Medical cannabis shows cost-effectiveness in treating PTSD, new study finds
Article Written by Adam Isaac Miller
Read time: 3-4 mins
A recently published paper has demonstrated that medical cannabis presents a cost-effective treatment option for moderate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with non-flower formats demonstrating the strongest financial value across multiple reimbursement scenarios.
The study, published in Clinical Drug Investigation, conducted a cost-utility analysis (based on US data) assessing eight different medical cannabis product types under varying reimbursement levels to determine the economic viability of the treatment options.
"This analysis underscores the importance of evidence-based reimbursement policies to improve patient access to cost-effective treatments while ensuring financial sustainability for payors," explained Dr. Mitchell L. Doucette, the study's lead author from Leafwell's Health Economics and Outcomes Research Division.
The research has been presented at an important moment for patients effected by PTSD as a large population of adults across the US are utilising conventional treatments which have been found inadequate for symptom relief. Treatments which also carry additional risks of dependency, particularly with widely prescribed benzodiazepines.
Key findings from the study revealed:
Non-flower MC products (edibles, oral solutions, and tablets) repeatedly demonstrated cost-effectiveness under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000, even at 100% reimbursement.
Dried flower products achieved cost-effectiveness under 75% or lower reimbursement levels for low/moderate cost formulations.
Sensitivity analyses confirmed robust incremental cost-utility ratios for non-flower products, with narrower variability compared to dried flower products.
The researchers evaluated the cost-effectiveness of medical cannabis as an adjunctive therapy alongside standard PTSD treatments, using pricing data from the largest multi-state MC producer and established literature on conventional PTSD treatments.
"Research on the benefits of medical cannabis is emerging and supports its use as a treatment for PTSD," noted Dr. Dipak Hemraj, one of the study's co-authors. "Our findings suggest that specific formulations offer economic benefits in addition to their therapeutic potential."
The building body of evidence
The study appears to build upon the growing evidence base in support of the endocannabinoid system's involvement in PTSD. Previous research has identified reduced circulating endocannabinoid levels in PTSD patients, suggesting a potential mechanistic rationale for cannabis-based interventions.
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in stress regulation, fear extinction, and emotional processing—all key areas affected in PTSD.
Evidence suggests that cannabinoids may help restore balance to this system, particularly in regions of the brain associated with fear response and traumatic memory processing.
Implications for healthcare providers and patients
Interestingly, it appears that non-flower cannabis formats may offer the most cost-effective approach when considering MC as an adjunctive treatment for moderate PTSD.
"This cost-effectiveness analysis provides valuable information for healthcare decision-makers considering coverage policies for medical cannabis in PTSD treatment," explained Dr. Emily Fisher, study co-author. "It suggests that certain products and reimbursement structures can provide clinical benefits while maintaining economic sustainability."
The study also noted potential additional economic benefits not captured in their primary analysis, including possible reductions in the use of opioids and benzodiazepines, which could further enhance the cost-effectiveness profile of MC therapies.
However, the authors acknowledged several limitations to their study, including its focus on the US healthcare system, which may limit generalisability to other countries with different cannabis regulations and healthcare financing structures.
Nonetheless, this research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the consideration of medical cannabis as part of comprehensive treatment approaches for PTSD, offering both clinical and economic rationales for its inclusion in treatment guidelines.
Adam has spent a decade working with unregistered medicines, specialising in Cannabinoid Therapeutics, where he has supported the development, implementation and market entry of multiple cannabinoid product portfolios across Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Brazil. Before working in the medical cannabis field, Adam spent nearly ten years building various B2B businesses in education, investment, and medicinal cannabis, progressing through roles in business development, strategy, product development, and project management. As one of the early experts in Australia's emerging cannabis industry, he has consulted for private and listed cannabis producers and ancillary businesses since 2015. Adam founded and served on the board of The Medical Cannabis Council, Australia's first not-for-profit industry body. A graduate of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, he is a frequent public speaker and publishes a widely read industry newsletter. His expertise has been featured in major news outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, Nine News, Startup Smart, SBS, SkyNews, MJBizDaily and other prominent publications.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
