While many of us experience trauma at some point in our lives, some events can be difficult to cope with and require more attention and treatment. Trauma comes in many forms and can result from a wide range of events, and everyone’s experience of trauma is unique. There are many ways of helping people manage their trauma, and you may not be aware that cannabis is among the most effective treatment methods. Canadians are using cannabis for trauma in addition to a number of other conditions including nausea, chronic pain, anxiety, and symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment. If you’re interested in using cannabis to treat your trauma or PTSD, continue reading for information about how trauma works, why cannabis is a promising option, and how to get started. While symptoms can be difficult, confusing, and overwhelming, cannabis along with other forms of treatment can help you overcome your trauma.

Varieties of Trauma

It’s common for people to hold their traumatic experiences in, so you may be surprised to learn that most people actually do experience trauma at least once in their lives. Though over 70% of people have been through trauma, that doesn’t mean they all feel it in the same way or have the same difficulties in dealing with their experiences. While it’s common for people to use similar coping mechanisms or exhibit similar symptoms following a traumatic event, each situation is different. Trauma can stem from anything from the death of a loved one to abuse, assault, or domestic violence. Following such an experience, some people develop conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, depression, and anxiety which can affect their lives well after the event.

Treatment Methods

Traditional treatment for trauma patients includes a combination of medications designed to help with symptoms and psychotherapy with a qualified therapist. Depending on the type and severity of the trauma and symptoms, patients can talk to a therapist anywhere from once to three times per week, typically for an hour. Therapists use a variety of approaches
and specialize in certain types of therapy, so it’s important to find someone you’re comfortable with. Common forms of medication prescribed to people with trauma include Lexapro, Zoloft, and other antidepressants. These can help you manage your symptoms and establish a regular sleep schedule, but many antidepressants are difficult to stop taking. They also often come with a wide range of side effects depending on the specific medication and the individual patient. Typical antidepressant side effects include weight gain, nausea, erectile dysfunction, dry mouth, and more.

The Advantages of Cannabis

Considering the disadvantages that come with using antidepressants to treat trauma, it’s not surprising that scientists began to examine other options. Cannabis is a relatively new treatment modality, but it’s an extremely promising choice that has led to positive results for many patients. Unlike antidepressants and many other medications, cannabis is not physically addictive and is easy to stop taking when treatment is no longer needed. It helps with many of the same symptoms and has a much smaller range of side effects compared to other forms of treatment. Antidepressants can also change the way a person feels, sometimes leading them to experience a robot-like sensation or surprising emotional changes. Although this can make
trauma symptoms less severe, it may also prevent patients from processing their trauma in a healthy way and moving beyond the experience over time. By contrast, cannabis does not alter or cover up the emotions that people experience after
trauma. Most users experience a combination of euphoria, relaxation, and sleepiness, all of which can be helpful for those suffering from PTSD or other trauma. With cannabis, patients have the opportunity to manage and overcome their feelings over time and in their own way.

The Most Effective Cannabis Strains for Trauma Patients

If you’re not familiar with the world of medical cannabis, it may surprise you that strains are often specifically engineered for the treatment of certain conditions. Not all strains are created equal, and these are among the best strains for treating trauma and associated symptoms. Cannabis strains are divided into two categories: indica, which generally lead to a sleepier
feeling and stress relief; and sativa, which stimulate and lead to creativity. Some trauma patients stick to indicas as they are more effective in treating the most common symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, other users find that the uplifting effects of sativas are more effective. Strains with higher levels of THC typically lead
to more intense highs, so people new to cannabis may benefit from starting with a low-THC strain.

● Northern Lights: This is an indica-heavy strain that has helped countless patients
overcome their struggles with anxiety and sleep deprivation. It’s very strong and may
make you feel extremely sleepy, so it’s a great way to end the day and get a good
night’s rest.

● Blue Dream: Blue Dream is used for the treatment of PTSD in addition to a long list of
other conditions, and it’s also a favorite among recreational users. Unlike Northern
Lights, Blue Dream leans more toward the sativa side, making it a better midday
option for reduced anxiety.

● CBD Crew OG Kush: Like Northern Lights, CBD Crew OG Kush is an
indica-dominant strain that can have quick, strong sedating effects. Its high levels of
CBD also make it a great choice for medical users who need help managing anxiety
and sleep disorders.

● Bubba Kush: In contrast to many of the most popular recreational and medical
strains, cannabis users haven’t been able to determine how Bubba Kush was
originally created. That said, most people believe that it stems from OG Kush,
mentioned above. Bubba Kush also includes genetics from a strain known as
Afghani, making it slightly less sedating and more effective for anxiety.

● Pineapple Express: One of the most famous cannabis strains around, Pineapple
Express is extremely popular among both medical and recreational cannabis users.
It’s a sativa-dominant hybrid that will give you the energy you need to get through the
day while helping the symptoms of anxiety that are getting in your way.

● Sour Kush (Headband): Sour Kush was created by crossing Sour Diesel with OG
Kush, but it is also called Headband for the euphoria that wraps around your head
after smoking it. Headband is the perfect strain to help you unwind and minimize any
intrusive or anxious thoughts.

● Master Kush: Master Kush is one of the best strains on this list for those suffering
from insomnia or a lack of sleep, which is its most prominent medical application. It
can also help with nightmares and make sure you sleep through the night.
Furthermore, it’s an easy strain for first-time growers, as it will grow outside or
indoors within roughly eight weeks.

● Barney’s Farm G13 Haze: Like many other strains in the Haze family, which started
out as a pure sativa, G13 Haze is an uplifting strain. It is also known for its relaxing
properties, making it a popular choice for chronic pain treatment. This combination
helps patients with depression and anxiety. On the other hand, Haze strains are
relatively strong and may be too much for people new to cannabis.

CBD and PTSD

Although there are effective ways of treating trauma-related disorders using conventional cannabis strains, many people prefer to use CBD oil to help manage their conditions. CBD can treat symptoms of PTSD like sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. It has also been used to treat a number of other medical conditions and provide numerous health benefits. CBD is one of the two active ingredients in cannabis products, along with THC. While THC is responsible for the “high” feeling many people associate with cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects at all. This makes it a better option for people who want the relief cannabis offers without becoming intoxicated.

Growing Your Own Cannabis

If you’re interested in using cannabis to treat your trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or sleep disorder, growing your own plants may be the most efficient and affordable option. Now that cannabis is legal throughout Canada, anyone over 18 can grow cannabis legally. Growing your own plants is a rewarding and affordable way to provide your own trauma
treatment. While recreational users are limited to four plants per household, medical users are not subject to the same regulations. If you have a legitimate medical need for cannabis products, you can legally grow up to 463 plants in your home with a medical license. This is enough for even the most regular cannabis user, and it also allows you to experiment with different strains and see what works best for you.

If you’d like assistance to make sure you go through the process legally and the right way, please contact us about acquiring a licence and we’ll help you through the process every step of the way.