Cannabis and PTSD

Despite what the American Psychological Association says, Gentile has found that no psych meds come close to the efficacy of cannabis for PTSD patients. “Cannabis is helpful for selective deterioration—disintegration of the traumatic memories by preserving the good memories—as opposed to using a benzodiazepine, where you eliminate all memory, good and bad,” says Gentile.

He’s referring to anterograde amnesia—the lack of the ability to recall long-term memories—a condition that drugs like Valium, Ativan, and Xanax can induce.

Gentile recommends that patients he certifies through New Jersey’s medical marijuana program use flower. “You’re not getting the whole effect of the plant if you’re not getting the whole plant,” he says.

He suggests 1:1 CBD:THC strains, and has found the strain Cannatonic particularly effective among his patients with PTSD. Plus, he adds, “New Jersey makes the finest weed in the country.”