Cannabis Use and PTSD: Abstinence Seems Best

For years, anecdotal reports have suggested that cannabis is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and advocacy groups have promoted its therapeutic use. However, convincing evidence of its benefit is limited, and this small prospective study adds to that uncertainty (see Figure 1).

Investigators asked 21 volunteers with moderately severe PTSD and cannabis use disorder — who were also already taking an antidepressant — to discontinue cannabis use for 12 weeks. Patients received psychotherapy and contingency management payments. Cannabis use was biochemically verified at regular intervals.