Ok so the chemical bit is slightly exaggerated because i couldn’t fit in “the various ways they interact with the body and conscious mind” and i was really struggling on how to word it.

Also: I AM NOT A DOCTOR; THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE!!!

But i do have some understanding of this:

First Benzos enhance GABA activity it does two things. Sedate you and suppress anxiety. This is helpful in trying to aid with acute systems but its not proactively helping your brain heal.

The effects of cannabis on ptsd are well known, the endocannabinoid system is crucial in how memories get stored, what it can also do is update parts of those memories when you recall them. When your body recalls memories of fear but you know that you are actually safe there is a chance your memory adapts to learn that it did not need to be emotionally triggered.

What the extra cannabinoids can also do in the system is break your chain of thought, for example a spiral of negative memories.

People with ptsd have lower base levels of natural endocannabinoids also.

Now for Tramadol, you have the immediate opioid effect but more importantly it also inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (SNRI) This strengthens the ability of the prefrontal cortex to manage the overactive amygdala, part of your high alert state.

This chemical rebalancing can work therapeutically on these systems longer term as they relearn to function properly, which is likely why you notice positive effects days later.

The main reason your doctor may be hesitant about tramadol is its addiction risk (on top of cannabis dependence risk). But there are other SNRIs like venlafaxine or duloxetine that work through the same mechanism without the opioid component and are actually common treatments for PTSD.

I hope this helps in some way. Good luck!​