Vancouver, Canada: The use of cannabis among those clinically diagnosed with post-traumatic stress (PTS) is associated with reduced rates of severe depression and suicidal ideation, according to clinical data published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
Canadian researchers assessed the use of cannabis among PTS patients in a nationally representative sample. Researchers reported that PTS patients who did not consume cannabis were approximately seven times more likely to have experienced a recent major depressive episode and 4.7 times more likely to have thoughts of suicide as compared to those who acknowledged using marijuana.
Authors concluded, “This study provides preliminary epidemiological evidence that cannabis use may contribute to reducing the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depressive and suicidal states.”
Data published earlier this year reported that PTS patients enrolled in a state-sponsored medical cannabis access program experienced a “clinically meaningful” reduction in their symptoms following the initiation of marijuana therapy.
For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the study, “Does cannabis use modify the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on severe depression and suicidal ideation? Evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study of Canadians” appears in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Additional information is available in the NORML fact-sheet, ‘Marijuana and Veterans Issues.’