Can CBD Products Support Veterans with PTSD?

November is the month we pay tribute to our veterans as Veteran’s Day falls on November 11th. 

In addition to Veteran’s Day, the United States Marine Corps’ birthday is recognized on  November 10th. Some say November is National Military Family Month — and it’s only fitting that we pay tribute to the military and their families.

Military support hits close to home for us here at Straight Hemp. Our founder, Devin Alvarez, is a US Air Force Academy graduate. 

We understand that veterans often leave the military with physical and mental injuries. These are often grouped under the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, studies show that  “500,000 U.S. troops who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq war in the last 15 years have been diagnosed with suffering from PTSD.”

Although there are medications available to help resolve PTSD, all of them come with significant side effects. That’s where CBD comes in.

Understanding PTSD

PTSD is a mental health disease that affects people who have experienced life-altering events. When it comes to our United States Military Veterans, preparing for and facing combat, death, and war are the primary causes of PTSD.

Studies suggest  that people who suffer from PTSD can experience “night terrors, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, memory alterations, lack of concentration, startled responses, and more.” People who suffer from PTSD often experience severe and abrupt mood shifts.

PTSD & Your Brain

Research indicates that people who suffer from PTSD are experiencing “stress-induced changes in their overall brain function and structure” (Traumatic Stress: Effects on the Brain). 

Touro University WorldWide conducted brain research that found when your brain feels chronically stressed out, brain function is impaired and disrupts synapse regulation and ultimately starts to shrink the prefrontal cortex — the part of your brain that houses your memory and ability to learn.

In fact, in some of the most severe cases, PTSD alters the brain composition so much that veterans and non-veterans alike who suffer from PTSD resort to suicide to find relief.

CBD & PTSD Brain Implications

Medical Disclaimer

It’s important to understand that our Colorado created Straight Hemp CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including PTSD. While our CBD products go through rigorous testing procedures to ensure our CBD products are premium quality products we make no medical claims about our CBD products.

Understanding CBD & PTSD In The Brain 

Although we make no medical claims about our Straight Hemp CBD products, we understand various medical studies have been conducted to show the value CBD has in treating medical illnesses such as PTSD. 

In fact, medical research conducted by the Veterans Affairs has shown that “the use of CBD has suppressed chronic anxiety by increasing hippocampal AEA.” The VA.org also acknowledges that CBD oil products have the potential to help veterans who suffer from mental illnesses such as PTSD.

When users ingest a CBD oil, or any other CBD product, some of the brain's central nervous system receptors react to the CBD products. In the case of people who suffer from PTSD, their anxiety levels can be caused because of a chemical imbalance happening in their brain. Studies have been conducted that suggest CBD products create stronger signals to allow brain neurotransmitters to connect with one another, which in turn contributes to eliminating anxieties and stresses that start in the brain, thereby helping alleviate PTSD symptoms.

Do You Suffer From PTSD?

First and foremost, if you are a veteran we want to thank you for your service. 

As a small token of our appreciation, all military members receive a 30% discount on Straight Hemp CBD oils, creams, vapes, and gels. Don’t forget to put in your 30% off code at checkout 

At Straight Hemp, we want to help you return to a balanced state of being.

Check out more of our Straight Hemp CBD products