Can Cannabis Stop PTSD Nightmares? What Veterans Found
What Researchers Found About Ptsd and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015
Researchers
Canadian Forces Health Services (Canada)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
10 patients · 7 weeks
Key Finding
Military personnel with PTSD who took nabilone (a synthetic THC) experienced significant reduction in nightmare frequency, with 70% reporting reduced nightmares or completely stopping them.
Key Finding: Military personnel with PTSD who took nabilone (a synthetic THC) experienced significant reduction in nightmare frequency, with 70% reporting reduced nightmares or completely stopping them.
What Researchers Studied About Ptsd and Cannabis
PTSD nightmares are among the most treatment-resistant symptoms of the disorder. Many veterans experience them nightly, leading to severe sleep deprivation and worsening mental health.
Canadian military researchers tested whether nabilone—a synthetic cannabinoid similar to THC—could help reduce these debilitating nightmares when standard treatments had failed.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study:
• 10 Canadian military personnel with treatment-resistant PTSD nightmares • Randomly received nabilone (0.5-3mg at bedtime) or placebo for 7 weeks • Then switched to the other treatment for another 7 weeks • Nightmare frequency and intensity tracked with validated questionnaires
The crossover design meant each patient served as their own control.
Ptsd Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Significant reduction in nightmare frequency and intensity with nabilone
- 270% of patients reported complete cessation or satisfactory reduction in nightmares
- 3Improvements in overall sleep quality and duration
- 4Improvements in general wellbeing scores
- 5No serious adverse effects reported
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 70% | had complete or satisfactory nightmare reduction |
| 7 | weeks of treatment before effects were measured |
| 0.5-3mg | nightly dose of nabilone used |
| 10 | military personnel participated |
had complete or satisfactory nightmare reduction
weeks of treatment before effects were measured
nightly dose of nabilone used
military personnel participated
What This Means for Ptsd Patients
If you're a veteran or trauma survivor struggling with PTSD nightmares that haven't responded to other treatments, this study offers hope:
Key takeaways: • Cannabinoids may help when standard treatments fail • Most patients experienced meaningful nightmare reduction • Treatment was well-tolerated with no serious side effects
Important considerations: • This was a small study—results need confirmation in larger trials • Nabilone is a prescription medication, not the same as cannabis • PTSD treatment should be comprehensive, not just targeting nightmares
Talk to your mental health provider about whether cannabinoid therapy might be appropriate for your PTSD symptoms.
Quick Answers: Ptsd and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does weed help with PTSD nightmares?
Yes, cannabis may help PTSD nightmares. A 2015 study found 70% of veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD nightmares got relief with THC-based medication, with many completely stopping nightmares (Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology).
Source: Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015 (PMID: 25467221)
Can marijuana help veterans with PTSD?
Yes, research shows promise. A study of military personnel found 70% had their PTSD nightmares stop or significantly improve with THC-based treatment when nothing else had worked (Jetly et al., 2015).
Source: Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015 (PMID: 25467221)
Is PTSD a qualifying condition for medical marijuana?
Yes, PTSD qualifies in most medical marijuana states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. A 2015 study found cannabis helped 70% of veterans with treatment-resistant nightmares.
Source: Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015 (PMID: 25467221)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Very small sample size (only 10 patients)
- Used synthetic THC (nabilone), not whole-plant cannabis
- Participants were all military personnel—may not generalize to civilians
- Short study duration (7 weeks)
- Does not address other PTSD symptoms beyond nightmares
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Ptsd
This small but well-designed study found that a THC-based medication significantly reduced PTSD nightmares in military personnel when other treatments had failed. While larger studies are needed, it suggests cannabinoids deserve serious consideration for treatment-resistant PTSD.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Ptsd, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Jetly R, Heber A, Fraser G, Boisvert D. "The efficacy of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, in the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares: A preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design study" Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.08.003
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 11 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Ptsd
Can cannabis help with PTSD nightmares?
Yes, 70% found relief in research. A 2015 study found that 70% of military personnel with treatment-resistant PTSD experienced complete cessation or satisfactory reduction of nightmares with nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid.
Is PTSD a qualifying condition for medical marijuana?
Yes, PTSD qualifies in most medical marijuana states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. Research shows cannabis may help with PTSD-related nightmares.
Does cannabis help with all PTSD symptoms?
Evidence is limited for other symptoms. This study focused specifically on nightmares. Research on cannabis for other PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance is still emerging.