CBD and PTSD: How cannabidiol can help overcome traumatic experience

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psycho-emotional condition that occurs after a traumatic event. It can manifest itself in the form of anxious thoughts, nightmares, sudden emotional outbursts, and a feeling of constant threat even in a safe environment. PTSD destroys the sense of stability, affects relationships, work performance and overall quality of life, leaving a person feeling "stuck" in the past.

Traditional treatments – psychotherapy and medication – are effective, but they do not always completely eliminate symptoms. Therefore, more and more people are looking for additional tools to support their condition. One such approach is CBD (cannabidiol), a natural compound that has already shown promising results in reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and mitigating reactions to traumatic memories. Below, we will take a closer look at how CBD helps overcome PTSD, how to use it correctly, and what scientific studies say about it.

Mechanism of action: how does CBD help with PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects several body systems at once – from brain function to sleep quality. That is why PTSD symptoms are so diverse: from anxiety and obsessive thoughts to nightmares and physical exhaustion. CBD affects key areas of the brain and nervous system, helping to reduce the intensity of these symptoms. It acts gently, without causing any psychoactive effects, and this is what makes it a promising addition to complex therapy.

One of the important mechanisms is the effect on the amygdala, which is responsible for the fear response. In PTSD, it is constantly in a state of "alertness," which provokes panic and hyperarousal. CBD helps to reduce the activity of this structure and also regulates serotonergic pathways, which are directly related to a state of calm and emotional balance. This reduces the intensity of reactions to triggers and helps a person gradually regain a sense of security. Here are the main effects of CBD in PTSD:

• reduction of anxiety and panic reactions;

• improved sleep quality and depth, reduced frequency of nightmares;

• reduction in the intensity of flashbacks and intrusive memories;

• stabilisation of emotional background and restoration of the ability to concentrate;

• supporting neuroplasticity and reducing neuroinflammatory processes.

Particular attention should be paid to research conducted by scientists such as Claire Alexander and Maryam Wasifi. In their work, they showed that CBD can reduce the activity of the amygdala and suppress excessive stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). This helps to reduce anxiety and panic levels and also helps the body to "switch from a constant state of alertness to a state of rest." The results of this study can be found in the scientific article on ScienceDirect.

Thanks to this mechanism, CBD helps people suffering from PTSD regain a basic sense of control over their condition. The number of painful flashbacks decreases, sleep becomes more restorative, and anxiety gradually fades into the background. That is why scientists' interest in cannabidiol is constantly growing — it is becoming an important tool on the path to harmony between body, mind, and emotions.

At Tereno, we are convinced that natural remedies can be a powerful support in restoring balance. That is why we have created a wide selection of certified CBD products that help you take care of yourself every day. You can choose the format that best suits your needs by browsing our full product catalogue . It's a simple and reliable step towards adding more peace and inner balance to your life.

Scientific research and practice

The scientific community is increasingly studying the potential of CBD in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers are analysing both the practical results of using cannabidiol in patients and its effect on brain structures. This gives us a more complete picture: from changes in people's daily well-being to specific mechanisms triggered in the nervous system.

In the following sections, we will look at two key areas: clinical observations of patients with PTSD who received CBD, and molecular studies that explain how this substance affects brain function. This approach allows us to combine practical results with scientific explanations and better understand the role of CBD in overcoming traumatic experiences.

Clinical studies: methods and results of CBD use in PTSD

One of the first practical confirmations of the effectiveness of cannabidiol in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder was the work of Lucas Elms and colleagues, published in PubMed. This study aimed to evaluate how CBD affects PTSD symptoms in real patients. The authors focused on the dynamics of symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, and overall stress levels.

The methodology was quite simple: 11 patients diagnosed with PTSD participated in the study. They received CBD orally for 8 weeks in combination with basic psychiatric care. The PCL-5 (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist) scale was used to assess changes, allowing symptoms to be quantified using special questionnaires.

The results were encouraging: 10 out of 11 patients experienced a reduction in symptoms, and the average PCL-5 score decreased by 28%. At the start of the study, the average score was 51.82 points, but after 4 weeks, this figure fell to 40.73, and after 8 weeks, to 37.14. Patients also reported a significant reduction in nightmares and improved sleep, confirming the potential of CBD as a supportive treatment.

The infographic provided in the article (image attached below) clearly shows this dynamic: the graph reflects a steady decline in the average PCL-5 score over time. The most dramatic drop occurred in the first 4 weeks, after which the effect stabilised and continued to strengthen. This suggests that regular use of CBD may gradually reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms.

PCL-5 infographic

Thus, the study by Lucas Elms and colleagues became an important starting point for further clinical trials. It showed that cannabidiol is well tolerated by patients, does not cause serious side effects, and can significantly improve the quality of life in PTSD. At the same time, the authors emphasise that CBD is not a substitute for primary therapy, but only complements it, creating conditions for a more harmonious recovery.

Molecular mechanisms: Research by Claire Alexander and Maryam Vasefi

To understand why CBT can help with PTSD, it is important to look at its effect on brain structures. Scientists Claire Alexander and Maryam Wasifi conducted a study, the results of which were published on the ScienceDirect portal. The focus was on the so-called corticoraphe circuit, a neural pathway that connects the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These areas of the brain are most actively involved in the formation of fear and anxiety responses.

The authors found that CBD affects several key processes at once. First, it reduces the activity of the DRN, which usually releases excess serotonin in PTSD. Second, it restores balance in the prefrontal cortex, helping the brain to better control emotions. Thirdly, cannabidiol weakens the hyperactivity of the amygdala, which is responsible for "feelings of fear" and flashbacks. Here are the main functions of CBD identified in the study:

1. It suppresses excessive neuron activity in the DRN.

2. Reduces serotonin release, preventing "overloading" of the nervous system.

3. Activates the prefrontal cortex (mPFC), restoring control over fear responses.

4. Inhibits excessive excitation in the amygdala, reducing the intensity of flashbacks.

5. Stabilises neural pathways without psychoactive effects.

These processes are shown in detail in the diagrams provided in the article, which we have attached below. 

Regulation of the interaction between the DRN and the prefrontal cortex using CBD

The first image shows how CBD regulates the interaction between the DRN and the prefrontal cortex: serotonin and glutamate are released in controlled amounts, reducing anxiety and stabilising the emotional background.

The effect of CBD on amygdala hyperactivity

The second image illustrates how cannabidiol reduces hyperactivity of the amygdala by blocking excessive release of fear signals.

Thus, the results of the study confirm that CBD works not only at the level of symptoms, but also on deep neurobiological mechanisms. This allows the body to gradually return to a state of balance, making traumatic memories less destructive. In combination with psychotherapy, this action creates a solid foundation for recovery and control of PTSD symptoms.

Practical conclusions

Research data shows that CBD can help people with PTSD sleep better, cope with memories of traumatic events more easily, and reduce levels of constant anxiety. However, it is important to emphasise that this is not a "miracle cure" but a promising additional tool in complex therapy.

CBD can be considered as a way to alleviate daily symptoms, but only in combination with psychotherapy and under the supervision of a specialist. It is this comprehensive approach that ensures long-lasting results and a true restoration of inner balance.

How to use CBD for PTSD?

CBD can be an excellent additional tool in combating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is important to use it wisely and safely. First of all, it is important to understand that cannabidiol is not a substitute for primary therapy, such as psychotherapy or medication. It should only be considered as an adjunct that can relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce the intensity of emotional reactions.

Another important point is to consult with your doctor. Even though CBD is considered safe and well tolerated, it can interact with certain medications. Therefore, before starting to take it, be sure to discuss the dosage, form, and frequency of use with your healthcare professional. This will help you avoid unwanted effects and find the optimal regimen. To make your choice easier, we suggest you familiarise yourself with the most common forms of CBD products for PTSD support:

1. Oil. A versatile option that can be dosed in drops under the tongue. It acts quickly and allows for flexible dose adjustment.

2. Capsules. Convenient for those who value precision and consistency. Each capsule contains a fixed amount of the substance.

3. Combined products with adaptogens. Help to enhance the overall effect and support the balance of the nervous system.

It is always recommended to start with the minimum dose. This is usually around 30 mg per day, after which the dose can be gradually increased while monitoring the body's response. Some clinical studies use average doses of 100-300 mg per day, but this amount is not suitable for everyone and requires medical supervision.

The main thing is to be attentive to your condition and not rush. The use of CBD should bring relief, not become a source of additional problems. That is why a doctor's consultation, the right choice of product form, and a gradual increase in dosage are the key to safe and effective results.

You may also be interested in this article – CBD for stress: how cannabidiol helps you calm down naturally.

Conclusion

CBD is gaining attention as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies show that it helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and reduce the intensity of painful flashbacks. At the same time, cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects, making it safe for daily use within the recommended doses.

It is important to understand that CBD is not a panacea, but only an additional tool that enhances the effectiveness of traditional treatments. Psychotherapy, medical support, and other elements of a comprehensive approach remain the foundation for overcoming PTSD. The use of cannabidiol can be that "soft resource" that facilitates the recovery process and helps a person feel more in control of their condition.

The promise of CBD is confirmed by both clinical observations and molecular research. It affects key areas of the brain associated with the formation of fear and anxiety, restoring the balance between emotions and cognitive control. This creates conditions for traumatic experiences to cease to define a person's life and remain in the past.

Therefore, CBD can be considered an important component of the path to harmony, if used wisely and under the supervision of specialists. It is a way to give the body additional support, reduce the burden of symptoms, and open up space for psychotherapy and restoration of inner balance.