In my previous blog, I covered the basics of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and highlighted its crucial role in regulating stress, mood, and emotional responses. Now, I want to dive deeper into a more specific topic: how trauma affects the ECS.
The Link Between PTSD and the ECS
Around a decade ago, research from NYU Langone Medical Center discovered that people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) had lower levels of anandamide, which is a natural endocannabinoid linked to feelings of joy, pride and emotional stability. Anandamide works with CB1 receptors in the brain to regulate fear, anxiety, and stress therefore the lack of it was shown to lead to heightened anxiety and fear—core symptoms of PTSD.
Read the full study here: BioMed Central.
The Potential Role of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs)
At present, no medication has been specifically developed to treat PTSD. However, Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) could offer a valuable alternative. As discussed in my previous blog, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, found in cannabis, can mimic the body’s natural endocannabinoids. THC binds to CB1 receptors, helping regulate emotional responses so in a way replicating some of anandamides traits, while CBD increases anandamide levels directly by preventing its breakdown in the body. Together, these cannabinoids could help bring the ECS back into balance for those with trauma-related conditions.
Challenges in the NHS
The research from NYU also suggests that more thorough screening—such as monitoring anandamide levels and CB1 receptor activity—could improve PTSD diagnoses and treatments. However, implementing this kind of screening in the NHS would put even more strain on a system that is already dealing with long waitlists and heavy demand. This challenge highlights the difficulty of incorporating ECS-related screening into mainstream healthcare despite its potential benefits. Regardless, the information we have available is now at a stage where I would confidently class it as ‘slept on’ and a change is required.
Sources:
Science Daily 2013
BioMed Central
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