St. Paul, MN: Post-traumatic stress patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis access program report fewer symptoms following the initiation of marijuana therapy, according to data compiled by the state Department of Health.
Regulators surveyed over 700 enrollees with PTS who had used medical cannabis for three months. Over 70 percent of respondents showed a "clinically meaningful" reduction on a screening tool designed to measure the severity of their symptoms. Respondents reported that cannabis reduced symptoms of anxiety, stress, and chronic pain while also improving sleep and mood regulation. Patients using medical cannabis also became more open to participating in psychological therapies.
"This study shows [that] many patients with PTSD enrolled in the program are experiencing substantial benefits," said Dr. Tom Arneson, research manager with the Health Department’s Office of Medicinal Cannabis.
Eighteen-percent of the total number of patients enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.
For more information, contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director. Additional information regarding cannabis and PTS is available online.