June 27 marks the first-ever Post-traumatic stress disorder Awareness Day in the province of Ontario.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is catalyzed by a traumatic occurrence an individual has witnessed or experienced. The memories or impressions of these events can have a serious and long-lasting impact on an individual’s life.

Symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person, but can include recurring nightmares, avoiding loved ones, insomnia, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, mood swings, hyper vigilance, re-occurring memories that cause an individual to re-live trauma, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideation, constant anxiety, and numerous others.

But can cannabis help?

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that cannabinoids can be helpful in the treatment of PTSD symptoms, the data is mixed and more research is needed.

A 2018 review of studies that examined cannabis for the treatment of PTSD in veterans, for example, found that three of the five trials reviewed suggested there “might be a benefit” to treating symptoms with cannabis, whereas the other two discouraged use completely.

Although the medical community’s response to cannabis and PTSD is also wildly subjective, many physicians seem to be open to the drug’s potential as a treatment:

• veterans in cannabis-conservative Australia may now be prescribed cannabis oil by their general practitioner;
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved its first study of PTSD in veterans and cannabis, despite the drug being prohibited under federal law;
• states such as Connecticut, Arizona and Colorado approve PTSD as a qualifying illness to participate in medical marijuana programs; and the results of a decade-long study will be released later this year.

Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) suggests that those seeking treatment for PTSD visit a family doctor, counsellor or therapist, community mental health agency or community health centre.

“Our government is committed to helping people coping with post-traumatic stress disorder because we understand that mental health is health. This is why we are making historic investments in mental health and addictions to help Ontarians get access to the services they need, when and where they need them,” Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said in a news release.

Other resources related to PTSD include the PTSD Association of Canada, First Responders First, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.