Short answer
There is no standard vape dose for PTSD. No cannabis product holds FDA approval for PTSD. Guidance for inhaled THC is to start at 1 mg or less, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then decide on a second draw. Medical vape cartridges in the US run 70% to 90% THC, so THC per draw is small and depends on the device.
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What the evidence shows
The 2023 VA/DoD PTSD guideline recommends against cannabis for PTSD. It cites low-quality evidence and risk of worse symptoms. A 2021 review of cannabinoids for PTSD found too few controlled trials to set a dose.
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The strongest signal comes from nabilone, a synthetic THC capsule. In a 2015 crossover trial, nabilone 0.5 mg at bedtime titrated to 3 mg cut nightmare frequency and intensity in 10 patients. That is oral, not inhaled. It does not convert to vape numbers.
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Starting amounts
- First session: 1 mg THC or less. Some clinicians start at 0.5 mg.
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes. Inhaled THC peaks in blood at 6 to 10 minutes.
- Increase by no more than 1 mg per session.
- Log time, milligrams, symptom score, and sleep hours.
How that maps to a vape
A label of 80% THC means 800 mg THC per gram of oil. A half-gram cartridge holds about 400 mg. Milligrams per puff varies by device, temperature, and draw length. Published pharmacokinetic studies of vaporizers report 0.5 mg to 2 mg THC per inhalation for moderate draws at 365 F (185 C). Take total THC per cartridge and divide by an estimated 200 to 400 draws. That figure is an estimate, not a measurement.
Set the device at 350 to 390 F (175 to 200 C). THC vaporizes near 315 F (157 C). CBD vaporizes at 320 to 356 F (160 to 180 C). Above 450 F (230 C) the oil can burn and produce irritants.
CBD vapes
Oral CBD trials for anxiety used 300 mg to 600 mg per dose. A vape delivers a fraction of that. The CBD dose for PTSD is not established. CBD inhibits CYP enzymes and can raise blood levels of some prescription drugs. Check interactions with your prescriber.
Risk and frequency
Vape pens have no prep time and no smell. That convenience raises session count. Daily high-THC use is linked to cannabis use disorder, hyperemesis, and worse anxiety. THC can trigger paranoia and intrusive memories in some patients. Unregulated cartridges, including those cut with vitamin E acetate, have caused lung injury. Buy lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries.
Ask your clinician
- What THC milligram range fits my symptoms and other medications?
- How many days per week is safe for me?
- What symptoms mean I should stop?
- Can I use a monitored alternative such as prazosin or nabilone?