active Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters and First Responders.

 

Sources:

1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
2 https://echoconnection.org/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-medical-cannabis-and-cbd-research-overview/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26195653″
4 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X16302342
5 https://www.canabomedicalclinic.com/cannabis-can-help-treat-ptsd/
6 https://healthcareinamerica.us/cannabis-key-treating-ptsd-b4abf432215
7 https://healthcareinamerica.us/cannabis-key-treating-ptsd-b4abf432215
8 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24830188
9 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26195653

CBD Helps Veterans Cope with PTSD 

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