New scientific evidence points to the cannabis plant’s suitability as an aid for patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Carried out by Soroka University Medical Center and Israel-headquartered medical cannabis company Cannbit-Tikun Olam, the clinical trial’s results illustrate cannabis’ trauma-busting properties.

The study took place over a number of years with the vision of better understanding the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis treatments. 

Overall, the trial’s outcome was positive, with 52 percent of study subjects completely stopping the use of or reducing the dosage of opioid medications after trying medical cannabis. 

Additionally, 36.9 percent stopped using/reduced the dosage of antipsychotics, 35.7 percent stopped using/reduced the dosage of antiepileptics, and 35.3 percent stopped using/reduced the dosage of hypnotics and sedatives.

Medical cannabis offers numerous health benefits for trauma patients

After being administered with pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, two thirds of patients noted a fair improvement in trauma symptoms with no severe side effects reported. 

Factually, 90.8 percent of cannabis-treated patients were considered to be therapeutic successes following six month of consumption.

Aside from easing trauma symptoms, cannabis also contributed to a reduction in sleep disturbances, nausea, restlessness and angry outbursts.

The study authors noted that almost 50% of patients reported a drastic improvement in quality of life throughout the treatment period.

Negative side effects of cannabis use, such as sleepiness, dizziness and uncontrollable hunger, were only reported by a single-digit percentage of users.

Study into medical cannabis for trauma used strains produced by Cannbit-Tikun Olam

A total of 8,500 male and female Israelis with an average age of 54.6 years participated in this research effort. 

Each study subject consumed strains produced by Cannbit-Tikun Olam — a pharmaceutical company that was founded in 2006.

“In the past, we already demonstrated that treatment with medical cannabis products relieves symptoms and improves quality of life for patients,” said Cannbit’s chief of research and development (R&D), Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider. 

“This is the first time that in-depth, organized and systematic analysis of a large amount of data on a very large group of patients was performed, and in which, without bias, the effect of the treatment for various indications was examined.”

The partnership between Cannbit-Tikun Olam and Teva Israel was confirmed in December of last year. Based on details of the collaboration, the cannabis producer’s goods will be scattered across Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

According to the CEO of Teva Israel, Yossi Ofek, the ever-growing medical cannabis world is rapidly expanding and being “professionalized at a dizzying pace in Israel.” 

He also emphasizes the fact that more countries around the world (including Israel) are beginning to embrace the plant’s use in medicine.

“Today, it is clear to many in the pharmaceutical industry and in the medical community that the use of oils produced from specific cannabis strains may provide additional treatment options and respond to unmet medical needs of patients,” he said.

“I have no doubt that the medical cannabis oils Cannbit-Tikun Olam produces – according to Teva’s high quality and safety standards – will help us realize our goal of improving the lives of patients,” concluded Ofek.