Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical condition that can qualify you for medical marijuana treatment in West Virginia.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can affect every aspect of your life. It is triggered by a traumatic experience and is most often associated with veterans due to the combat trauma experienced in the military.
At West Virginia Marijuana Card, we support our veterans in every way that we can!
If you are a veteran dealing with PTSD or any other qualifying medical condition, we want to offer you $20 off of your medical marijuana evaluation with us for your bravery, hard work and dedication to our country.
Continue reading for more information on PTSD and how medical marijuana can help you today!
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a serious anxiety condition that can develop after a traumatic life event.
Here is a list of symptoms that someone with PTSD can experience:
Flashbacks
Invasive memories
Nightmares or insomnia
Avoidance of people, place or thoughts that are connect to the trauma
Loss of memory
Loss of interests or depression
Difficulty focusing
Self-destructive behaviors
PTSD in the Veteran Population
Veterans experience PTSD at a higher rate than the average population due to combat trauma. Those who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have an 11-20% rate of developing PTSD, and veterans serving in the Gulf war have a 12% rate. Veterans of the Vietnam war have a 30% rate of developing PTSD in their lifetime.
There are also other factors that come into play for military personnel that can cause higher rates of PTSD too. Military sexual trauma (MST) is one of these factors. MST is any sexual assault or harassment that is experienced by those in the military. 23% of women in the military have reported sexual assault, and 55% of women and 38% of men have reported sexual harassment. These numbers are very high and can contribute to the development of PTSD.
Medical Marijuana Can Help PTSD
To understand how cannabis can help treat PTSD we need to dig deeper into the science!
Everyone has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Endocannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors to ensure that the body can fulfill its normal functions.
With a medical condition like PTSD, the ECS can be thrown off balance. This is where medical marijuana comes in! Marijuana has endocannabinoids that attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and bring balance back to the ECS.
Specific PTSD Symptoms Treated by Medical Marijuana
One of the amazing things about medical marijuana treatment is that it not only can improve your quality of life but it also can relieve specific symptoms that come with the disorder.
Here are the three main symptoms that medical marijuana can aid:
Anxiety:
Chronic anxiety comes hand in hand with PTSD since it is an anxiety condition. Marijuana with a high amount of CBD and a low amount of THC has been linked to reducing overall stress levels and anxiety. Marijuana is also a mood enhancer which can help those with PTSD feel happier and more energetic.
Nightmares:
Nightmares are also very common. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce REM sleep which is the stage when the most vivid dreams occur. Limiting REM sleep can give you rest while limiting nightmares.
Insomnia:
Insomnia often comes with nightmares and anxiety. Marijuana strains with high THC can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and can also improve your durations of sleep overall by lengthening them.
How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in West Virginia for PTSD
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, you are in the right place!
At West Virginia Marijuana Card, we provide those with qualifying medical conditions access to medical marijuana treatment.
In order to qualify, you have to be a West Virginia resident, have a qualifying medical condition and meet with a certified WV marijuana doctor. We can help you with all of this!
You can start your medical marijuana journey by giving us a call at (877) 303-8424 or by booking an appointment online.
You deserve relief from PTSD. Don’t wait another moment!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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