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Short and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Emily M LaFrance, Nicholas C. Glodosky, Marcel O Bonn-Miller, Carrie Cuttler

Journal of Affective Disorders September 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.132 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational study using self-reported app data (latent change score and multilevel models) Peer reviewed
Sample size 404
Population Self-identified medical cannabis users with PTSD who used the Strainprint app
Duration 31 months
Topics Anxiety Cannabis PTSD
Keywords Flashbacks Intrusions Irritability
Key findings Cannabis use was followed by immediate reductions of more than 50% in intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, irritability, and anxiety. Higher doses predicted larger reductions in intrusions and anxiety, and dose for anxiety rose over time. Because baseline symptom severity remained constant and anxiety dose escalated, the authors suggest cannabis may not be an effective long-term remedy, possibly due to tolerance.

Abstract

Many individuals use cannabis to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system represents a viable target for treating these symptoms. Data from 404 medical cannabis users who self-identified as having PTSD were obtained from Strainprint®, a medical cannabis app that patients use to track changes in symptoms as a function of different strains and doses of cannabis across time. This sample collectively used the app 11,797 times over 31 months to track PTSD-related symptoms (intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, irritability, and/or anxiety) immediately before and after inhaling cannabis. Latent change score models were used to examine changes in symptom severity and predictors of these changes (gender, dose, cannabis constituents, time). Multilevel models were used to explore long-term consequences of repeatedly using cannabis to manage these symptoms. All symptoms were reduced by more than 50% immediately after cannabis use. Time predicted larger decreases in intrusions and irritability, with later cannabis use sessions predicting greater symptom relief than earlier sessions. Higher doses of cannabis predicted larger reductions in intrusions and anxiety, and dose used to treat anxiety increased over time. Baseline severity of all symptoms remained constant across time. The sample was self-selected, self-identified as having PTSD, and there was no placebo control group. Cannabis provides temporary relief from PTSD-related symptoms. However, it may not be an effective long-term remedy as baseline symptoms were maintained over time and dose used for anxiety increased over time, which is indicative of development of tolerance.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on cannabis for anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Former chronic methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) users report mild depressive symptoms Former chronic ecstasy users 2001 Observational cohort n = 29
Rates and correlates of cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms in over 230,000 people who use cannabis International sample of people who use cannabis (PWUC) 2022 Observational cohort n = 233,475
Who Turns to Amazonian Medicine for Treatment of Substance Use Disorder? Patient Characteristics at the Takiwasi Addiction Treatment Center Patients with substance use disorders seeking treatment 2020 Observational study
Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption. Adults with no prior exposure to ayahuasca participating in neo-shamanic ayahuasca... 2025 Prospective cohort study n = 66
Naturalistic use of psychedelics is associated with longitudinal improvements in anxiety and depression during global crisis times. Citizen science cohort recruited agnostically to an interest in drug use 2025 Observational cohort n = 242,260

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