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cannabis patient care
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experienced user, to abor t panic attacks and intense
re-experiencing symptoms. This can be especially ef-
fective when the inhaled cannabis is followed by a re-
laxation technique.
• I have observed nearly universal success reducing or re-
solving trauma-related nightmares and sleep distur-
bance with THC-dominant oral preparations, usually in
the 5-25 mg range. This essential priority often yields
global improvements in symptoms around the clock.
• For people who inhale THC-dominant cannabis, select-
ing the right variety can be essential. Some THC-domi-
nant varieties are known for their anti-anxiety effects,
while others are commonly anxiety-producing. Inhaling
CBD-dominant or mixed THC/CBD cannabis can also work
very well with less risk of worsening anxiety.
• Concurrent nonpharmacological treatments, such as
cognitive and behavioral therapies, breathing exercis-
es and meditations, biofeedback, and physical exercise,
are likely to improve to effectiveness of cannabis. Vid-
eos teaching some of these techniques can be found at
Healer.com/wellness.
Cautions
• High doses and inhaled delivery of THC-dominant canna-
bis, including cannabis concentrates, and are most likely
to acutely increase anxiety.
• Long-term, high-dose cannabis use that leads to toler-
ance may worsen baseline anxiety symptoms over time
and increase the likelihood of anxiety symptoms during
withdrawal. To learn how to reverse and avoid cannabis
tolerance, see my Sensitization Protocol at Healer.com/
programs/sensitization-protocol/.
• In certain individuals with trauma-related conditions,
cannabis use may increase avoidant behaviors. Regular-
ly engaging in safe and supportive social interactions is
essential, even if uncomfortable at first.
Conclusion
Dysfunction in the ECS may predispose people to developing
anxiety and trauma-related disorders, and using cannabis to
target the ECS in these conditions can address both the symp-
toms and support a healing process of the underlying prob-
lems. Human experiments also suggest that cannabinoids can
Figure 1:
