Do you find that cannabis helps treat your symptoms of PTSD?

Lauren Marsh — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:33:20 -0400

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:49:28 -0400

Don't use it but I have fellow Vets who do and swear by it. If it works for you, you should be allowed to use it.

Response by SSG Trust Palmer made Aug 17 at 2016 12:51 PM

SSG Trust Palmer — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:51:07 -0400

My friend tells me that it helps her cope with things better.

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Aug 17 at 2016 12:53 PM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:53:41 -0400

Don't use it myself but have heard from multiple friends and acquaintances that it works well for them. Don't know if this is strictly a case by case issue or if it should be an accepted prescription for PTSD, but I'm certainly not going to knock anyone for doing what it takes to feel closer to "normal"

Response by SGM Barry Kindred made Aug 17 at 2016 12:54 PM

SGM Barry Kindred — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:54:10 -0400

I actually do. It helps me tremendously in many areas.
Chronic pain, insomnia, lack of appetite, tinnitus, and yes PTSD.
I WAS heavily drugged up for 12 years following 11 surgeries in my final 2 yrs of service. opioids dependence and loss of the will to live.
Maxed out on Fentanyl, morphine, hey dividing, clonazepam/klonopin.
I was a blob of living death and worthless to everyone. My wife endured, thank god, and my family and friends supported my decision. The VA not so much. The VA Dr. actually doubted I could or would ever get free from the opioids, after all it was their treatment.
It works for me.
Am I 100%. Nope.
But I am 100% better than I was as a dying blob in a bed.
Sorry.
It's hard to get around the culture of prescribed medications versus a plant.
Decades of misinformation that could have resulted in me NOT having lost 12 yrs with family and friends and of course, myself.
End of my opinions.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 1:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:22:35 -0400

I wonder since there is a huge push to stop smoking cigarettes, why is it generally considered OK to smoke pot? Is it the smoking that's bad or not?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 17 at 2016 3:27 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:27:44 -0400

I wouldn't know. I have been waiting for my state to legalize it for medicinal use. Not for PTSD but for migraines and anxiety. I have heard that it works but haven't been able to try it.

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Aug 17 at 2016 4:40 PM

PFC Al Sethre — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 16:40:38 -0400

For me, it treats insomnia and a mind that won't shut up, very well.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Aug 17 at 2016 6:58 PM

SSG Drew Cook — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:58:26 -0400

Marijuana has been a lifesaver for me. My life has changed drastically, and that isn't because I necessarily get more sleep or eat better

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 17 at 2016 7:05 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:05:25 -0400

Helps me with everything!! :D

Response by J B made Aug 17 at 2016 7:27 PM

J B — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:27:17 -0400

I'm in no position to judge on this, but if it were me, I would not want to be getting high while treating the rest of my legitimate ailments. In the past I've discontinued narcotic pain meds because of mood-altering effects, and can tolerate low-grade chronic pain better than feeling loopy/giddy. Fortunately, scientists have developed a new strain of non-THC cannabis with all of the benefits and none of the negatives (most notably the "high" which has long-term dopamine repercussions, and the "munchies" which generally do NOT entail a "healthy diet"). Besides, it's the THC that's addictive, not the CBD, which means it could very well be an ideal medication for long-term conditions. I really wish the medical community at large would embrace this and run with it. So many could benefit.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Aug 17 at 2016 7:56 PM

SGT James Hammons — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:56:43 -0400

I find putting any illegal drug in your body is no way to deal with issues that is how druggies are created. Having as many groups as we have these days to help should be the way to go. Go to Wounded Warrior Project Site, or other veteran groups.

Response by Cpl Jeff Kuhns made Aug 17 at 2016 11:35 PM

Cpl Jeff Kuhns — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 23:35:05 -0400

For anxiety it works almost immediately if I take any of the dozens of meds that the VA prescribe me they have to get into my system and by that time it's too late. I can take two or three hits of pot and the anxiety is relieved almost immediately