CBD may reduce symptoms of PTSD, says a recently published study

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A retrospective case series published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that administration of oral CBD in addition to routine psychiatric case was associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reduction. The sample consisted of 11 adult patients diagnosed with PTSD taking either oral capsules of CBD, oral liquid sprays of CBD, or both, once or twice daily based on severity of PSTD symptoms. The mean starting dose of CBD (liquid, capsule, or both) was 33.18 mg, and the mean total dose of CBD prescribed at the 8-week follow-up appointment at the conclusion of the study period was 48.64 mg.

PCL-5 assessments were completed by patients every 4 weeks to monitor changes in the severity of PTSD symptoms. Results showed that after 4 weeks of treatment, 91% of patients reported a decrease in symptoms of PTSD, with mean scores decreasing 21% compared to baseline. After 8 weeks of treaments, 73% of patients reported an addition decrease in symptoms, an average of 9% compared to 4 weeks prior. However, at 8 weeks, 27% of patients did experience a mean increase of 8 in PCL-5 scores. Despite this, over the course of the study, subjects experienced an average decrease in PCL-5 scores of 28%, compared to baseline.

The CBD product used in this study was PlusCBD Oil from CV Sciences Inc. (Las Vegas, NV). “CV Sciences’ continued commitment to furthering scientific research allows us to better understand the benefits of CBD or a wide range of indications,” said Joseph Dowling, Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “After more than 80 years of prohibition, hemp CBD research has been severely hindered, but with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, we are beginning to understand the clinical benefits of CBD through scientific rigor. While we recognize that dietary supplements can’t be marketed for treating disease, we are pleased to support scientific progress by providing our PlusCBD Oil products to researchers and look forward to continued research on the clinical benefits of CBD for patients with PTSD, and other indications.”

Further research will be required to validate the results of this study, as there was no control, or precise dosing regimen, and the study has a very small sample size.
 

References:

1. Elms L et al. “Cannabidiol in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a case series.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 25, no. 4 (2019)