#155: PTSD, Veterans, and Cannabis: A New Path to Relief
#155: PTSD, Veterans, and Cannabis: A New Path to Relief
For many Canadian veterans, the end of military service doesn’t mean the end of the battle. The transition back into civilian life can be challenging, especially for those who have experienced traumatic events during their service.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects veterans at significantly higher rates than the general population, and its impact can be felt across every part of life, from sleep and mood to relationships and day-to-day functioning.
While traditional treatments like counselling, antidepressants, or sleep medications can provide relief, they don’t work for everyone. Over the last decade, a growing number of veterans have turned to cannabis as a complementary tool to help manage symptoms and restore quality of life. Here's why:
Why military trauma often runs deeper
PTSD is more than just occasional stress or bad memories. It's a psychiatric condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, something military personnel encounter all too frequently during deployment.
The symptoms of PTSD cluster into four main categories: intrusive memories (flashbacks and nightmares), avoidance behaviours, negative changes in mood and thinking, and alterations in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, irritability, sleep problems).
PTSD isn’t limited to the military, but the nature of service creates unique risks. Soldiers are often exposed to situations that are physically and emotionally demanding, and they often witness or experience extreme violence. These experiences can reshape the nervous system long after deployment ends.
Many veterans describe the feeling as “never fully turning off,” even years later. Although cannabis won't cure PTSD, it has shown potential in providing relief for some of these symptoms.
Cannabis’ impact on PTSD
Cannabis has been increasingly recognized as a potential treatment option for veterans struggling with PTSD. Studies have shown that cannabinoids found in cannabis can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, memory, and stress responses.
When cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain, they can potentially reduce anxiety and fear responses, making them a promising option for individuals with PTSD. The interaction with the endocannabinoid system may also help to regulate sleep patterns and improve overall mood.
Think of the endocannabinoid system as a regulatory system for the body, similar to how the nervous and digestive systems function. When it is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health issues. Cannabinoids, whether from external sources like cannabis or from internal production within the body, can help to restore balance and promote overall well-being.
Beyond cannabinoids, cannabis also contains aromatic compounds called terpenes that contribute therapeutic benefits. Terpenes like myrcene, linalool, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene have been shown to have calming, anti-anxiety, and mood-enhancing properties that work synergistically with cannabinoids to provide relief.
Why veterans are turning to cannabis
There are a multitude of reasons why veterans may turn to cannabis as a treatment option. Here are the main reasons why cannabis is gaining popularity among veterans:
Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep is often one of the biggest challenges for veterans with PTSD. Nightmares, night sweats, and hypervigilance can make rest feel impossible. Better sleep can have a ripple effect: improved mood, reduced irritability, and a greater sense of control.
Pain Management: Chronic pain often plagues veterans due to injuries sustained during their service. Opioids have traditionally been used to manage this pain, but they come with a host of side effects and potential for addiction. Cannabis offers a more natural alternative with fewer negative side effects.
Anxiety and Depression Relief: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are often intertwined for veterans. Cannabis has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in some individuals without the negative side effects of traditional medications such as SSRIs.
Reduced Hyperarousal: One of the most debilitating aspects of PTSD is feeling constantly “on edge.” Cannabis may help soften the body’s stress response, promoting a sense of calm and reducing the intensity of fight-or-flight reactions.
Emotional Regulation: Some veterans report that cannabis helps them “create space” between themselves and overwhelming emotions. This can make it easier to participate in therapy, communicate with family, or simply get through the day without feeling flooded by stress.
Supporting Reintegration Into Civilian Life: Beyond symptom relief, cannabis can support social connection, creativity, and relaxation, all qualities that many veterans struggle to regain after service. A calm mind makes relationships easier to rebuild.
Veteran-specific tips for cannabis use
Cannabis use among veterans is not one-size-fits-all. Service history, trauma type, body chemistry, and lifestyle all influence what works best. Research suggests that balanced THC:CBD formulations may offer advantages over high-THC products alone. A balanced ratio (such as 1:1 CBD:THC) can provide symptom relief while minimizing potential anxiety or paranoia that high THC levels sometimes trigger.
Because PTSD can heighten sensitivity to stimulation, many veterans benefit from low-dose products. Too much THC can increase anxiety or restlessness, especially for those new to cannabis or returning after many years.
Delivery methods also matter. Inhalation (vaporizing) provides a rapid onset within minutes, making it useful for acute anxiety or panic. Oral products (such as oils and capsules) take longer to work but provide more sustained effects, which may be preferable for managing symptoms. Many veterans find that combining different delivery methods throughout the day provides optimal coverage.
A healthcare practitioner assigned to each veteran can help guide treatment plans, taking into account individual conditions, reactions and preferences. It's also important to note that cannabis may interact with certain medications, so speaking with a healthcare professional before adding it to your treatment plan is crucial.
Which Cannabis Format Fits Best?
Different symptoms respond to different formats. Veterans often explore options such as:
Oils and Tinctures: Great for sleep, anxiety, and provides long-lasting relief.
Balanced or CBD Edibles: Slow and steady effects, good for pain management and long-term relief.
Inhalation: Vaping or smoking can provide fast relief during high-stress moments and work well for sudden anxiety or flashbacks.
Topicals: Great for localized pain, inflammation, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
Terpenes play a meaningful role in how cannabis feels. Many veterans prefer cultivars rich in:
Myrcene: relaxing, sleep-supportive
Linalool: calming, lavender-like
Caryophyllene: grounding, anti-inflammatory
Limonene: mood-lifting without overstimulation
Whether it's smoking, vaping, or using topicals, each format has its own unique benefits and uses. By understanding the different ways to consume cannabis and how terpenes can enhance its effects, the experience can be tailored to each individual's needs and preferences.
Moving forward with purpose
Cannabis isn’t a cure for PTSD, and it’s not the right choice for everyone. But for a growing number of veterans, it has restored stability, comfort, and peace of mind. When paired with professional support, healthy routines, and community connection, it can play a powerful role in long-term healing. Ultimately, the path to healing is deeply personal, and exploring options like cannabis alongside a comprehensive support system can be a transformative step toward reclaiming one’s life.
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