Cannabinoids and PTSD: Examining Treatment Options - Discussion

This discussion post examines the potential of cannabinoids, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD, derived from hemp, and THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors, influencing neurogenesis and anxiety levels. The discussion references studies that suggest cannabinoids can modulate fear memory, reduce anxiety and insomnia, and enhance coping capacity in veterans with PTSD. It concludes that cannabinoids may be an effective pharmacotherapy for managing PTSD, citing evidence of their positive impact on anxiety, sleep, and overall well-being.

Running head: DISCUSSION
Discussion Question
Name of the Student
Name of the University
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).

2DISCUSSION
To conclude, administration of cannabinoids is an effective pharmacotherapy for the
management of PTSD.

3DISCUSSION
References
Britch, S. C., Wiley, J. L., Yu, Z., Clowers, B. H., & Craft, R. M. (2017). Cannabidiol-Δ9-
tetrahydrocannabinol interactions on acute pain and locomotor activity. Drug and
alcohol dependence, 175, 187-197.
Hua, T., Vemuri, K., Pu, M., Qu, L., Han, G. W., Wu, Y., ... & Laprairie, R. B. (2016).
Crystal structure of the human cannabinoid receptor CB 1. Cell, 167(3), 750-762.
Jetly, R., Heber, A., Fraser, G., & Boisvert, D. (2015). The efficacy of nabilone, a synthetic
cannabinoid, in the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares: a preliminary
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design
study. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 51, 585-588.
Loflin, M. J., Babson, K. A., & Bonn-Miller, M. O. (2017). Cannabinoids as therapeutic for
PTSD. Current opinion in Psychology, 14, 78-83.
Neumeister, A. (2013). The endocannabinoid system provides an avenue for evidence‐based
treatment development for PTSD. Depression and Anxiety, 30(2), 93-96.
Neumeister, A., Normandin, M. D., Pietrzak, R. H., Piomelli, D., Zheng, M. Q., Gujarro-
Anton, A., ... & Ropchan, J. (2013). Elevated brain cannabinoid CB 1 receptor
availability in post-traumatic stress disorder: a positron emission tomography
study. Molecular psychiatry, 18(9), 1034.