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Cannabis users in a one-year prospective PTSD study were more likely to no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
A naturalistic study reported acute reductions in several self-rated PTSD symptom domains after cannabis use. Journal of Affective Disorders
PTSD symptoms typically begin immediately after or within one month of a traumatic event. World Health Organization
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is a recognised response to trauma rather than a sign of weakness.
Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, persistent feelings of guilt, shame, fear or anger, and self-destructive behaviour. They can disrupt sleep, relationships and the ability to feel safe in everyday situations.
Recognising the impact
Common post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) symptoms
PTSD affects people differently, and symptoms may surface weeks, months or sometimes years after the event.
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Nightmares and disturbed sleep
- Feeling constantly on guard (hypervigilance)
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Irritability, guilt or emotional numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
If you are in distress, support is available now If memories or feelings become overwhelming, or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for help straight away. You can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, contact your GP, or call NHS 111. This is not something to manage through an online eligibility form. Contact NHS 111, your GP or emergency services as appropriate.
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
NICE recommends trauma-focused therapy and, where needed, medication. Standard options include:
- Trauma-focused psychological therapies such as CBT or EMDR
- SSRIs and SNRIs such as sertraline, paroxetine or venlafaxine
- Mirtazapine or amitriptyline in selected cases
- Phenelzine under specialist supervision where appropriate
- Support for sleep, nightmares and co-occurring anxiety or low mood
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis help with PTSD-related symptoms?
Trauma-focused therapy is the recommended foundation for PTSD. Where symptoms such as persistent hyperarousal or sleep disturbance continue, a specialist may review whether medical cannabis is appropriate.
THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the stress response, sleep and the way the brain processes fear and memory. This is why the role of cannabis-based medicines in PTSD continues to be studied.
Where PTSD continues to affect daily life after standard treatments have been tried, a doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can consider your individual situation and whether a prescription may be appropriate. Effects vary from person to person, which is why specialist guidance matters.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence
Some studies explore cannabis-based medicines for PTSD-related sleep and hyperarousal, but the evidence is still developing and trauma-aware, individualised assessment is essential.
- Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are recommended first-line by NICE.
- Evidence is developing and not strong enough for first-line use.
- Mental-health risk, current medicines and history are reviewed carefully.
Related support
Explore related post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Can medical cannabis treat PTSD?
For some people, medical cannabis may help with PTSD symptoms when standard options have not provided enough relief. A specialist assesses your individual situation to decide whether a prescription is clinically appropriate, as effects can vary from person to person.
Is cannabis legal in the UK?
Prescription cannabis-based products for medicinal use have had a legal prescribing route in the UK since 1 November 2018. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and a legal medicine must be prescribed for you and used exactly as directed.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is needed to start an eligibility check. Sharing your medical records helps the specialist review your history and current medicines, and we can keep your GP informed if you wish.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.