Microdosing THC for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating condition. Traditional treatment methods may not always provide the relief needed to manage symptoms effectively. Could microdosing THC be the breakthrough that PTSD sufferers have been searching for?

A 2017 systematic review suggests that cannabis for therapeutic purposes “may have potential for the treatment of PTSD and as a substitute for problematic use of other substances.”

People struggling with PTSD can benefit from small amounts of Delta 9 THC in many ways: THC promotes a state of relaxation, alleviates anxiety and depression, and enhances sleep quality. 

With our carefully crafted THC edibles, you can experience all the advantages of THC microdosing while minimizing the adverse effects often associated with higher THC concentrations.

Don’t let PTSD control your life any longer; order our low-dose THC edibles made from pure hemp and natural ingredients only and infused with real fruit. These carefully crafted treats harness the power of cannabis safely and effectively. 

Let's explore why THC is a valuable companion for people battling anxiety, including PTSD.

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can emerge as a result of traumatic events capable of leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars, such as:

• Traffic accident
• Fire
• Military combat
• Natural disaster, such as a tornado or an earthquake
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Terrorist attack

According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly fifty percent of individuals in the United States have encountered a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Within this demographic, around 10% of men and 20% of women develop symptoms of PTSD. 

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder manifests as a complex array of symptoms that can significantly disrupt an individual's daily life. Although they are different for everyone, every person suffering from PTSD experiences a combination of the following symptoms:

Re-experiencing symptoms:

• Flashbacks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Nightmares
• Emotional distress

Avoidance symptoms:

• Avoidance of triggers: steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma
• Emotional numbness: feeling disconnected and emotionally distant from others
• Loss of interest: decreased interest or participation in previously enjoyed activities

Hyperarousal symptoms:

• Hypervigilance
• Irritability
• Startle response
• Insomnia

Negative mood symptoms:

• Negative self-perception: feeling guilty, ashamed, or responsible for the trauma
• Pervasive negative beliefs: viewing oneself, others, or the world in a pessimistic and distorted manner
• Detachment: feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from loved ones
• Anhedonia: losing interest in activities that once brought joy
• Emotional swings: rapid shifts in mood, from anger and irritability to sadness and numbness

Emotional dysregulation:

Intense emotions: experiencing extreme and uncontrollable emotions

Emotional rollercoaster: sudden mood swings and difficulty maintaining emotional equilibrium

Somatization

• Physical symptoms: 
• Unexplained physical pain
• Tension
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal issues

PTSD often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and sleep disorders.

What Can Cause PTSD?

The causes of PTSD vary based on individual experiences, but there are several common triggers that are known to contribute to its development.

1. Combat and military experiences: constant exposure to life-threatening situations, witnessing death, and experiencing the intense stress of warfare can have a profound impact on mental health.
2. Physical or sexual assault: survivors of physical or sexual assault are more susceptible to developing PTSD. 
3. Natural disasters: individuals who have experienced hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires may develop PTSD due to the immense fear, loss, and devastation associated with such events. 
4. Accidents and serious injuries: being involved in or witnessing severe accidents, such as car crashes, industrial accidents, or other life-threatening incidents, can leave a person living in shock and fear.
5. Childhood trauma: traumatic experiences during childhood, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one, can significantly increase the risk of developing PTSD later in life. 
6. Medical trauma: individuals who have undergone traumatic medical procedures, received a life-threatening diagnosis, experienced chronic pain, or been in intensive care units might develop PTSD. 

Factors such as personal resilience, support systems, and pre-existing mental health conditions can influence the likelihood of PTSD. There are also, neurobiological factors, including an imbalance in neurotransmitters and alterations in the brain's stress response system, that can contribute to a person’s vulnerability to developing PTSD.

Can PTSD Be Successfully Treated?

This complex mental condition requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. What works for one person may differ from another. Several therapeutic modalities have proven effective in guiding individuals with PTSD on the path to healing.

1. Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) aims to alleviate symptoms, reframe distorted thought patterns, and ultimately guide the patients towards a more balanced and adaptive emotional response to their traumatic experiences.
2. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to alleviate anxiety, depression, and mood swings associated with PTSD. 
3. Complementary therapies such as art therapy, equine therapy, and nature-based interventions provide alternative avenues for expressing and processing emotions. 

A combination of therapies often yields the most promising results in managing PTSD. However, while traditional PTSD medications are effective, they may also come with undesirable side effects that can further harm a person’s well-being. 

When consumed in small amounts, Delta 9 THC can help you feel the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while minimizing the psychoactive effects typically associated with higher THC concentrations. 

We don’t mean to brag, but our Relax Plus gummies might just be the perfect addition to your day-to-day routine. With just five milligrams of THC per gummy, they usher in a state of serene calmness. More importantly, the 5 mg of THC won’t get you high but will make you feel at ease and totally relaxed.

Cannabis microdoses are all about finding the optimal dosage that provides symptom relief without impairing cognitive function or inducing a "high." Which is why our edibles contain between 2 and 10 milligrams of THC per gummy, far below the psychoactive threshold. 

Let’s further explore the potential benefits of low-dose edibles and see how they help relax the mind and relieve symptoms of PTSD.

What Is THC Microdosing?

Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming very small amounts of THC to achieve therapeutic benefits without experiencing the intense psychoactive effects typically associated with higher doses. By carefully titrating the dosage, users can personalize their experience to address specific symptoms or conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, or inflammation.

A health report on anxiety disorders found that “THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses.” 

A low dose of THC (7.5 mg) reduced the duration of negative emotional responses to the task and posttask appraisals of how threatening and challenging the stressor was. In contrast, a higher dose of THC (12.5 mg) produced small but significant increases in anxiety, negative mood and subjective distress at baseline before and during the psychosocial stress task.

The report also explains the relationship between anxiety disorders (such as PTSD) and our endocannabinoid system. Never heard of it? You’ll be surprised at the role the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays in regulating our emotions, fear, stress, and everything else associated with developing and treating PTSD. 

Apparently, “both for anxiety and fear memory processing, the endocannabinoid system is thought to ensure an appropriate reaction to stressful events and to serve as a regulatory buffer system for emotional responses.”

The healthiest way to microdose cannabis is with low-dose edibles, such as gummies and THC drinks. All our cannabis products contain small doses of pure Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other beneficial cannabis compounds derived from hemp, not marijuana. 

THC in the Endocannabinoid System

The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating emotional responses and memory formation. It is a complex system of signals and receptors involved in the most important processes in our bodies:

• Immune function
• Appetite
• Sleep
• Mood changes
• Hormonal regulation
• Pain perception

We produce natural chemicals (cannabinoids) that interact with two major endocannabinoid receptors in the ECS: CB1 and CB2 receptors. But we can obtain cannabinoids from exogenous sources, such as cannabis plants. THC, CBD, CBN, and other cannabis compounds are called phytocannabinoids and interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate these bodily functions. 

The interaction between THC and CB2 receptors helps regulate immune responses and inflammatory processes. When THC binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors—which are primarily found in the brain and nervous system—it leads to potential psychoactive effects and a change in mood, cognition, and perception.

When THC interacts with CB2 receptors, dopamine levels in the brain rise. Dopamine, popularly called the “feel-good” hormone, is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Low dopamine levels are associated with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 

Similarly to social interaction and exercise—or doing anything else that makes us happy—consuming cannabis also leads to the rewarding effects of elevated dopamine. That’s why you feel happy, elated, and “high” when you consume cannabis at sufficient doses. 

With the help of THC, the ECS regulates our responses to stressful events, boosts dopamine, and strikes that perfect balance between distress and well-being. 

A great way to boost dopamine and feel good is by incorporating natural mood-enhancing supplements into your routine. Our Energy gummies are specially formulated with low amounts of THC, CBD, B12, and L-theanine. L-theanine does not only provide an anti-anxiety effect but also enhances alpha brain wave activities, which help increase dopamine levels in a natural way. 

Low-Dose THC Alleviates PTSD Anxiety

PTSD is characterized by intrusive and distressing memories of traumatic events. A traumatic event can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. For people with PTSD, the memories and emotions of the trauma can become overwhelming and disrupt their daily lives. Low doses of THC may promote a state of calmness and relaxation, making it easier for individuals with PTSD to cope with their symptoms.

THC affects the endocannabinoid receptors to produce a calming effect on the brain. It seems to help “dampen” the brain's response to the distressing memories and emotions associated with PTSD, allowing individuals to experience a greater sense of calmness and relaxation.

The intricate mechanism of the endocannabinoid system allows THC to modulate the function of our neurotransmitters through it and help with intense feelings of stress and anxiety.

Lowering Anxiety Through GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain. It helps regulate excitatory signals, resulting in a calming effect and a decrease in anxiety. This modulation of GABAergic activity contributes to the anxiety-reducing effects of low-dose THC.

Studies have looked into how the CB1 receptor responds to cannabinoids to produce anti-anxiety effects. When CB1 receptors are activated, it appears that they can slow down the way certain signals are transmitted between brain cells, affecting both excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) signals.

…activation of CB1 receptors can suppress both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. However, when looking at actual firing rates of neurons, cannabinoids cause a reduction in neural activity within the amygdala, which has led to the suggestion that activation of CB1 receptors on glutamatergic terminals in the amygdala can override the suppression of GABA release, and thus the net effect of CB1 receptor activation in the amygdala may be to reduce neuronal activity. (Hill, et. al.)

While GABAergic signals act as calming agents, helping to balance the excitatory signals, the glutamatergic system acts like triggers in the brain that make neurons more active. The function of both systems is to make sure that brain activity doesn't get too overwhelming and to help maintain a steady and controlled state of activity in the brain.

Interestingly, cannabinoids seem to cause a decrease in activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain heavily involved in processing emotions. The activation of CB1 receptors on specific terminals related to excitatory signals might cause this decrease, which could suggest that cannabinoids might have a way of lessening the release of inhibitory signals, ultimately leading to lower overall activity of brain cells in the amygdala.

Neuroimaging studies in humans have generally supported the hypothesis that cannabinoids act to reduce neuronal activity in the amygdala, and daily cannabis use or acute administration of a low dose of THC to humans have both been found to reduce amygdala reactivity in response to aversive emotional stimuli.

By toning down the amygdala's activity, cannabinoids help create a more controlled and less reactive emotional response. This can translate to lowered anxiety levels and a greater sense of emotional balance for people with PTSD.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression Through Serotonin

Serotonin is another important brain chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation and emotional well-being. Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it contributes to feelings of happiness, well-being, and relaxation. Low-dose THC can increase serotonin release in certain brain regions, leading to mood improvement and a reduction in anxiety symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.

A 2007 animal study found that THC can effectively reduce depression at low doses by boosting serotonin. At low doses, the cannabis compounds showed antidepressant-like effects and increased activity in the serotonergic neurons, the brain cells that regulate serotonin in the brain. 

Low doses seemed to have a potent antidepressant effect, but when the dose was increased, “the serotonin in the rat brain actually dropped below the level of those in the control group.” 

By boosting serotonin levels, THC helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of calm, which is of particular importance for people with PTSD, as the condition often involves heightened anxiety and stress responses.

The Benefits of Cannabinoids Working Together to Lower Anxiety

Similar to THC, CBD can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Combining THC with cannabidiol may enhance its anxiety-relieving effects while minimizing potential negative side effects. CBD is non-psychoactive but has shown promise in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

…active ingredients in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, potentiate the memory processing and endocannabinoid systems in the brain and thus, reduce sleep impairment, nightmares, and overall PTSD symptoms. Patients with reduced PTSD symptoms and emotional numbing may experience better quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and working ability. (Rehman, et. al.)

A 2023 research article confirmed that, by interacting with our endocannabinoid system, THC and CBD can in fact alleviate symptoms of anxiety in people suffering from PTSD.  

THC is a CB1 receptor agonist that produces psychotic symptoms and partially stimulates 5-HT1A receptors, affecting anxiety and panic. CBD increases the level of endocannabinoids, a reuptake inhibitor of endogenous amphetamine, activates 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors, and has anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects. [The endocannabinoid system] may be a target for treating PTSD.

We’re not surprised: THC and CBD work best when combined and when they produce the so-called entourage effect. In the entourage effect, cannabinoids like CBD and THC work together to produce greater therapeutic and medicinal effects. If you’re seeking to experience this powerful synergy firsthand, we recommend our full spectrum CBD gummies. 

Our Delta 9 Bliss gummies are here to provide you with relief from stress and anxiety, whether you suffer from PTSD or not. With only 5 milligrams of THC and CBD per gummy, these full spectrum CBD edibles are carefully formulated to help you achieve peace and mild euphoria. 

THC and CBD Aid Memory Consolidation

Memory consolidation is the process by which newly acquired information is transformed into long-term memories. This is a crucial aspect of learning and retaining information. When a person experiences a traumatic event, it can overwhelm their normal cognitive processing. 

Instead of being processed and stored as a regular memory, the traumatic event remains vivid and intrusive, leading to distressing flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened emotional and physiological responses. This impaired consolidation can contribute to the persistence and re-experiencing of traumatic memories, making it harder for individuals with PTSD to move forward and heal.

Studies suggest that THC may help diminish the emotional intensity associated with anxiety and traumatic memories, such as in the case of PTSD. But THC doesn’t work alone. THC and CBD together have shown promise in aiding memory consolidation in people with PTSD. 

According to a 2023 study, THC can interfere with memory consolidation, making it harder to form strong memories, while CBD seems to enhance memory consolidation, helping your brain hold onto important information more effectively. They both work by interacting with the ECS.

The overall endocannabinoid system plays a modulatory role in the coherence of neuronal activity in the brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, PFC), leading to consolidation of aversive or arousing experiences through CB1 activation, thereby suggestive of the involvement of endocannabinoids in memory consolidation. 

Higher THC concentrations may have the potential to impair memory and cognitive function. Low doses of THC may enhance the encoding and retention of new memories, while CBD may have a protective effect on the consolidation of aversive memories. 

At low doses, THC can enhance the extinction rate and reduce anxiety responses. Both effects involve the activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors in discrete components of the corticolimbic circuitry, which could couterbalance the low "endocannabinoid tonus" reported in PTSD patients. (Raymundi, et. al.)

Raymudi, et. al. also explore whether THC works better at regulating emotional responses alone or in combination with CBD. Apparently, at lower doses and when combined with CBD, Delta 9 THC holds promise for attenuating anxiety and aversive memory expression in people suffering from PTSD. The synergy between THC and CBD seems to mitigate anxiety while minimizing potential psychotomimetic or anxiogenic outcomes linked to higher THC doses. 

THC Improves Quality of Sleep in People with PTSD

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, characterized by nightmares, insomnia, and frequent awakenings. The trauma can lead to hyperarousal, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Nightmares and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event can also disrupt sleep patterns. Individuals with PTSD commonly experience heightened anxiety and hypervigilance, which can keep them on high alert even during sleep. 

Research suggests that THC can improve sleep quality for individuals with PTSD. THC has been found to have sedative properties, promoting relaxation and aiding in the initiation and maintenance of sleep. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and enhances sleep duration. 

A 2017 study review looked into the effects of synthetic cannabinoids like nabilone and dronabinol on sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder. Apparently, these synthetic cannabinoids influence serotonin-mediated apneas, which are related to breathing difficulties during sleep. 

For people living with PTSD, nabilone might help reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality. This could be particularly important for those who experience chronic pain alongside their PTSD.

The review also pointed out that CBD might be helpful in improving REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.

There are other ways low doses of THC can help PTSD sufferers.

• By reducing anxiety. Anxiety often contributes to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, but, as we’ve already mentioned, low doses of THC decrease anxiety while higher doses increase it. 
• By inducing relaxation. THC has sedative properties that can induce drowsiness and promote sleep. This could be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with falling asleep due to heightened arousal or hyperarousal, common symptoms of PTSD. 
• By aiding memory consolidation. Traumatic memories can resurface during sleep, leading to nightmares and night sweats in people with PTSD. THC has the ability to interfere with memory consolidation and retrieval. 
• By relieving chronic pain. Physical pain or discomfort can also disrupt sleep for individuals with PTSD. THC has been recognized for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. 

A great way to improve sleep and promote relaxation is by incorporating small doses of THC and CBD every day. Our Sleep Plus gummies combine sleep-promoting melatonin with low THC and a balanced ratio of CBD. This powerful cocktail of health benefits is designed to optimize relaxation and support a healthy sleep cycle.

Experience the joy of waking up refreshed and ready to conquer the day and order from nama today. 

How Much THC Should I Take for PTSD?

Each person’s experience with PTSD is different, which means they need different THC concentrations and THC to CBD ratios to treat their PTSD symptoms. Because of this, it’s difficult to determine the correct dose of Delta 9 THC that will help all PTSD sufferers, but one thing is sure: microdosing is always a good choice. 

Microdosing is great because you start with a low dosage and gradually work your way up until you achieve the desired therapeutic effect. At excessive doses, THC can have strong psychoactive effects, but microdoses of THC give you a milder cannabis experience and allow for better control over it. 

Delta 9 gummies don’t hit as fast as smoked cannabis—it takes them anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in. But edibles also have longer-lasting effects compared to fast-acting methods of consumption like smoking or vaping. 

If your goal is to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, start with 2 milligrams of THC per day and see how you feel. This low dose of cannabis will help you potentially manage anxiety and sleep disturbances while minimizing the risk of unwanted effects commonly associated with higher doses. 

Best Edibles for PTSD

This is what you’ve been waiting for: which from our list of heavenly, hemp-derived, and delicious Delta 9 edibles is the right choice for alleviating PTSD and living your life to the fullest? We won’t keep you in suspense much longer. 

Here’s our pick for the top THC edibles that can help you fight this nasty anxiety disorder:

1. Relax Plus gummies are a natural and effective solution to relieve stress and anxiety. These gummies are specially formulated to provide a calming and soothing effect, whether you’re suffering from PTSD, stage fright, or any other type of anxiety disorder. With their unique blend of THC and CBD, these gummies can significantly lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of relaxation.
2. Medical cannabis has never tasted this good: meet our Bliss edibles. Another low-dose THC cannabis product that will knock your socks off with its flavor profile. But what sets these edibles apart is their potential to boost dopamine, a key neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. Only 5 mg of THC hit the sweet spot and bring that delightful dopamine boost that makes you feel elevated and relaxed. 
3. Don't let sleep disturbances control your life any longer. Try our Sleep Plus edibles and unlock the potential for restorative and truly rejuvenating sleep. This powerful blend combines the soothing benefits of CBD with only 2 mg of THC and 3 mg of melatonin to promote a restful night's sleep and help ease the symptoms of PTSD.
4. With a slightly more balanced ratio and lower CBD content, our Energy gummies provide you with a truly energizing experience. The perfect blend of CBD, THC, B12, and L-theanine helps you achieve a balanced state of mind and support your journey towards healing from PTSD. 
5. Who says you have to eat your edibles? You can incorporate our Buzz Drops into your daily routine and experience the potential benefits of THC every time you sip on your favorite drink. With regular use, these drops have the potential to alleviate symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and sleep disturbances often experienced by people with PTSD. Just add a drop or two of this low-dose THC and CBD mix to your drink of choice and say goodbye to pain relief, anxiety, and nightmares. 

Resources

Medical cannabis and mental health: A guided systematic review - PubMed. (2017, February 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.002

C. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD: Symptoms, Treatment & Definition. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9545-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Stoner SA. Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, June 2017. URL: http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjanxiety.pdf

Hill, M. N., Campolongo, P., Yehuda, R., & Patel, S. (2017, July 26). Integrating Endocannabinoid Signaling and Cannabinoids into the Biology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Neuropsychopharmacology. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.162

Study: Cannabis a double-edged sword. (2007, October 23). Newsroom. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/study-cannabis-double-edged-sword-27677

Rehman, Y., Saini, A., Huang, S., Sood, E., Gill, R., & Yanikomeroglu, S. (2021, May 13). Cannabis in the management of PTSD: a systematic review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2021022

Niloy, N., Hediyal, T. A., Vichitra, C., Sonali, S., Chidambaram, S. B., Gorantla, V. R., & Mahalakshmi, A. M. (2023, January 12). Effect of Cannabis on Memory Consolidation, Learning and Retrieval and Its Current Legal Status in India: A Review. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13010162

Effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol on aversive memories and anxiety: a review from human studies - PubMed. (2020, August 26). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02813-8

Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature - PubMed. (2017, April 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9

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