THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
A drug made up of THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, reduced the severity and incidence of nightmares in people with PTSD
A recent study found that a component in cannabis called THC may lessen nightmares in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research involved 171 participants with frequent and intense nightmares, with half given dronabinol - a purified THC oil extracted from cannabis plants - and the other half receiving a placebo.
After 10 weeks, those who took dronabinol experienced a 3.7 point decrease in nightmare severity compared to a 1.5 point decrease for those on the placebo. A full cessation of nightmares occurred in 37 percent of the dronabinol group, compared to 15 percent on the placebo. While the exact mechanism is unclear, THC may suppress the REM sleep stage, where most vivid dreaming occurs.
However, discontinuing THC use can lead to a REM rebound and worsening nightmares. The researchers caution against self-medicating with cannabis and stress that treatment should be prescribed and monitored by a physician.
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