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Legalized Cannabis and PTSD Treatment

 

Continuing Education

This section brings together free in-depth Continuing Education resources for the Professional community concerned with trauma.

Legalized Cannabis and PTSD Treatment

  • Date Created: 11/30/2022
  • Time to Complete: 1 hour
  • Credits: ANCC, APA, ASWB, ACCME, NBCC, Other Orgs
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Course Series: PTSD 101, PTSD Consultation Lecture Series

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Legalized Cannabis and PTSD Treatment Author(s):

Melanie Hill, PhD

Description

Cannabis use is increasing among Americans, and most states have now legalized some form of cannabis for recreational and/or medical use. Several states specifically approve the use of medical cannabis for PTSD and some Veterans report using cannabis to relieve PTSD symptoms. However, research to date has produced insufficient evidence to support cannabis as a PTSD treatment, and some studies suggest chronic cannabis use can be harmful to individuals with PTSD. As such, there may be a lack of clarity for clinicians about how to address cannabis use among their patients with PTSD.

This course provides information about the prevalence of cannabis use and the types of cannabis products available. The author describes the relationship between PTSD and cannabis use and offers strategies for addressing cannabis use among patients with PTSD in clinical practice.

Goals and Objectives

  • Describe recent changes in the legal status and prevalence of cannabis use
  • Understand the current evidence base for potential harms and benefits of cannabis use for individuals with PTSD
  • Identify core treatment strategies for addressing cannabis use among patients with PTSD

PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health