How Does CBD Help with PTSD?

CBD has taken the wellness world by storm. From social media buzz to local CBD shops popping up across the U.S., this non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant is getting serious attention for its therapeutic properties. Research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may help with inflammation, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Blessing et al., 2015; Elms et al., 2019).

If you’re wondering whether CBD products might be right for you, keep reading to learn how they may help manage PTSD symptoms and improve overall well-being.

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What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants, particularly hemp. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t produce a psychoactive “high.” Instead, it’s recognized for its potential to ease symptoms associated with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Migraines
• Chronic pain
• Autoimmune diseases

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a regulatory system in the body involved in sleep, mood, immune response, and stress management (Zou & Kumar, 2018).

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What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events such as:

• Military combat
• Abuse or violence
• Serious accidents
• Natural disasters
• Sudden loss of a loved one

PTSD symptoms vary but often include flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, and emotional detachment. It affects about 6% of U.S. adults at some point in their lives (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

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Common PTSD Symptoms

• Difficulty sleeping
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares or recurring dreams
• Flashbacks of traumatic events
• Avoidance of people, places, or thoughts associated with trauma
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
• Self-harming or reckless behavior

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How Does CBD Help with PTSD?

Emerging research and clinical case reports suggest that CBD may be helpful in treating PTSD-related symptoms due to its interaction with ECS receptors in the brain and nervous system (Bitencourt & Takahashi, 2018).

1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

CBD is known for its anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels (Blessing et al., 2015). This makes it especially beneficial for people experiencing PTSD-induced anxiety or panic attacks.

2. Supports Emotional Balance

CBD can positively influence serotonin receptors in the brain, which may help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of depression that often co-occur with PTSD (Campos et al., 2012).

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Stress and trauma can lead to chronic inflammation in the body. CBD has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, which may improve physical symptoms such as muscle tension or pain (Nagarkatti et al., 2009).

4. Improves Sleep Quality

CBD may aid sleep by reducing anxiety and helping the body relax. In one clinical case series, CBD was associated with improved sleep scores in PTSD patients (Shannon et al., 2019).

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Most Effective Ways to Take CBD for PTSD

1. CBD Tinctures

Tinctures are a fast-acting option taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.

Benefits:

• Fast-acting
• Easy to adjust dosage
• Long-lasting relief

2. CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are discreet, pre-dosed, and perfect for everyday use—especially for managing stress throughout the day.

Benefits:

• Tasty and convenient
• Great for beginners
• No measuring required

3. CBD Topicals

While not typically used for PTSD alone, CBD creams or balms can help relieve muscle tension caused by stress-related physical symptoms.

Benefits:

• Localized relief
• Non-psychoactive
• Easy to apply

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Is CBD Right for You?

If you’re considering CBD to manage PTSD symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you're taking other medications. CBD may interact with enzymes like cytochrome P450, which can affect drug metabolism (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2021).

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Shop High-Quality CBD Products

From CBD tinctures and gummies to topicals, we offer a curated selection of lab-tested, hemp-derived products to help support your mental and physical well-being. Whether you're navigating stress or trauma or simply want to sleep better, there's a CBD product designed for your needs.

👉 Explore our collection and find your calm.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Bitencourt, R. M., & Takahashi, R. N. (2018). Cannabidiol as a therapeutic alternative for post-traumatic stress disorder: From bench research to confirmation in human trials. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 502. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00502

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

Campos, A. C., Guimarães, F. S., & Fogaca, M. V. (2012). Cannabidiol increases 5-HT1A receptor activity and blocks the anxiogenic effects of THC. British Journal of Pharmacology, 167(8), 1609–1617. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02050.x

Elms, L., Shannon, S., Hughes, S., & Lewis, N. (2019). Cannabidiol in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A case series. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(4), 392–397. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0437

Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). FDA and cannabis: Research and drug approval process. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd

Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833