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PTSD can happen to anyone. Research shows that an estimated 70% of US adults have experienced a traumatic event once in their lives. Of these, 20% have gone to develop post-traumatic stress disorder oR PTSD.
One in thirteen people in the US will develop PTSD in their lifetime. This disorder affects more women than men. In fact, it's twice as likely to affect women than men. Stress caused by trauma can affect a person's life, including their physical, emotional, and mental well being. Research shows that prolonged trauma alters or disrupts a person's brain chemistry.
A growing body of research has proven that medical marijuana can offer relief to people who have PTSD. To obtain medical cannabis, you need a California medical marijuana card. Want to know how you can get a medical marijuana card in California.
In this post, we'll discuss what PTSD is, its symptoms, how to get a medical cannabis card, and if PTSD qualifies for medical marijuana treatment.
Does PTSD Qualify You For Medical Marijuana in California
California is one of the states that approved the use of medical cannabis to treat a wide range of conditions. It all started in 1996 when California passed Prop 215. This law permitted the people of California to obtain marijuana from local dispensaries for medicinal use.
Besides Prop 215, another law that legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes is Senate Bill 420. Both laws also list health conditions that qualify for medical marijuana treatment. So, does PTSD qualify for medical cannabis treatment?
Yes, it does.
What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. Examples of such traumatic events include a serious accident, natural disaster, terrorist act, rape, or war. This disorder was first diagnosed back in World War I and named shell shock.
In World War II, experts called this disorder combat fatigue. PTSD not only affects veterans but ordinary people too. Research shows that PTSD affects 3.5% of US adults each year. People with PTSD often experience disturbing thoughts and feelings. These feelings and thoughts last even after the traumatic event.
In most cases, people with this disorder relive the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks. As such, they may feel sad, angry, or even estranged from other people. It's common for people with PTSD to stay away from events or people who remind them of the traumatic events.
What Are the Risk Factors of PTSD?
Several risk factors lead to the development of PTSD. Any person who has witnessed a violent act or exposed to life-threatening situations will develop PTSD. This includes survivors of:
Violent acts in schools, public, and workplace
Sexual abuse or assault
Physical assault such as carjacking or mugging
Fires and car accidents
Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes
Plane crash
Terrorist act
Disasters caused by industrial accidents
PTSD is also common among:
Professionals who experienced traumatic situations. They include fire fighters, military personnel, medical service workers, search and rescue workers.
What Is the Estimated Risk of Developing PTSD?
For those who suffered or experienced a traumatic event, the estimated risk of developing PTSD is as follows:
Sexual abuse or rape - 49%
Physical assault - 31.9%
Train or car accident - 16.8%
Stabbing or shooting incidents - 15.4%
Life-threatening illness among adults and children - 10.4%
Natural disasters - 3.8%
You need to know that PTSD is not a sign of weakness. If you're experiencing PTSD symptoms, you might find it challenging to perform daily activities. They include:
Maintaining relationships and friendships
Making decisions
Remembering things
Coping with change
Your libido or se drive
Looking after yourself
Holding a job
Alongside PTSD, you may experience other mental disorders:
Depression
Anxiety and related disorders
Suicidal feelings
Self-harm
Dissociative disorders
Does Cannabis Work for PTSD?
Several studies have proven that medical cannabis works for PTSD. In a 2019 study, researchers sought to find out if cannabis use can modify the effect of PTSD on suicidal ideation and depression. Researchers relied on Canadian Community Health Survey Data on Mental Health.
They modeled the relationship between PTSD and all outcomes using logistic regression. Among 24,089 respondents, researchers discovered that there is epidemiological evidence that cannabis can reduce the effect of PTSD on suicidal and depressive states.
In another study conducted by NYU Langone Medical Center, researchers found that cannabis can offer relief from PTSD symptoms. They also discovered that people who have PTSD have lower levels of anandamide.
This neurotransmitter works by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. The system is responsible for happiness, fear, anxiety, and mood. Since the neurotransmitter acts as a natural antidepressant, it helps in turning off traumatic memories.
When you lack anandamide in your body, PTSD symptoms such as fear and anxiety emerge and increase. Taking medical cannabis offers more relief compared to over the counter antidepressants.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for PTSD in California
If you have PTSD, the best course of action is to pursue medical marijuana treatment. To buy or possess medical cannabis, you need a medical marijuana card. At OneLoveMD, we can help you get a California Medical Marijuana Card Online.
It only takes three steps. Visit OneLoveMD.org and fill in the registration form with your details. Please submit the form, and one of our medical marijuana doctors will review your application.
If your medical condition qualifies, our doctor will schedule a video chat. The video chat session allows our doctor to learn more about your condition and medical history. During your evaluation, our doctor will ask a couple of questions. Answer all these questions honestly.
After the video chat, our doctor will review the information provided. If everything checks out, you should receive pdf copies of your medical marijuana card and recommendation immediately. You'll also receive hard copies of both documents in 3 to 5 days.
Get your medical marijuana card today!