Cannabis May Break the Daily Cycle of PTSD, Stress, and Poor Sleep in Veterans
In a 3-month daily diary study of 74 veterans, greater cannabis use on one day was linked to less perceived stress the next day, which in turn predicted fewer PTSD symptoms and better sleep.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Day-to-day analysis showed elevated PTSD symptoms and poor sleep predicted greater stress the next day. Greater hours high from cannabis predicted less perceived stress the following day. Stress mediated the relationships: cannabis appeared to improve sleep and PTSD symptoms through reducing perceived stress.
Key Numbers
74 veterans. 4,307 person-days of data. Mean age 33.5. 80% male. 61% non-Hispanic White. Cannabis use predicted lower next-day stress, which predicted lower PTSD symptoms and better sleep.
How They Did This
74 veterans with past-month cannabis use and elevated PTSD symptoms completed daily reports via mobile app for 3 months (4,307 person-days). Dynamic structural equation modeling examined within-person lagged and same-day associations.
Why This Research Matters
Many veterans use cannabis for PTSD symptoms, but the daily dynamics have been unclear. This intensive longitudinal study suggests cannabis may temporarily interrupt the harmful cycle between PTSD, stress, and poor sleep.
The Bigger Picture
This is one of the first studies to examine real-time, daily relationships between cannabis use and PTSD symptoms. The stress-mediation finding suggests cannabis may offer symptom relief through a specific pathway rather than general sedation.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Observational daily diary data cannot prove causation. Sample of cannabis-using veterans with PTSD may not generalize to all veterans. Self-reported measures. Cannot distinguish cannabis types, doses, or methods.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does daily cannabis use prevent long-term PTSD recovery even while providing short-term relief?
- ?Would targeted stress-reduction interventions be as effective without cannabis?
- ?Does tolerance develop to the stress-reducing effects over time?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis use predicted lower next-day stress, which mediated improved PTSD symptoms and sleep
- Evidence Grade:
- Intensive longitudinal design with advanced modeling (DSEM); moderate because of observational nature despite strong within-person methodology.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study using 3-month daily diary data
- Original Title:
- Seeking relief or fueling the fire? Understanding the complex role of cannabis in PTSD, stress, and sleep dysregulation.
- Published In:
- Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors (2025)
- Authors:
- Davis, Jordan P(9), Saba, Shaddy K(4), Leightley, Daniel(4), Pedersen, Eric R, Prindle, John, Dilkina, Bistra, Cantor, Jonathan, Dworkin, Emily, Sedano, Angeles
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06303
Evidence Hierarchy
Follows a group of people over time to track how outcomes develop.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis treat PTSD?
This study found that cannabis use was associated with lower next-day stress, which was linked to fewer PTSD symptoms and better sleep. However, it cannot prove cannabis treats PTSD, and the temporary relief may not translate to long-term recovery.
Should veterans use cannabis for PTSD?
This study documents that many veterans already do. The daily data suggest a potential mechanism (stress reduction) through which cannabis may offer relief, but randomized trials are needed to establish whether it is safe and effective as a treatment.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06303APA
Davis, Jordan P; Saba, Shaddy K; Leightley, Daniel; Pedersen, Eric R; Prindle, John; Dilkina, Bistra; Cantor, Jonathan; Dworkin, Emily; Sedano, Angeles. (2025). Seeking relief or fueling the fire? Understanding the complex role of cannabis in PTSD, stress, and sleep dysregulation.. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0001097
MLA
Davis, Jordan P, et al. "Seeking relief or fueling the fire? Understanding the complex role of cannabis in PTSD, stress, and sleep dysregulation.." Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0001097
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Seeking relief or fueling the fire? Understanding the comple..." RTHC-06303. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/davis-2025-seeking-relief-or-fueling
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.