270052 Postulated Mechanisms of Action For Cannabis' Beneficial Effect In Treating PTSD Symptoms

Monday, October 29, 2012

David Bearman, MD , 7394 Calle Real Suite C, Goleta,CA, Private Medical Office, Goleta, CA
Abstract: Many VA physicians, cannabinoid medicine specialists and Vietnam era, Gulf War, Iraq War and war in Afghanistan veterans have found that cannabis is useful in treating their symptoms of PTSD. The state of New Mexico, Croatian Supreme Court and Israeli scientists among others recognize the value of cannabis in treating PTSD. The Pentagon estimates that at least 1/3 of our soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will suffer from PTSD. Many PTSD sufferers, not just veterans, have found that the only medication that begins to address the potentially debilitating symptoms of PTSD is cannabis. We will explore some rudimentary nueroscience to help explain why the cannabinoids are effective in ameliorateing many of the symptoms of PTSD.

This presentation will address not on;y the theraputic value to our veterans of cannabis, but also discuss how a nuerotransmissiobn mechanism called retrograde ihibition helps to control the PTSD symptoms of easy startle, hypera;ertness, anxiety, anger managemt issues , nightmares and trouble sleeping. I will describe our bodies endocannabinoid system and suggest how the interaction of dopamine, dopamine transporter and cannabinoids can affect nuerotransmission.

This will give you a unique perspective on cannabids and cannabinoids.

Learning Areas:
Basic medical science applied in public health
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health biology

Learning Objectives:
1.Be able to describe the endocannabinoid Ssystem 2. Be able to discuss retrograde inhibition 3.Describe the role of thr reptilian brain in PTSD 4.Identify three symptoms of PTSD

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Drug Abuse Treatment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Duplicat: A top cannabinoid medicine specialist;taught recreational drug pharmacology courses at UCSB & SDSU,former Health Services Director SDSU ; presented at Patients Out of Time,International Cannabinoid Research Society ,and APHA on this and related topics,former Dept Director & Health Officer-Sutter County, author "Demons,Discrimination and Dollars: A Brief History of The Origins of American Drug Policy",written articles on PTSD and the mechanism of action of cannabis in effectively adressing PTSD symptoms
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3079.0: Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Health Practices Special Topics Poster Session