E103 - Cannabis as Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Where’s the Evidence?

What has the research shown in terms of the relationship between THC and sleep and nightmares in patients with PTSD? What are your thoughts on the recent study by LaFrance et al. that claimed that PTSD symptoms were reduced by more than 50% after cannabis use? In this fascinating interview with Dr. Kari Franson, we discuss the evidence for and against the use of cannabis to treat PTSD.

Kari L. Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP joined the University of Southern California in 2020 as the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Dr. Franson received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco, trained at the University of Illinois, Chicago Hospital and Clinics as a resident in adult internal medicine and a fellow in clinical research/drug development, and received her PhD in Medical Education from Leiden University, the Netherlands.

Dr. Franson is an educator with more than 25 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has focused on two areas: health professions education/workforce development and psychopharmacology. She is an international leader in interprofessional practice, education and advocacy and workforce development to address health disparities in both the US and abroad. Dr. Franson has experience in campus and distance-based curriculum development and assessment, technology-enhanced assessment/learning, experiential education, and continuing professional education and development.

Dr. Franson is also a US Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist and Dutch-Certified Clinical Pharmacologist. She worked with geriatric psychiatric patients for 10 years and has performed a variety of clinical studies spanning those in early-phase clinical pharmacology to post-marketing clinical efficacy studies. She is interested in cannabinoid clinical pharmacologic effects and cannabis user safety. She has guided national and international professional, legislative, media and commercial groups on the wise study and use of cannabis.