Medical Cannabis for PTSD in Canada

Apollo Applied Research is conducting studies on Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who were dismissed due to PTSD symptoms, and how medical cannabis can assist patients as part of a comprehensive recovery program.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be an overwhelming experience, affecting every aspect of daily life from relationships to work performance to overall well being. This debilitating condition, which affects 9.2% of Canadians and is twice as likely to occur in women as compared to men, can emerge at any age following exposure to traumatic events.

For many people with PTSD, conventional treatments provide only partial relief or come with significant side effects that impact quality of life. Apollo Applied Research is conducting studies on Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who were dismissed due to PTSD symptoms, and how medical cannabis can assist patients as part of a comprehensive recovery program.

Understanding PTSD and Its Impact

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The disorder can occur at any age and is typically caused by a traumatic event or perceived threat which causes a physiological reaction. PTSD is common in cases of child abuse, sexual violence and combat, although not everyone who experiences these types of events develops PTSD and symptoms vary greatly between individuals.

PTSI (Post-Traumatic Stress Injury) is sometimes used as a synonym for PTSD, but may differ depending on what caused the symptoms. This terminology shift helps reduce stigma by recognizing trauma as an injury rather than a disorder.

How PTSD Affects the Brain

PTSD is caused by hyperarousal and long-term stress of the primitive brain which causes chemical changes to occur. Individuals with PTSD suffer from a state of constant hyperarousal and are extremely sensitive to events or situations that trigger negative memories of the event.

The condition affects several key areas of the brain:

Amygdala

Becomes hyperactive in PTSD
Controls fear response and emotional processing
Contributes to heightened startle response and hypervigilance

Hippocampus

Often shows reduced volume in PTSD patients
Responsible for memory formation and contextualizing experiences
Dysfunction contributes to intrusive memories and flashbacks

Prefrontal Cortex

Shows reduced activity in PTSD
Normally helps regulate emotional responses
Decreased function leads to difficulty managing fear and anxiety

These neurological changes result in persistent symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD manifests through four main symptom clusters:

Intrusion Symptoms

Intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
Recurrent nightmares related to the trauma
Flashbacks where the person feels or acts as if the event is recurring
Intense psychological distress when exposed to triggers
Physiological reactions (rapid heartbeat, sweating) to reminders of the trauma

Avoidance Behaviors

Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the trauma
Avoiding activities, places, or people that arouse memories of the trauma
Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event
Emotional numbing or detachment from others

Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood

Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world
Distorted blame of self or others for causing the trauma
Persistent negative emotional state (fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame)
Diminished interest in significant activities
Feelings of detachment from others
Inability to experience positive emotions

Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity

Irritable behaviour and angry outbursts
Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
Hypervigilance (being constantly on alert)
Exaggerated startle response
Problems with concentration
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep)

These symptoms can lead to significant impairment in social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning, making effective treatment crucial for those affected by PTSD.

The Science Behind Cannabis and PTSD

There are numerous subjective reports that cannabis has a significant role to play in the treatment of PTSD, but further research is warranted to determine exactly how cannabinoids can manage symptoms and help treat the symptoms of PTSD.

The effectiveness of cannabis for PTSD may be linked to several mechanisms:

Endocannabinoid System and Fear Processing

Research suggests the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in fear processing and extinction learning (the process of unlearning fear responses). Cannabinoids may help facilitate fear extinction and reduce the anxiety associated with traumatic memories.

Sleep Improvement

A 2013 study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence looked at the prevalence of substance use among patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that motivation for substance use was frequently attributed to sleep difficulties. Researchers found that participants with higher PTSD scores were significantly more likely to consume cannabis to help them sleep. The study concluded that cannabis was an effective coping mechanism for subjects looking to improve their sleep patterns, although further research is warranted to determine how cannabis acts on a physiological level.

Reduction in PTSD Symptoms

Another study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs looked at reports of patients with PTSD who used cannabis to manage their symptoms. The study found that patient scores on the Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS) were reduced by 75% in individuals who used medical cannabis. The results found that “cannabis is associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms in some patients, and prospective, placebo-controlled study is needed to determine the efficacy of cannabis and its constituents in treating PTSD.”

A 2017 study showed that with the use of cannabis, patients saw over a 70% reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant products, may help reduce the hyperarousal and anxiety that characterize PTSD through its effects on the body’s stress response system.

Management of Nightmares

Some cannabinoids, particularly THC, may reduce REM sleep (where most dreaming occurs), potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of trauma-related nightmares.

While research is promising, it’s important to note that more large-scale clinical trials are needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis and PTSD treatment.

Benefits of Medical Cannabis for PTSD Symptoms

For Canadians struggling with PTSD, medical cannabis may offer several potential benefits:

Primary Symptom Management

Many patients report improvements in core PTSD symptoms, including:

Reduced frequency and intensity of nightmares
Decreased anxiety and hypervigilance
Improved sleep quality and duration
Less severe emotional responses to triggers
Reduced irritability and anger
Better ability to engage in daily activities
Overall mood improvement

Complementary Therapy

Others find cannabis helpful as a complementary treatment to address the limitations or side effects of conventional PTSD treatments:

Alternative for those who cannot tolerate psychiatric medications
Support during particularly challenging phases of therapy
Management of side effects from other PTSD medications
Option when other treatments have provided incomplete relief

Potential Advantages Over Traditional Medications

Traditional PTSD Medication Concerns	Potential Cannabis Benefits
Sexual dysfunction from SSRIs	Potentially fewer sexual side effects
Weight gain and metabolic issues	Different mechanism of action
Emotional numbing or blunting	Potential preservation of emotional range
Risk of dependency with benzodiazepines	Possibly lower dependence potential with regulated use

While not everyone experiences these benefits, many patients report meaningful improvements in their PTSD symptoms when incorporating medical cannabis into their treatment plan under proper medical supervision.

Effective Forms of Cannabis for PTSD

Medical cannabis comes in various forms, each with different onset times, durations, and potential benefits for PTSD symptom management. Finding the right option depends on your specific symptoms and needs.

Oils and Tinctures

Precise dosing capabilities
Longer-lasting effects (4-8 hours)
Discreet and easy to incorporate into daily routines
Good for maintaining consistent symptom management
Particularly useful for sleep improvement when taken before bed

Capsules

Pre-measured doses for consistency
Extended-release options available
Similar to taking traditional medication
Convenient for people with established routines
Good option for maintaining steady cannabinoid levels throughout the day

Dry Flower (for vaporization)

Rapid onset of effects (within minutes)
Shorter duration (2-4 hours)
Useful for acute anxiety episodes
May help with sudden PTSD symptoms or triggers
Allows for immediate relief when needed

Sprays

Quick sublingual absorption
Moderate duration (3-6 hours)
Discreet and portable
Easier to adjust dosing as needed
Good balance between rapid onset and reasonable duration

Many PTSD patients find that a combination approach works best—perhaps using a longer-acting oil or capsule for day-long symptom management and anxiety reduction with a faster-acting option for breakthrough symptoms or trigger responses.

Your healthcare provider can help determine which forms might work best based on your specific PTSD symptoms, triggers, and previous experience with cannabis.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription for PTSD in Canada

If you’re considering medical cannabis for PTSD in Canada, here’s how to begin the process:

1. Consider if medical cannabis may be right for you

To determine if medical cannabis may be appropriate for your situation:

You have been diagnosed with PTSD or have significant PTSD symptoms
You may have tried conventional treatments with inadequate results or experienced significant side effects
You must reside in Canada
Provincial age requirements typically align with the legal cannabis purchase age (19 in most provinces, 18 in some)

2. Book an online consultation

Our streamlined process makes it easy:

Schedule a video consultation with a healthcare provider
Complete a brief triage questionnaire after booking
Discuss your PTSD symptoms, treatment history, and goals

3. Receive your online prescription

If approved, you’ll receive:

A personalized treatment plan
A legal medical cannabis prescription
Guidance on product selection and dosing
Registration assistance with licensed producers
For qualified veterans, assistance with coverage documentation

4. Ongoing support

Our care doesn’t end with your prescription:

Follow-up consultations to monitor progress
7 day a week support by phone and email
Dosage adjustments as needed
Access to healthcare professionals for questions
Educational resources about cannabis and PTSD

Starting medical cannabis treatment for PTSD is a significant decision. Our team of healthcare professionals specializes in cannabis medicine and can help you navigate this process safely and effectively through online prescription services across Canada.

Cannabis and Medication Interactions

An important consideration for anyone with PTSD is how medical cannabis might interact with psychiatric medications and other treatments you may be using.

These interactions could affect how your medications work or potentially cause unwanted effects.

For your safety, always:

Disclose all medications to your healthcare provider during your consultation
Start with low doses of cannabis when using with other medications
Monitor for any unusual effects and report them promptly
Never adjust psychiatric medications without medical supervision

A comprehensive consultation with a healthcare provider at Apollo Cannabis is essential to ensure your treatment plan considers all aspects of your health, providing the best opportunity for successful symptom management with your online prescription.

Dosing Medical Cannabis for PTSD

Finding the right cannabis dosage for PTSD symptom management is a personalized process requiring individualized guidance. While we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, here are some general principles:

Starting Your Cannabis Treatment:

Begin with minimal doses
Start with 2.5mg THC or less (if using THC)
Consider starting with 5-20mg CBD, which has anxiolytic properties
Observe effects for at least 2-3 days before adjusting
Consider timing doses around symptom patterns or triggers

Gradual adjustments:

Increase by small increments
Allow time between adjustments to assess the effects
Focus on finding the minimal effective dose
Consider different CBD:THC ratios to find what works best for your symptoms

Tracking response:

Document dosage, timing, and effects
Note improvements in specific PTSD symptoms
Track sleep quality and nightmare frequency
Record any unwanted effects or changes in anxiety levels

These general guidelines are based on standards from The College of Family Physicians of Canada but must be tailored to your specific needs by a healthcare provider during your online consultation.

Remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, and finding your optimal dosage may take time and patience. Working with a healthcare provider experienced in cannabis for PTSD can significantly improve your results when getting an online prescription in Canada.

Special Considerations for Veterans

Apollo has extensive experience working with veterans who have PTSD, and we understand the unique considerations that may apply:

Coverage Information

Qualified Canadian Armed Forces veterans can receive 100% coverage for costs associated with a medical cannabis prescription
We can assist with navigating Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) documentation
Our team has experience with the specific requirements for veteran coverage

Veteran-Specific Approach

Understanding of military culture and experience
Awareness of co-occurring conditions common among veterans
Coordination with other healthcare providers in the veteran healthcare system
Recognition of unique triggers related to combat or military service

Research Participation

Opportunities to participate in Apollo’s research on veterans and medical cannabis
Contributing to the knowledge base that helps other veterans
Access to latest findings and approaches

Our goal is to provide comprehensive, respectful care that acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of our veteran patients.

FAQ's

Find everything you need to know about being a medical cannabis patient below.

Is medical cannabis legal for PTSD in Canada?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Canada with a valid prescription. PTSD is one of the conditions with stronger evidence for cannabis benefits, making it more likely to qualify for a prescription, especially when conventional treatments have been inadequate.

Will cannabis replace my need for therapy?

No, cannabis is best viewed as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for psychological therapy. Most experts recommend incorporating cannabis into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes appropriate therapy, as addressing the psychological aspects of PTSD remains crucial for long-term improvement.

What's the difference between CBD and THC for PTSD?

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) affect PTSD symptoms differently:

CBD is non-intoxicating and may help with anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep without causing a “high”
THC has psychoactive properties and may be more effective for nightmares, emotional numbing, and some forms of anxiety
Many patients benefit from products containing both compounds in ratios tailored to their specific symptoms

Can I get a medical cannabis prescription if I'm already taking psychiatric medications?

Yes, many patients use medical cannabis alongside psychiatric medications. However, careful monitoring is essential as interactions are possible, particularly with certain antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to ensure safe treatment.

Will cannabis make my dissociation or depersonalization worse?

Individual responses vary. Some people find that certain cannabis products, particularly those high in THC, may temporarily increase dissociation, while others report improvements. Starting with CBD-dominant products and very low doses of THC (if any) is often recommended for those concerned about dissociative symptoms.

How quickly will cannabis work for my PTSD symptoms?

The timeline varies by individual and consumption method. Some effects, like reduced acute anxiety, may be felt quickly with inhalation methods. Other benefits, such as overall symptom reduction and improved sleep patterns, may take days or weeks of consistent use to become apparent.

Will insurance cover medical cannabis for PTSD?

Some private insurers now offer coverage for medical cannabis, but coverage varies widely. Check with your insurance provider about specific policies. Many patients also qualify for medical cannabis expenses as tax deductions. As mentioned earlier, qualified Canadian Armed Forces veterans can receive 100% coverage through Veterans Affairs Canada.