PTSD & Medical Cannabis
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most studied indications for medical cannabis. Our team includes specialists in PTSD and veteran care.
Clinically reviewed by David Boguslavsky, MD — Board Certified Family Medicine & Medical Acupuncture · PremierMD, est. 2006 · Among NJ's first NJMMP-certified practices · Meet our team
PTSD as a Qualifying Condition
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to a traumatic event — combat, assault, accident, or prolonged abuse. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and avoidance of trauma triggers. For many patients, PTSD profoundly disrupts sleep, relationships, and daily function.
Research on cannabis for PTSD is growing, and it is most promising for sleep disturbance, hyperarousal, and nightmares. The VA can't recommend cannabis, but its providers can discuss it with you.
Who This May Help
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- First responders — police, fire, EMS
- Survivors of assault, abuse, or childhood trauma
- Patients who have experienced medical trauma
- Anyone with a PTSD diagnosis
How Cannabis May Help
The endocannabinoid system appears dysregulated in PTSD. Cannabis — particularly balanced THC:CBD preparations — has shown effectiveness in reducing nightmare frequency, improving sleep, decreasing hyperarousal, and reducing anxiety. It does not erase trauma memories, but for many patients it reduces the intensity of the trauma response enough to enable therapy and daily functioning.
Zainab Ali, PA-C, our psychiatric physician assistant, brings a trauma-informed approach to every evaluation and is skilled at working with patients who have had difficult experiences in the healthcare system.
Quick Facts
- NJ qualifying condition
- Veteran & first responder experience
- Medicare & Medicaid accepted
- Trauma-informed care
- 20+ years NJ family medicine