Cannabis for PTSD dosage recommendations
There is no standard, federally approved dose of cannabis for PTSD. Clinical guidance is to start with the lowest dose that may help, go slow, and keep THC low. A common cautious starting point is 1 to 2.5 mg of THC per dose, or 10 to 20 mg of CBD per dose. Wait at least two hours before judging an edible dose. Increase only after several days without benefit or side effects. Work with a clinician who knows your PTSD treatment plan.
Prerequisites
- You are 21 or older and use a legal product from a licensed retailer.
- You have discussed cannabis with your PTSD clinician or prescriber.
- You know the THC and CBD content per serving, not just per package.
- You have a safe setting and do not drive after use.
Step-by-step
- Pick one product and record its THC and CBD milligrams per serving.
- Start with 1 to 2.5 mg THC or 10 to 20 mg CBD. For flower, use a small one-hit amount.
- Wait two hours for edibles, or 15 minutes for inhaled products, before deciding on more.
- Write down PTSD symptoms, anxiety, sleep, and side effects in a log.
- Increase by no more than 1 to 2.5 mg THC every 3 to 7 days.
- Stop increasing at the lowest dose that helps, or if anxiety, paranoia, or nausea appears.
- Review the log with your clinician before changing products or dose again.
Why low and slow matters
THC can trigger anxiety and paranoia, especially at high doses. CBD does not produce a high and has a wider dose range, but evidence for PTSD is still limited. Edibles are harder to titrate because onset is delayed. Inhaled products act faster but are harder to measure. Avoid concentrates and high-THC products when starting.
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What to track
- Time of dose and product name
- THC and CBD milligrams
- PTSD symptoms before and after
- Sleep quality and nightmares
- Anxiety, heart rate, and mood
When to stop
Stop and seek clinical advice if cannabis increases panic, paranoia, dissociation, or suicidal thoughts. Do not use cannabis to replace trauma-focused therapy or prescribed medication without medical guidance. This guide is general information, not a prescription.