Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the Treatment of PTSD

Running head: DISCUSSION
Discussion Question
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Author Note

1DISCUSSION
Cannabidiol (CBD) refers to a phytocannabinoid that is taken in the body by
inhalation, as aerosol, and by mouth and is commonly used for treating childhood epilepsy.
On the other hand, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is among the 113 cannabinoids that had
been extracted from cannabis (Britch et al., 2017).
While CBD is typically found in extractions obtained from hemp plant, THC is the
psychoactive compound of marijuana. CBD is sold in the form of gummies, oils, gels, and
extracts. In contrast THC is available in the form of edibles, capsules, oils, and tinctures.
Although both are composed of30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms,
there lies a difference in the spatial arrangement of the atoms that allows them to interact with
cannabinoid receptors (Hua et al., 2016).
Of the several conditions listed in Project CBD, Cannabis has been associated with
the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Neumeister (2013)
manipulation of the eCB or endogenous cannabinoid system with two discrete components
namely, 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol and anandamide promotes neurogenesis in the mental
disorder and reduces anxiety and fear associated with the condition. This was in accordance
to Neumeister et al. (2013) who suggested that anandamide signaling that is mediated by
abnormal CB1 receptors are responsible for the etiology of PTSD and should be considered as
a neurobiological model for pharmacotherapy. Experimental evidences also suggest that CBD
has proved effective in treatment of depressive and anxiety related symptoms.
Pharmacological intervention that comprises of both CBD and THC has been found
successful in modulation of fear memory in rodents, thus signifying its role in PTSD
treatment (Loflin et al., 2017). This can further be affirmed by the fact that military veterans
diagnosed with PTSD, on being subjected to the use of cannabis and derivative products have
reported benefits in relation to lowered anxiety levels, reduced insomnia, and enhanced
coping capacity (Jetly et al., 2015).