If you’re like many PTSD patients, then you know your treatment options aren’t always the most perfect option. The most commonly prescribed anti-depressants can lead to headaches, nausea, sleep issues, or being in an agitated state. After a period of time, drug dependency and weight gain can become an unwanted side effect along with increased risk of other serious medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
A Better Alternative to Prescription Medicine
Due to those complications, more people who have PTSD are seeking better options to relieve their symptoms. One thing that stands out as a viable alternative is CBD oil, also known as Cannabidiol. While there is still a lot of mystery surrounding CBD oil, what most people don’t realize is that it while it does come from the marijuana plant, it does not make the user feel “stoned” or “high” as they would if they had consumed marijuana.
The marijuana plant actually contains over 60 chemicals that are called cannabinoids. Two of these cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what creates the high or “stoned” feeling that people get from consuming marijuana. CBD oil only contains a trace amount of THC, and it’s not enough to produce those euphoric feelings.
In fact, CBD oil is considered as therapeutic, which is why you’ve likely noticed it in an increasing variety of health and beauty products. In addition, CBD oil benefits include it being an anti-anxiety and antipsychotic treatment, and that is why it has become a popular alternative for PTSD patients.
What are the CBD Oil Benefits for PTSD Patients?
PTSD affects a broad spectrum of people from children who have suffered due to traumatic experiences to our soldiers returning home from military combat. A number of treatments have been used on these individuals, yet CBD oil is quickly growing as the most effective form of relief from symptoms.
CBD oil consumption has been shown to drastically reduce anxiety, which is very common in those dealing with PTSD. It is also known to be well-tolerated among patients and does not produce the side-effects found with prescription medicines used for this purpose.
Veterans who have PTSD are usually given anti-depressants and/or anti-psychotic medications, but they aren’t as effective in treating symptoms as most would hope. Not to mention those who take these types of medications have trouble functioning in the real world due to drowsiness. They also experience weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth and a host of other medical issues that can be difficult to manage in everyday life.
With CBD oil, these symptoms can be significantly reduced and many who are treated with it state they sleep better, have more focus throughout the day, and they experience a decrease in experiencing traumatic memories. Studies on CBD oil benefits have shown that it is effective for treating other medical conditions like cancer, psychosis disorders, depression, and autism. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, reduces nausea, works to suppress seizures and can be used as an antioxidant to promote overall health.
Because of these findings, more people with PTSD are turning to CBD oil as a healthier and safer alternative to prescription medications. This allows them to leave behind all of the dangerous and unpleasant side effects and have access to a treatment that is non-addictive and provides long-term health benefits. Always check with your healthcare professional before making changes to your current prescription medicines.
How Do I Consume CBD Oil?
Most people assume that because marijuana is typically smoked that they would consume CBD oil in the same way. The truth is that CBD oil can be consumed in a variety of formats, depending on preference.
CBD Vape Blend or E-Liquid – With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, having CBD oil in vape format makes it easily consumable without the health problems associated with smoking. Using CBD oil in this format also allows for an easy on-the-go option and the medicinal properties of the oil can be felt rather quickly.
CBD Tinctures – While this format isn’t quite as concentrated as the oil itself, it still offers a high level of benefits along with convenience. With the use of a dropper, the tincture can be taken directly as drops in the mouth or mixed into food or beverages.
CBD Gelcaps – Easily take CBD oil along with any other daily supplements in this gelcap format. In this format, they can easily be taken anytime or anywhere and are easily absorbed for a consistent experience.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
Given that the legalization of marijuana is growing across the United States, you may be wondering if CBD oil is legal. The short answer is that it depends. The long answer is that it depends on where the CBD oil is sourced from.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has been writing legislation that has clearly muddied the waters as to what is legal when it comes to the marijuana plant and the products that are derived from it. And the law seems to be ever-changing and difficult to clearly decipher. The main source of confusion stems from legalization at the state level and illegal status at the federal level.
The key to CBD oil being legal is knowing how and where the CBD oil you purchase and/or consume is processed. Currently, the only legal CBD oil that can be purchased in the U.S. is when it is imported from a non-U.S. source. Because of this, it is essential to know that you’re buying CBD oil from a reputable source who follows this practice so you can help ensure the legality of your purchase.