What is Healer and why you should watch their webinar
Healer is a company that provides education and guidance on the use of medical cannabis for various health conditions. They offer online courses, webinars, podcasts, and other resources to help patients and health professionals learn more about the benefits and risks of cannabis therapy.
One of their latest webinars is titled “Studies on Cannabis for Anxiety and PTSD”, and it features Dr. Dustin Sulak, a renowned integrative medicine physician and cannabis expert, and Dr. Staci Gruber, a leading researcher on the effects of cannabis on the brain and behavior. The webinar covers the latest scientific evidence on how cannabis can help people with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as practical tips on how to use cannabis safely and effectively for these conditions.
If you are interested in learning more about how cannabis can help you or someone you know with anxiety or PTSD, you should watch this webinar. It is free and available on demand on the Healer website.
How cannabis can reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms
Anxiety and PTSD are common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. They can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, and often require long-term treatment with medication and psychotherapy.
Cannabis is a plant that contains hundreds of compounds, some of which have psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The most well-known ones are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have different and sometimes opposite effects on the brain and body.
According to the webinar, cannabis can reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms by modulating the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and molecules that regulate various physiological and psychological processes, such as mood, stress, memory, and pain. Cannabis can also interact with other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in emotional regulation and reward.
Some of the benefits of cannabis for anxiety and PTSD include:
- Reducing fear and negative emotions
- Enhancing positive emotions and coping skills
- Improving sleep quality and reducing nightmares
- Decreasing intrusive memories and flashbacks
- Lowering stress and cortisol levels
- Increasing social functioning and quality of life
How to use cannabis safely and effectively for anxiety and PTSD
While cannabis can have beneficial effects for anxiety and PTSD, it can also have adverse effects, such as paranoia, panic, impaired cognition, and dependence. Therefore, it is important to use cannabis with caution and guidance, especially if you have a history of mental health problems or substance abuse.
Some of the tips that the webinar provides on how to use cannabis safely and effectively for anxiety and PTSD are:
- Start low and go slow. Use the lowest dose and frequency that works for you, and increase gradually if needed. Avoid using too much or too often, as this can increase tolerance and side effects.
- Choose the right product and delivery method. Use products that are tested and labeled for potency and purity, and that suit your needs and preferences. For example, CBD-rich products may be more helpful for anxiety, while THC-rich products may be more helpful for PTSD. You can also choose between different delivery methods, such as inhalation, ingestion, or topical application, depending on the onset, duration, and intensity of the effects you want.
- Monitor your response and adjust accordingly. Keep track of how cannabis affects your anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as well as your mood, cognition, and behavior. Use a journal, an app, or a rating scale to record your experiences and outcomes. If you notice any negative effects, reduce or stop your cannabis use, and seek professional help if needed.
- Consult your doctor and therapist. If you are using cannabis for anxiety or PTSD, you should inform your doctor and therapist, and discuss the potential benefits and risks. They can help you monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan, and avoid any drug interactions or complications.
