This Veterans Day, Northwest Cannabis Company is extending a special offer as a token of appreciation to those who have served our country. We’re proud to provide a space where veterans and the broader community can connect and explore products that support well-being.
November 8th - 11th, Veterans get 35% OFF all weekend long.
As we observe this holiday, we’re also mindful of the unique challenges many veterans face, including those related to mental health. One area receiving growing attention is how cannabis may support veterans in managing certain symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly when it comes to improving sleep.
Veterans, PTSD, and the Importance of Sleep
For veterans with PTSD, sleep disturbances are a common challenge. Studies reveal that veterans often report issues like insomnia, nightmares, and general sleep quality declines. Good sleep, however, plays a critical role in mental and physical health, offering a foundation for improved resilience and recovery. With that in mind, some veterans have turned to cannabis, particularly strains higher in cannabidiol (CBD), as a potential aid for sleep quality.
According to research, the desire for better sleep is often a primary motivator for cannabis use among veterans with PTSD. Here’s what recent studies say about how cannabis may play a role in managing sleep disturbances associated with PTSD.
Research on Cannabis and Sleep in Veterans with PTSD
Sleep Improvement as a Priority. Many veterans use cannabis specifically to help with sleep. A study by Metrik et al. (2016) highlighted that veterans with both PTSD and major depressive disorder often turn to cannabis to manage sleep issues. In their research, veterans cited sleep improvement as a key reason for cannabis use, suggesting that alleviating sleep disturbances is one of the core motivations behind this choice.
Insomnia and PTSD Symptom Relief. Research from Betthauser, Pilz, and Vollmer (2015) found that veterans using cannabis for PTSD frequently reported benefits related to sleep, including reductions in insomnia. While more extensive studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions, these findings suggest cannabis might play a supportive role in managing certain symptoms associated with PTSD, such as poor sleep.
CBD’s Potential for Better Sleep Quality. Among Dutch veterans using cannabis, strains with higher CBD levels were reported to yield significant sleep benefits, according to Vermetten and Wit (2023). This aligns with what many veterans in the U.S. are discovering—that CBD, in particular, may offer calming effects that support improved rest without the high associated with THC.
Addressing Stigma and Increasing Access. Krediet et al. (2020) found that while many veterans found cannabis beneficial for managing PTSD symptoms, social stigma remains a barrier. We believe in providing a safe, judgment-free space for veterans to explore their options and access resources that align with their wellness needs. Our team is here to answer questions and provide insights into which products may support individual goals, including sleep improvement.
Literature Supports CBD’s Promise for Insomnia. A 2017 literature review by Babson, Sottile, and Morabito underscored the potential of CBD in managing insomnia, which is often a part of PTSD. The review suggests that CBD could play a unique role in enhancing sleep quality, making it a worthwhile option for those experiencing sleep disturbances as part of their PTSD journey.
Supporting Your Wellness Journey
Cannabis is increasingly being explored as a potential resource for wellness, and for veterans, it may offer support in managing certain challenges like sleep disturbances related to PTSD. Our team is knowledgeable and eager to guide you through product options, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience. We encourage you to come in and join a community that values and respects the journey to better health.
Don’t miss out on NWCC’s Veterans Day Sale—veterans receive 35% OFF all weekend, from Friday through Monday. We invite you to visit us, take advantage of this special offer, and explore options that may support you in living fully and sleeping well.
References
Babson, K., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9.
Betthauser, K., Pilz, J., & Vollmer, L. (2015). Use and effects of cannabinoids in military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.. American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 72 15, 1279-84 . https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp140523.
Bonn-Miller, M., Babson, K., & Vandrey, R. (2014). Using cannabis to help you sleep: heightened frequency of medical cannabis use among those with PTSD.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 136, 162-5 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.12.008.
Krediet, E., Janssen, D., Heerdink, E., Egberts, T., & Vermetten, E. (2020). Experiences with medical cannabis in the treatment of veterans with PTSD: Results from a focus group discussion. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 36, 244-254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.04.009.
Metrik, J., Jackson, K., Bassett, S., Zvolensky, M., Seal, K., & Borsari, B. (2016). The mediating roles of coping, sleep, and anxiety motives in cannabis use and problems among returning veterans with PTSD and MDD.. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 30 7, 743-754 . https://doi.org/10.1037/ADB0000210.
Vermetten, E., & Wit, J. (2023). Medical Cannabis for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Dutch Veterans: A Health Care Evaluation. Medical Research Archives. https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v11i11.4503.
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