# Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Alternative for PTSD: From Bench to Human Trials > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/ > **Published:** 2022-07-12T16:24:18-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:33-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore how the endocannabinoid system emotional memory plays a role in PTSD treatment and cannabidiol’s therapeutic potential. --- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by difficulties that a person faces when recovering from experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It affects approximately 10% of the population at some point in life. Despite this high prevalence, current medications for PTSD have been shown to be inefficient while resulting in significant [side effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-intoxication-memory-disruption/). The endocannabinoid (ECB) system is a signalling system of the human body. It primarily consists of endocannabinoids – signalling molecules naturally occurring in the body, CB1 and CB2 – receptors they bind to, and enzymes that synthesize and degrade them. Since the ECB was discovered to be involved in emotional memory processing – the process that underlies PTSD – regulating ECB function using pharmaceutical compounds has become a promising approach for [PTSD treatment](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-ptsd-treatment-memory-loss-benefits/). Cannabidiol (CBD), a major constituent of the plant cannabis, is a compound that interacts with the CB1 and [CB2 receptors](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-receptor-type-2-schizophrenia/) of the ECB system and therefore scientifically categorized as cannabinoids. It particularly gained attention as a potential drug candidate since it doesn’t induce psychoactive effects like THC, the other major cannabis-derived cannabinoid. Laboratory research in various rodent models of behaviour has demonstrated that CBD can both facilitate the extinction of aversive memories and block their reconsolidation, possibly through activation of the ECB system. More recently, clinical studies in which CBD was tested as a medication for PTSD patients who did not respond to conventional therapy have further confirmed that CBD can alter important aspects of aversive memories and promote significant improvements in PTSD symptoms. These results, along with the current lack of pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD, have situated CBD as a promising drug candidate to be integrated into the standard treatment regimen for this disorder. [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-medicine-ptsd-anxiety-relief/) [Use of a Synthetic Cannabinoid in a Correctional Population for PTSD-Related Insomnia and Nightmares](https://cedclinic.com/nabilone-synthetic-cannabinoid-ptsd-insomnia-pain/) Explore clinical insights into [synthetic cannabinoids](https://cedclinic.com/synthetic-cannabinoid-parkinsons-trial-ser-252-funding/) for managing PTSD symptoms including insomnia and nightmares. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/nabilone-synthetic-cannabinoid-ptsd-insomnia-pain/) [Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia in PTSD](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-oil-pediatric-anxiety-insomnia-case-report/) Case report highlighting cannabidiol oil’s potential benefits for anxiety and insomnia in pediatric PTSD patients. [Explore Case](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-oil-pediatric-anxiety-insomnia-case-report/) Have thoughts on this? 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