“Public opinion has really outpaced science in terms of cannabinoid therapeutics,” said Dr. Leslie Lundahl, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “There are animal data that suggest it might be helpful, there are anecdotal reports that it might be helpful for pain or for PTSD or mood or anxiety, but we don’t really have any hard scientific data to really support that.”
That’s why Lundahl and her team at Wayne State University are launching a new study to find out whether CBD and THC can help with PTSD.
“Specifically, we’re looking at PTSD symptoms severity and then frequency and severity of suicidal thoughts and behavior,” Lundahl said.
The study will also test cognitive function and monitor vitals while also testing blood urine and saliva samples. When studying regular users, they’re hoping to find lower levels of THC that can produce effective results.
“That’s important because we know as you go higher in the concentration and level of THC, there are greater risks to using it,” Lundahl said. “Especially if you are using it chronically.”
