How Can Cannabis Help War Veterans

War veterans face a range of physical and mental health challenges as a result of their service. As the stigma surrounding cannabis continues to lift, many are turning to this plant as a potential solution. How can it help, though? Learn about the benefits of cannabis and how it can help veterans cope with the stresses that come with service, complete with the supporting research, tips for usage, and any legal considerations and community resources that might be relevant.

Research and Studies

Considerable research has been conducted on the therapeutic potential of cannabis. A 2017 review published in The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine evaluated over 10,000 scientific studies on the health impacts of cannabis and concluded that there is substantial evidence to support the use of cannabis for chronic pain, one of the most common issues veterans face. Research also suggests that cannabis can help war veterans with managing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder often seen in this population. In one such study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, more than 75% of participants (all PTSD patients) reported a decrease in PTSD symptoms when using cannabis.

Anecdotal evidence also supports its use. Many veterans who have incorporated cannabis into their healthcare regimen report improved quality of life, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.

A survey conducted by The American Legion in 2017 found that 82% of veteran households supported the federal legalization of medical cannabis, with 92% agreeing that it should be researched more. Their reasons? Replacing opioids, avoiding side effects from other medications, and the ability to self-manage symptoms, just to name a few.

The legal status of cannabis use for war veterans remains a gray area, as its classification under the federal Controlled Substances Act inhibits its widespread adoption in healthcare. However, individual states are continuously evolving their legislation, with 36 states so far allowing medical use of cannabis. Veterans who wish to try cannabis need to be aware of their state’s laws surrounding it before they do.

Recent years have seen an upsurge in legislative efforts advocating for cannabis access for veterans. For instance, the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, introduced in Congress, aimed to allow veterans to use, possess, and transport medical marijuana and discuss its usage with their VA healthcare providers. Although the bill has yet to be passed, it represents a significant shift in the legislative arena toward accepting cannabis as a viable therapeutic option for veterans.

Practical Considerations

Access to cannabis for war veterans depends on various factors, including the legal status in their state, the specific healthcare facility, and the veteran's healthcare provider. Some VA centers may have policies or views about cannabis use that influence its accessibility, adding another thing to take into account in addition to its general legality.

Best practices for incorporating cannabis into veteran healthcare emphasize the importance of an open dialogue between veterans and their healthcare providers. Furthermore, it's necessary to consider the potential drug interactions, individual health conditions of a person, and the most effective cannabis strain or product for their needs.

Community Support and Resources

Several organizations advocate for cannabis use by war veterans. Groups such as the Veteran Cannabis Project and Veterans Cannabis Coalition are working tirelessly to improve veteran access to cannabis and promote awareness about its potential benefits. They offer valuable resources, support, and advocacy, representing the voices of veterans in the wider debate about cannabis legalization.

Community initiatives, like Operation EVAC and Weed for Warriors Project, provide support networks, education, and access to free cannabis products for veterans. They aim to improve the mental wellness and personal development of veterans using cannabis as a therapeutic tool.

Cannabis holds immense potential as a therapeutic agent for war veterans. Be it managing chronic pain or mitigating symptoms of PTSD, research and anecdotal evidence point towards the benefits of its use. However, considering the legal status and healthcare policies, there is still a long way to go for seamless access to cannabis for veterans.

Cannabis and war veterans benefits is a topic that requires active attention from legislators, healthcare professionals, and communities. By fostering a supportive environment and advocating for comprehensive policy changes, we can ensure this potential is not left unexplored. Your support, too, can make a big difference.