Posted on May 10, 2016
Should cannabis use be promoted as a treatment for PTSD? Does that send a good message to current and future soldiers?
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Law Enforcement
PTSD
Marijuana
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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I have never used, nor do I think that using cannabis would be right for me.
However, the real question we need to ask is what would be the difference in prescribing cannabis for this and any other drug? Sure it's been illegal for years, but so has prescription medication abuse. I have several friends who have been put on so many meds for treatment of PTSD and associated anxiety that they may be better off getting to replace 8 different behavioral medications with a Rx for cannabis.
As stated earlier, there would need to be very specific Rx's.
To make a point, a person being given an Rx for Morphine or Oxycotin is just as, if not more than likely to abuse these medications.
Having worked in EMS for several years, I can tell you than medication manufacturers do not want cannabis to be a prescribed med because there is a high probability that many will be able to come off these medications causing a significant drop in profit.
So, if there is actual value and benefit in prescribing cannabis to a sufferer of PTSD, is it morally and ethically right to deny that soldier a chance at a better life because of the concern of sending an unfavorable message to young soldiers?
That is the question in my mind because I believe this question provides an objective point of view.
Excellent question SPC Gilles, and it is one that will become asked more frequently as time passes.
However, the real question we need to ask is what would be the difference in prescribing cannabis for this and any other drug? Sure it's been illegal for years, but so has prescription medication abuse. I have several friends who have been put on so many meds for treatment of PTSD and associated anxiety that they may be better off getting to replace 8 different behavioral medications with a Rx for cannabis.
As stated earlier, there would need to be very specific Rx's.
To make a point, a person being given an Rx for Morphine or Oxycotin is just as, if not more than likely to abuse these medications.
Having worked in EMS for several years, I can tell you than medication manufacturers do not want cannabis to be a prescribed med because there is a high probability that many will be able to come off these medications causing a significant drop in profit.
So, if there is actual value and benefit in prescribing cannabis to a sufferer of PTSD, is it morally and ethically right to deny that soldier a chance at a better life because of the concern of sending an unfavorable message to young soldiers?
That is the question in my mind because I believe this question provides an objective point of view.
Excellent question SPC Gilles, and it is one that will become asked more frequently as time passes.
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Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM
DEA gives approval to Colorado-funded study on marijuana and PTSD
A long-awaited study on whether medical marijuana can help military veterans with PTSD has won its final OK from the DEA, clearing the way for the Colorad
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PFC Alexander Oliveira
and this, children, is what advancement in medical science looks like. its just the beginning
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CPL (Join to see)
I know the effects of marijuana. You don't have to be the patient to know if the ailment works. We know exactly how marijuana effects the brain and the chemicals involved. Morphine doesn't stop the bleeding only the pain. Etc. I also have experienced first hand and can tell you it does nothing to help ptsd
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SFC J Fullerton
Again, it is up to the individual if it helps or not. Everyone is different, what works well for some may not for others. Pretty much the same way with any other medication.
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CPL (Join to see)
No that's not how medical science works. The human body will respond certain ways to things. It responds in one way to one thing.
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SFC J Fullerton
You sound like an expert on medical science. If medical cannabis is legal in your state, and a doctor prescribes it, and it works for you, then what is the problem? Many drugs prescribed by VA doctors have negative side effects that cannabis doesn't have. If the person chooses cannabis over prescription narcotics, it is their choice. What is the worst side effect, getting the munchies? The stigma that cannabis is a dangerous drug in the same category as heroin, cocaine, and LSD is outdated and inaccurate. If you don't like pot, fine, stay away from it. But discharged vets that could benefit from it should have the choice.
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I don't recall Marijuana ever killing anyone. Other drugs like painkillers? Yep! The only message it sends to a civilian IMO is that the military is adhering to modern medicine in order to meet the patients need.
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SPC Kirk Gilles
Thank you for your answer. I saw a headline this morning where a Iraq Vet was promoting cannabis use for PTSD. He was shown standing in front of a courthouse with a big Pot Leaf shirt on. That's why I thought to ask about it.
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If the set the parameters correct I don't think it will. It's being decriminalized everywhere so it's a changing tide.
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I'm not sure about it. It is after all against "federal law", regardless of what states decide. While it's not for me, I have to enforce the law regardless of my personal feelings. Until the feds are kicked out of the equation and the states constitutional ability to run themselves this issue will haunt us for a VERY long time.
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Yes, it should be. It has tons of health benefits. Big pharmaceutical companies don't want it to be. They will lose a lot money. It has proven health benefits.
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If rigorous, reproducible studies show that there is benefit without deleterious side effects, sure. But as of yet, those do not exist in sufficient quantity to say that cannabis works for it.
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Its said to have a lot of genuine healing qualities for a lot of ailments so if it really helps i dont see what the problem is other than the big pharmaceutical companies
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um no, as long as it is illegal in the military, why promote as treatment for PTSD to current soldiers? It can be then abused if promoted this way.. just my opinion.
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SFC J Fullerton
I concur, for Soldiers on AD. But vets under care by the VA should have access if cannabis is treatment option.
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