CBD and Veterans. Help for PTSD, Pain, and Anxiexty

For someone who has never dealt with it, PTSD is tough to comprehend. Affecting nearly every system in the body, post-traumatic stress disorder manifests itself in ways that make it hard to treat. From nightmares and depression to anxiety and feelings of guilt, PTSD can have serious effects on a veteran’s everyday life.

While various drugs are used to treat PTSD, most of them were created for different purposes and are being given “off label” to treat mood disorders and nightmares, among other symptoms. These drugs treat symptoms individually and bring adverse effects, which means they must be paired with other medicines that have their own risks. While traditional pharmaceuticals often do more harm than good in the treatment of PTSD, cannabidiol or CBD shows great promise as a natural remedy. In this guide, we’ll discuss CBD and its benefits for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

 

PTSD: What Is It?

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD may occur after a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms including avoidance, intrusion, negative cognitions, and reactivity. Avoidance is the tendency to avoid reminders of the event, while intrusion is the constant reliving of the experience.

Negative cognitions include feelings of shame, anger, and detachment, and reactivity consists of anxiety, hyper-vigilance, aggression, reckless behavior, trouble concentrating, irritability, and insomnia. When combined, these symptoms have severe effects on the lives of veterans, their families, and their friends. However, our CBD creams and other products may help.

 

Cannabidiol and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

While it’s used to mitigate a range of other conditions, CBD or cannabidiol shows enormous potential in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Numerous studies show that CBD can effectively improve and alleviate ailments related to PTSD, including anxiety, elevated cortisol levels, inflammation, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Scientific evidence suggests that CBD may treat all these symptoms at the same time without the negative effects linked to medical marijuana.

While additional research is necessary into when, why, how, and in what dosage CBD is most beneficial, for some veterans, these extracts have few side effects. Cannabidiol may, in some cases, replace the many pharmaceuticals used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s not surprising that the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want its profits wiped out by a plant extract that cannot be patented. Therefore, they do everything possible to prevent the use of CBD oil as a treatment for PTSD. That’s why most of today’s products are labeled as full-spectrum hemp oil instead of CBD oil.

The use of CBD gummies by veterans isn’t as common as it should be, simply because of the U.S. military’s policies. They have zero tolerance for cannabis consumption: one strike and you are out. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not advocate or advertise the use of cannabidiol as a treatment for PTSD, despite evidence that supports its benefits. Another reason for this may be the sponsorship funding VA physicians receive from the pharmaceutical industry.

 

 

Why Veterans Aren’t Turning to Cannabidiol Products

Today’s popular culture doesn’t always represent medicinal cannabis in a respectable way, and we know that many veterans face internal conflicts regarding the best way to treat their conditions. Most soldiers stopped consuming cannabis in their teen years, instead buying into the military’s zero tolerance policies. When re-entering the civilian world, veterans must reconcile their prior experiences with a balanced, modern approach to healing and cannabinoids. We’re striving to remove the stigma associated with cannabis use, and that’s why full-spectrum hemp oil is one of our best products.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce the lethargy and fatigue that’s commonly associated with cannabis. Additionally, while tetrahydrocannabinol can lead to feelings of paranoia and anxiety, CBD does the opposite and can even negate the adverse effects of THC. When compared to other drugs, cannabidiol has little potential for misuse because it doesn’t create psychoactive effects.

 

What’s the Right Dosage?

The effectiveness of cannabidiol products comes down to accurate dosing, which is an individualized process. We suggest starting with a low dose and gradually working your way up until the desired results are achieved. Higher doses can be taken during the evening when sleepiness isn’t an issue, while low doses are best for waking hours.

Many veterans say that cannabidiol helps to suppress the overactive nerves that trigger many of their post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. While the treatment may not work for every patient, some vets find CBD to be a very effective sedative that provides a relaxing and restful sleep experience.

 

The Future of CBD as a Treatment for Veterans’ PTSD

Mounting evidence shows that cannabidiol products, including CBD gel, are a promising treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. However, this alternative route may not be taken by the VA, at least not in the foreseeable future. Even though it can’t be misused, there are strict regulations against the consumption of cannabis products. In some places, the VA is more lenient and does not perform regular drug testing. In others, though, the Department of Veterans Affairs administers tests before filling amphetamine or opiate prescriptions, limiting patients’ ability to self-medicate via natural means.

Although medicinal cannabis and CBD topicals are receiving widespread attention, there are numerous barriers preventing its medical use by those who need them most. While the American Medical Association is skeptical of cannabis products, the evidence supporting cannabidiol is undeniable and few risks have been documented. Visit us today to learn about our CBD creams, CBD topicals, and other products.

 

 

Our Products

Hemp Emu’s products are naturally inspired and grounded in the desire to change the world for the better. We offer:

• CBD creams
• CBD gummies
• CBD oil
• CBD roll-on
• CBD gel
• CBD topicals
• CBD cream

….and much more. Whether you need a CBD topical or a CBD tincture, or any other form of cannabidiol, we have you covered.

Our organically grown products have been created to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and help veterans live happier, calmer, and more fulfilling lives. With a natural CBD tincture or another derivative, vets can not only survive, but thrive after a PTSD diagnosis. Contact us today to learn how our CBD roll-on products can help veterans manage and overcome their PTSD symptoms.