What does cannabis research say about post-traumatic stress disorder? We've analyzed 4 peer-reviewed studies to give you an honest, evidence-based overview.
Multiple high-quality studies support cannabis for this condition.
Study found evidence of effectiveness
No significant effect found
More research needed
* Outcomes are based on our curated selection of research reviews. Individual study quality varies.
About This Research Summary: The information below aggregates findings from multiple peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is for educational purposes only.
Research summaries are our interpretations of published studies. Individual responses to cannabis vary significantly. These findings do not guarantee similar results for any individual.
Study data sourced from PubMed®. Not evaluated by the FDA. See our Research Content Policy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in some people after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events—combat, assault, accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations. About 6% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with higher rates among veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. PTSD involves four main symptom clusters: intrusive memories and flashbacks, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened reactivity including hypervigilance and sleep disturbances. Nightmares are particularly common and distressing, often preventing restorative sleep. Standard treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapy (like EMDR and Prolonged Exposure) and medications such as SSRIs. However, many patients—particularly veterans with combat-related PTSD—find these treatments only partially effective. This has driven significant interest in cannabis, especially for treatment-resistant cases.
The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in fear extinction—the process by which the brain learns that something previously threatening is now safe. PTSD may involve impaired fear extinction, keeping patients stuck in threat-response mode. Cannabinoids may help restore normal fear processing. For nightmares specifically, THC suppresses REM sleep, which is when most vivid dreams occur. While this isn't ideal long-term, it can provide desperately needed relief from nightly trauma re-experiencing. Synthetic THC (nabilone) has been specifically studied for PTSD nightmares with positive results. Cannabis may also help by reducing hyperarousal (the constant state of alertness), improving sleep overall, and reducing anxiety. For some patients, cannabis provides enough symptom relief to engage more effectively with trauma-focused therapy. However, cannabis is not without risks for PTSD. Some patients experience worsening anxiety with THC, and avoidance of processing trauma can be a concern if cannabis is used to suppress rather than address symptoms.
Note: This information summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical condition.
Based on our analysis of peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and post-traumatic stress disorder:
Based on research, these cannabinoids show the most promise for post-traumatic stress disorder:
THC has the strongest evidence for PTSD nightmares due to REM sleep suppression. The veteran nightmare study used nabilone (synthetic THC). Start with low doses at bedtime.
Combination products may help with daytime PTSD symptoms (anxiety, hypervigilance) while THC addresses nightmares. CBD may reduce THC's potential to increase anxiety in some patients.
CBD may help with anxiety and arousal symptoms without intoxication or REM suppression. Consider for daytime use or patients who don't tolerate THC well. Evidence for PTSD specifically is limited.
Individual responses vary. Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
For nightmares, THC is typically taken 30-60 minutes before bed. The veteran study used nabilone at 0.5-3mg nightly, equivalent to roughly 5-15mg of THC. Start at the low end and increase if needed. Daytime PTSD symptoms may benefit from CBD during the day and THC at night. Some patients use as-needed THC for acute anxiety or panic related to triggers. Be cautious about daily THC use—suppressing REM sleep long-term has unknown consequences, and tolerance develops over time. Consider intermittent use or scheduled breaks. Cannabis works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including therapy. Using cannabis to avoid addressing trauma may provide short-term relief but doesn't treat underlying PTSD.
Dosing information is based on clinical research and is for educational purposes only. Optimal dosing varies by individual, product formulation, and administration method. Always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly under medical supervision.
When considering cannabis for post-traumatic stress disorder, be aware of these potential concerns:
Discuss these considerations with your healthcare provider before starting cannabis therapy.
A study of military veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD nightmares found 70% experienced significant improvement with THC-based treatment. Many completely stopped having nightmares. Sleep quality and overall wellbeing also improved (Jetly et al., 2015).
Source: Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015 (PMID: 25467221)
Research is mixed. Evidence is strongest for nightmares (70% improvement in one study). A 2019 Lancet Psychiatry review found limited evidence for other PTSD symptoms, noting need for more rigorous trials despite many patients reporting benefit.
Source: Black et al., Lancet Psychiatry, 2019 (PMID: 31672337)
A study of military personnel found 70% had PTSD nightmares stop or significantly improve with THC-based medication when other treatments had failed. Many veterans use cannabis for PTSD, though VA cannot prescribe it due to federal law.
Source: Jetly et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015 (PMID: 25467221)
PTSD qualifies for medical marijuana in most states with programs, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, and many others. It became a qualifying condition in many states specifically due to veteran advocacy.
Source: State medical marijuana program regulations
Common questions about cannabis for post-traumatic stress disorder:
This 2023 review of 77 articles concludes that medical cannabis provides adequate pain management for chronic nonmalignant pain. THC and CBD work through the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception and symptom frequency.
All treatment groups, including placebo, showed good tolerability and significant improvements in PTSD symptoms during three weeks of treatment, but no active treatment statistically outperformed placebo in this brief, preliminary trial.
This comprehensive Lancet Psychiatry analysis of 83 studies found scarce evidence that cannabis helps mental health conditions. The only modest benefit was for anxiety in people already using cannabis for other conditions like chronic pain—and even this evidence was very low quality.
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.
Our reviews are just a starting point. Browse thousands more studies on PubMed for post-traumatic stress disorder.
PTSD is a qualifying condition in most states with medical marijuana programs. Many states added PTSD specifically in response to advocacy from veterans groups. Documentation of diagnosis from a mental health provider is typically required.
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.
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