Posted on May 11, 2015
Should Veterans with PTSD have medical marijuana available to them?
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The state allows marijuana to be sold only to those with about a dozen qualifying ailments, including terminal cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma, and seizure disorders.
On Thursday, the state Senate introduced a bill that would add PTSD to the list. In March, the Assembly passed a similar bill with a bipartisan vote.
http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/veterans-with-ptsd-call-for-medical-marijuana-expansion-1.345467
On Thursday, the state Senate introduced a bill that would add PTSD to the list. In March, the Assembly passed a similar bill with a bipartisan vote.
http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/veterans-with-ptsd-call-for-medical-marijuana-expansion-1.345467
Posted in these groups: 
Disabled Veteran
Health
Disabled Veteran Health
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 62
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Let me first qualify my answer, I have an AAS in chemical addictions counseling and treatment and as such may have a different perspective.
Marijuana is perhaps the only drug that has no addictive properties. Yes you may become dependent on it for various reasons but there is a difference between addiction and dependence.
It is an excellent pain reducing medication. It also serves to lessen the effects of chemotherapy, as an aid to those who have no appetite such as those with anorexia, and AIDS, and can even be beneficial to the people suffering from various mood disorders, to include PTS(D).
If you see marijuana as a gateway drug then you should have the same opinion about alcohol, coffee, tobacco and caffeine.
Honesty time:
I have used marijuana both legally and illegally since I left the Army back in 2002 with degenerating discs in my lumbar area. I never used while serving my country. As a drug marijuana is perhaps one of the most harmless available. The only reason it is on the proscribed list is because of the scare tactics used to vilify those who used it. Those who use marijuana are IMO less likely to commit a crime to get more, yes, this is most likely due to the lack of motivation caused by the high. To make my point I suggest watching the movie Reefer Madness.
Times have changed, the research is out there, it is helpful to so many different groups that it should not be overlooked for its benefits.
Let the bashing begin.
Charles
Marijuana is perhaps the only drug that has no addictive properties. Yes you may become dependent on it for various reasons but there is a difference between addiction and dependence.
It is an excellent pain reducing medication. It also serves to lessen the effects of chemotherapy, as an aid to those who have no appetite such as those with anorexia, and AIDS, and can even be beneficial to the people suffering from various mood disorders, to include PTS(D).
If you see marijuana as a gateway drug then you should have the same opinion about alcohol, coffee, tobacco and caffeine.
Honesty time:
I have used marijuana both legally and illegally since I left the Army back in 2002 with degenerating discs in my lumbar area. I never used while serving my country. As a drug marijuana is perhaps one of the most harmless available. The only reason it is on the proscribed list is because of the scare tactics used to vilify those who used it. Those who use marijuana are IMO less likely to commit a crime to get more, yes, this is most likely due to the lack of motivation caused by the high. To make my point I suggest watching the movie Reefer Madness.
Times have changed, the research is out there, it is helpful to so many different groups that it should not be overlooked for its benefits.
Let the bashing begin.
Charles
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MSG Alfred Aguilar
I am would agree with anything that would help those with PTSD, Including Marijuana, with a caveat. It should be just one tool within a spectrum of treatment options and should be only be used when other options are not successful because of dependency issues. It should be very closely monitored.
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SFC Patrick Machayo
As a veteran with disability, I am living proof that the opiate pain relief meds I received from VA can lead to devastating dependence.
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SFC Patrick Machayo
I beg to differ. 35% or more veterans are returning with some form of disability, if the published stats are to be trusted. Medication should never be the easiest way out, sir.
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Cpl Travis Joseph
Excellent read!
Up until a few months ago I’ve never had any desire to use MJ. Recently I spoke with my Doc about its benefits and she convinced me to try it since the state of Louisiana recently made it legal for medical purposes. I’ve been smoking it for about a week and it’s helped greatly from everything to include but not limited to my PTSD to my overall mood to my opioid addiction! I thank God that I’m able to access it, and think all should have access to it !
Up until a few months ago I’ve never had any desire to use MJ. Recently I spoke with my Doc about its benefits and she convinced me to try it since the state of Louisiana recently made it legal for medical purposes. I’ve been smoking it for about a week and it’s helped greatly from everything to include but not limited to my PTSD to my overall mood to my opioid addiction! I thank God that I’m able to access it, and think all should have access to it !
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
It has been said that the worst thing about smoking Cannabis is getting caught.
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TSgt Christopher D.
^^^ That's the only bad thing I've ever seen. Not that I have any personal experience in the matter.
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If it truly does work, and helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD, let them have it. But at the same time, ensure that it is not the only form of therapy they use. Combine it with counseling or some other effective adjunctive therapy.
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