Cannabis May Break the Daily Cycle of PTSD, Stress, and Poor Sleep in Veterans | Research

The takeaway

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.

Veterans using cannabis for PTSD; PTSD researchers; VA clinicians

Cannabis use predicted lower next-day stress, which mediated improved PTSD symptoms and sleep

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Intensive longitudinal design with advanced modeling (DSEM); moderate because of observational nature despite strong within-person methodology.

When this study was published

2025 study using 3-month daily diary data

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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