Should Veterans with PTSD have medical marijuana available to them?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 11 May 2015 09:26:24 -0400

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

Veterans with PTSD call for medical marijuana expansion

Pennsylvania allows marijuana to be sold only to those with about a dozen qualifying ailments, including terminal cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma, and seizure disorders.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 11 at 2015 9:36 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 11 May 2015 09:36:09 -0400

Whose business is it what substances a consenting adult ingests?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 9:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 09:52:40 -0400

I once did counter-narcotics missions with the DEA a long long time ago. Back then, we had briefings on the effects of marijuana.

While it might help with pain, and with TBI/PTSD issues, the way it does so, causes your intelligence to drop about 30-60 (and possibly more) points on the IQ scale - especially if you are a frequent user. THC, the drug in Marijuana, binds to the receptor cells in your nervous system, slowing down and inhibiting the electrical signal that your nerve cells send from your brain to your muscles and back. They also bind to the axon cells in your brain, again, slowing down the signal. This slowdown of the signal, if you use THC enough, eventually causes the signal to be completely lost.

The result of this is two fold: One, your short and long term memory becomes completely unreliable. Chances are you won't be able to remember something - esp. if it's important. Two: You won't be able to perform complex calculations. Period. Doesn't matter how good you are at math, use marijuana regularly, you'll barely be able to add 2+2.

Sure, you'll be calmer. Sure, you'll be mellow. You won't have PTSD issues like anger issues (for the most part) - but the cost is loss of your ability to think beyond a 6 year old's level of thought.

You want to use marijuana, go for it. Me, never, no way, ever. There are other drugs that relieve pain or calm me down without making me stupid as dirt.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 9:53 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 09:53:28 -0400

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 10:19 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:19:59 -0400

The research supports the positive effects of marijuana.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:31 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:31:25 -0400

This is a ridiculous prohibition that harms far more than it helps.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made May 11 at 2015 11:48 AM

SGT Beau Thomas — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:48:41 -0400

Although I believe that it should be legalized, I believe the medical marijuana argument is kind of a farce. I know some people could benefit from it like my old SSG who had terminal liver cancer and had no appetite, he went down to 90 lbs before he died. I begged him to get smoke marijuana so he could get an appetite so he could at least eat a little bit. He refused and suffered horribly. On the other side of the coin, I have friends who have medical marijuana cards for reason you don't need it, like ingrown toenails.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 11 at 2015 1:11 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:11:52 -0400

Nothing can happen until the Control Substance Act gets "adjusted" either through Legislation or through Executive Action. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 item, and until it is "shifted" down the list, it is effectively banned at the federal level.

That said, if it's medicine, "someone" needs to put in the "medicine" category and regulate it as such. If it's not medicine, it needs to be shifted to the BATFE and taxed like the other items which aren't medicine. This isn't really a hard concept. However there's no political gain to be had for doing that. There's only political loss. So politicians will wait until 80%+ of their area are pro, then they will flip on the issue.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 11 at 2015 1:21 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:21:45 -0400

It's where you put your weed man. JK but seriously....sure, its pot, not meth or something else. If I legally could, I'd smoke a little weed here and there. I hope that didn't come out wrong.

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 11 at 2015 3:04 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:04:20 -0400

Why doesn't freedom include the ability to choose what and what not to put into our own bodies?

Why don't more people investigate to see who lobbies against legalization of cannabis?

Why don't more people consider that you can go to plenty of stores in your immediate area and buy enough alcohol to drink yourself to death tonight, or buy and smoke enough cigarettes to put you on a path to lung cancer and other horrendous diseases. but you can't buy cannabis anywhere where the states haven't legalized it for medicinal and/or personal use?

Why won't more people consider that what other people do to their own bodies isn't any of their damned business?

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 11 at 2015 4:41 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:41:34 -0400

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

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made May 11 at 2015 5:01 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Mon, 11 May 2015 17:01:41 -0400

If it helps, why not, but the Feds need to change the law.

A lot of people don't realize that if you are on a state registry for medical marijuana that you are technically in violation of the Brady Bill and the government can revoke/suspend your ability to own/keep a firearm.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 11 at 2015 6:15 PM

SSG John Erny — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:15:00 -0400

The MJ of the 1980's THC was about 2%, now it is about 15%. So where does it stop? Say some bio-engineer gets the level up to 50%, the effects could be more severe than your fathers weed. The stuff is no longer what mother nature intended it to be.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 11 at 2015 9:19 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 11 May 2015 21:19:30 -0400

I have been looking for a doobie for 3 years to commemorate my retirement from the army.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 12 at 2015 1:01 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 12 May 2015 01:01:52 -0400

We have allowed or experimented with drugs that have much worse likely side effects... Human trials with cannabis to see if it helps with REAL cases of PTSD .. Absolutely, why not.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 12 at 2015 1:50 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 12 May 2015 01:50:13 -0400

Meanwhile in Colorado...
1.) Since pot was legalized, no one really cares.
2.) Nobody has changed their habits: If weren't smoking pot before legalization, you're not smoking it now. Similarly, if pot was part of your life-style, it's now much easier to get.
3.) The tax(es) generated are outrageous. Anyone remember when prohibition was repealed? Last year the state of Colorado made almost $185,000,000.00 in marijuana taxes. That number is on track to double based upon YTD 2015 sales.
4.) To point #3, the Feds are struggling to invent ways to tax it. However, in order to tax it, they must legalize it. Government can tax it without validating it as trade/commerce, right?
5.) By comparison, alcohol is legal here too... and there's a lot more violent crime, DUI's, and bad stuff that happens with folks get drunk.

At the end of the day, pot still carries a stigma. It's probably more a part of American fabric that we'd like to admit. But, if it helps a guy with PTSD manage his day... if it helps save a life, I'm "in." I'd rather buy a pizza for my stoned battle-buddy & fellow veteran than attend his funeral.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 7:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:08:19 -0400

Marijuana is medicine, denying Veterans medicine because it's frequently abused for recreational purposes shouldn't be tolerated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:27:45 -0400

I would like to add chronic pain to the list for possible users of medical marijuana whether in pill form or leaf. It is okay to be prescribed Morphine, Oxycodone, Oxycontin and any number of other drugs for pain that are much more addictive. I myself would rather take a pill for marijuana than take all the pills I do now for the pain. Having said that I will not do any type of drug that is not approved by the VA for fear of losing my rating. If the powers that be were having the health issues that some of us have they would be yelling for the laws to be changed. Until it affects them or their loved ones they will do nothing to help others that do need it.

Response by Sgt Scott Wells made May 13 at 2015 1:28 PM

Sgt Scott Wells — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:28:28 -0400

Way better treatment and infinitely fewer side effects than prescription drugs and alcohol. It is the best thing we can do for our brothers and sisters suffering from PTSD.

Response by PO3 Gordon Soderberg made May 13 at 2015 1:31 PM

PO3 Gordon Soderberg — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:31:25 -0400

Saves lives from PTSD to narcotic and alcohol addictions

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made May 13 at 2015 2:00 PM

Cpl Anthony Pearson — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:00:03 -0400

(Many) Veterans are STRUGGLING to cope, every single day.

They struggle to fit in, to feel normal, to find themselves and come to terms with who they are and what they are.

Some are able to muscle through the bad thoughts. Others turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain and weaken the demons. Hard drugs and alcohol lead to job loss, losing support from family and friends, run-ins with the law, and homelessness.

I am very much in support of legalized pot for veterans who are struggling with PTSD. It should be rationed out and provided to them, free of charge, via their local VAs.

I know that other issues will need to be discussed. How much is enough? What if they sell it? Can it be abused? What to do about employers with strict policies that disallow the use of marijuana?

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made May 13 at 2015 3:38 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:38:00 -0400

I have R. A. (Rheumatoid Arthritis) stage 3-4 and have considered this myself but have not tried it. I do not like drugs at all and drink to kill the pain I endure everyday. I do not like drinking but something has to give. I do smoke cigar cigs so I figure smoke or eat (brownies) the marijuana to see how it works.

Response by SGT Timothy Byrd made May 13 at 2015 4:53 PM

SGT Timothy Byrd — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:53:01 -0400

I personally know people that use pot instead of all the pills the va wants to give & they are more equaled out compared to not smoking & taking the pills.

Response by SGT John Wesley made May 13 at 2015 5:58 PM

SGT John Wesley — Wed, 13 May 2015 17:58:19 -0400

Sure! Make it in pill form and I'm down with it. Make it a leafy form and no.

Response by SPC Dave Weaver made May 13 at 2015 6:42 PM

SPC Dave Weaver — Wed, 13 May 2015 18:42:58 -0400

this is a no brainer,if it help people ,than lets use it.if you live with ptsd and there another thing that will help. lets get on with it!

Response by SGT Jeff Dixon made May 13 at 2015 7:49 PM

SGT Jeff Dixon — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:49:26 -0400

If it saves one Brave vet I'm for It!

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 13 at 2015 8:41 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Wed, 13 May 2015 20:41:38 -0400

I personally believe that it would be an honest to goodness saving grace for many!

Response by PO3 Mike Beachem made May 13 at 2015 9:06 PM

PO3 Mike Beachem — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:06:55 -0400

Medical marijuana works on a lot of different ailments. It is not unless you are week minded a gateway drug .

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2015 9:11 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:11:55 -0400

If pot has real medicinal properties, then why is it not being put under FDA control, grown in medical labs and prescribed by a doctor like any other drug. I just fail to see why this is such an overblown issue up for debate instead of being put under control.

Response by SFC Robert Wheeler made May 13 at 2015 9:29 PM

SFC Robert Wheeler — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:29:33 -0400

The science is saying let them have it. I happen to know that it works.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 11:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 23:12:59 -0400

I will never use Maryjane because I used to smoke and I lucked out without getting Cancer or other problems associated with smoking. I smoked it one time while I was stationed at Ft. Bragg and I didn't like the feeling of no control. I didn't get a high feeling or the munchies. I got sick and threw up. That was it for me. To each his own, but with maryjane, leave me out of it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:10 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 00:10:59 -0400

hell no. no no no no no.

Response by SGT Scott Bailey made May 14 at 2015 1:11 AM

SGT Scott Bailey — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:11:26 -0400

The fact marijuana is a schedule 1 drug, in 2015, is absolutely ridiculous. If people are so worried about addiction, make alcohol illegal. That would solve way more problems than marijuana could ever create. We have to stop acting like fools and do the right thing, legalize!

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 14 at 2015 1:31 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:31:21 -0400

I believe that marijuana should not just be recognized as a form of PTSD treatment, but I believe that it should be legalized on a federal level for recreational use.

Tax and regulate it just as we do alcohol and tobacco and place similar restrictions on it. 18 or 21 yo to purchase/consume, and no driving high. I guarantee legalized weed will knock out or at least take a big chunk out of our $18+ trillion deficit. It can also be used as another source of revenue for things like fixing roads, building schools, replenishing the Social Security fund, etc.

To all those who say, "It's bad for you" or "It's a gateway drug" I say this. Didn't we used to have similar views on alcohol (Prohibition anybody?)? No one has EVER overdosed on weed nor does smoking or otherwise consuming it cause you to become violent. For most people it makes them sleepy and hungry. Some people do have adverse reactions to it, but it usually makes them sick. Very similar to an allergic reaction.

I myself have no desire to smoke weed, but I am very passionate about legalizing it.

Response by SrA Dale Hunt Sr made May 14 at 2015 3:00 AM

SrA Dale Hunt Sr — Thu, 14 May 2015 03:00:51 -0400

I believe any Vet on disability should be able to use medical marijuana. Please make it happen.
I suffer from Arthritis, Migraines, Neuropathy, Dysthymic disorder, & Sinus Inflammation. As well as Prostate Cancer. I have used it in the past & it helps.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made May 14 at 2015 7:03 AM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Thu, 14 May 2015 07:03:12 -0400

There is no such thing as medical marijuana. It is still a Scedule 1 drug. That means it has no medical purpose and a high rate of addiction possibility. Having been medical for 24 years, before retiring, I have to agree. The problem is smoking it. IF there was any value in treating a medical condition, that value is destroyed by smoking it. Some of the oils have a goid effect, but they have to be extracted, not smoked. Marinol is used along those lines with cancer patients in attempts to increase appetite. The folks I have spoken with that are screaming for acces to smoke, are the ones that had to come in with full drug waivers, and in my personal experience just want to blaze up.
This class of drug has no medical purpose, and the folks into drugs just need to stop calling for it. The damage done is so great, from it. There are fare greater treatment options out there that have legitimate medical uses.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made May 14 at 2015 7:12 AM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Thu, 14 May 2015 07:12:39 -0400

I'm all for medical marijuana wether it's a thc pill or smokable. There's plenty of evidence that marijuana has beneficial uses for many ailments.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 14 at 2015 9:16 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 14 May 2015 09:16:26 -0400

The benefits of this particular drug, IMO, far outweigh the detriments. You will always have those individuals that are dead set against it ever being used for anything but have no problems with alcohol being readily available for all. Just like with alcohol or current prescription drugs, it is an individual responsibility to utilize them properly and not abuse them. I say allow it to be used in the treatment of PTSD and any other ailment that it may be beneficial too.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 14 at 2015 9:23 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Thu, 14 May 2015 09:23:41 -0400

I am a simple man and IMHO Marijuana is a natural remedy with proven results -vs- some man made drugs that have multiple side effects. I will take natural everyday. It's already been said but legalize it and tax it and we will reduce our national debt in a few years.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 9:37 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 09:37:48 -0400

I seen that someone down voted the discussion. We all know how he feels about this lol. In my most honest opinion, I feel conflicted. I feel that many will end up abusing it and remaining in a state of unproductiveness. I feel so because it alters the mind and I personally don't like anything controlling my body in such a fashion. I don't drink nor smoke. That's just me. Then I feel for our veterans whom truly benefit from such drugs and I'm more than ok with that. I guess it has to do with my upbringing and how shameful it is to just use it recreationally. I grew up in a poverty stricken community and seen what drugs do to you so that also is a factor for me. I've known people and seen a little turn to more. That's all they do is get high. Too much of something is never a good thing.

My sister suffers from an unusual condition called Charcot Marie tooth disease which affects her nerves and mobility. She's in constant pain and what not. Shit I'd get her maryjane all the time if I knew it would stop the pain and ease her suffering. I know she wouldn't abuse it because she's on other medications which are known to be abused and she hasn't abused them. Nonetheless this is why I'm conflicted or more worried about it. Imagine if it'lll become ok for even kids to smoke weed. It's enough with cigs and alcohol. Even if it's illegal they'll still get their hands on it, I know. But if it's widely accepted and not guided with caution then who knows...

Response by SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr made May 14 at 2015 10:33 AM

SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr — Thu, 14 May 2015 10:33:36 -0400

I have PTSD with severe depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. If I smoke it relieves some of the anxiety and makes me feel more relaxed. I think it should be allowed. I got caught by the V.A and had to sign a contract to keep my pain meds. The contract makes me promise not to smoke or I'll loose my meds permanently. I could really benefit by this but would rather have it as a med than smoke. I quit smoking cigs 4 years ago.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made May 14 at 2015 11:57 AM

SGT Steve Oakes — Thu, 14 May 2015 11:57:40 -0400

Not for me, but if it helps and is used responsibly, why not?

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 14 at 2015 2:43 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:43:08 -0400

I think for specific illnesses it would be beneficial and I don't just think so for Veterans. For cancer, seizures, glaucoma, arthritis and a few others the benefits where it is used legally or not have been proven enough for me.

Response by A1C William Hughes made May 15 at 2015 3:01 AM

A1C William Hughes — Fri, 15 May 2015 03:01:55 -0400

It has passed this past weekend. Although it limited to PTSD. Although more change is coming. I think this nation will be better place to live with less crime less addictions to much more harmful drugs. We allow alcohol and tobacco which together kills half a million americans in one year time. Yet nobody has died from using cannibus alone. In fact there isn't one case ever recorded you cant find it anywhere. Also plant have been used for thousand of years for medicine and even today many of our medicine come from plants. Yet they say it isn't medicine, but they have clear conflict of interest, because they make a huge amount of money keeping pot illegal. Half of their drug budge is for non violent pot crimes. A very small portion of that for Cocaine, and Heroine, and Meth, etc, just because respectively not a lot of people actually use hard drugs. So they perpetuated this lie to us that pot is terrible for you.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 15 at 2015 3:14 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 15 May 2015 03:14:53 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8CmvbZBM8Y

Candy bars

Super troopers

Response by PO3 Kevin Stephen made May 15 at 2015 8:33 AM

PO3 Kevin Stephen — Fri, 15 May 2015 08:33:18 -0400

If we allow marijuana for PTSD I am OK with that but the person who is prescribed the medicine should be on limited duty. Not sure I want a person on pot working on aircraft with me.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 15 at 2015 11:17 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:17:09 -0400

If it works why not?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 11:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:41:00 -0400

I'm all for it as long as it's taken under the supervision of a doctor or other licensed health care provider. I don't think we've done enough research to make it widely available for recreational use yet. On the other hand we've done tons of research on alcohol and tobacco usage and we know those things lead to an early grave and they are regulated for recreational use so......

Response by SPC David Shaffer made May 19 at 2015 3:18 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:18:52 -0400

I do not use it personally and I am sure I would not. My Mother was a crack addict, drug abuser, and always drunk through all of my younger years, so I have seen all of the drugs on the market being used and abused. I can not judge anyone because I take narcotics from the VA to battle my endless pain. Personally I don't see any difference between smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol, except the person smoking generally isn't violent or doing stupid things they shouldn't. I say let the veterans that want it, have it. They are going to legalize it everywhere soon anyway because they want to tax it as they do every other vice people have.

Shaffer

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 22 at 2015 10:24 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:24:56 -0400

There are enough reports both good and bad of individuals that have used pot and have gone out and done something stupid, but the same is said about prescribed medications. Marijuana has medicinal properties and can be used to treat many ailments but it needs to be prescribed and monitored correctly like any other medication for the purpose that it is intended for. This means that doctors need to be trained too, because all doctors receive their final prescription training through the pharmaceutical companies.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 22 at 2015 9:52 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 22 May 2015 21:52:47 -0400

The first thing they tell you in the VA is that "drinking is just a way veterans use to mask the true problems arising from PTSD." I would imagine that this is just another way to mask the symptoms and falls under that statement as well. Now we have a bunch of either drunk or stoned people with PTSD. Get help, don't self-medicate. TRUST ME.

Response by SPC Nathaniel Badertscher made Jun 25 at 2015 5:48 PM

SPC Nathaniel Badertscher — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:48:33 -0400

Because marijuana used in a clinically-proven way can have enormous treatment benefits - as a few people here have already pointed out - I really hope that vets don't try to use this as an excuse to get high. If, in the form of a pill, or oil, or tincture, or what have you, marijuana can help ease the suffering of so many, then I say so be it. Some will probably try to abuse the system, as it often happens, but I really hope most of us, if we seek it, do so with only the best intentions, namely, to get better.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 30 at 2015 7:56 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:56:30 -0400

A veteran with PTSD may be seeking a short term relief by using pot. But one of the potential side effects of pot is anxiety. A doctor that prescribes pot to a veteran with PTSD is not IMHO doing the vet any service, if anything I feel he should have his medical license brought before a board of ethics for revocation. Knowingly causing additional anxiety in someone who suffers from anxiety is just wrong and violates the practice of medicine.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 10 at 2015 1:58 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:58:10 -0400

I am on the fence about this because for myself personally I have never used marijuana but when I was exposed to it as a teenager, my friends were smoking it in the garage, I got violently ill just from the second hand smoke. I know people don't believe me but again in the Navy when I was told to attend a controlled burn of marijuana so that we could tell if it was being used in the barracks, I puked just from the smoke.
That being said, I have seen many studies of the medicinal properties of marijuana with diabetics, I am a type 2 diabetic, and how it can help manage painful diabetic neuropathy.
I think if there is a controlled way of administering it and it helps someone manage their pain then prescribe it. As with any narcotic it would have to be monitored to avoid potential abuse by the patient.
And I do not believe that marijuana is addictive in the sense that tobacco, alcohol or stronger drugs are.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 21 at 2015 4:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:42:19 -0400

Give me some THC and slim jims!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 10:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 10:00:13 -0400

its safer than pills

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Apr 12 at 2016 10:04 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 10:04:31 -0400

I honestly don't see why its illegal other than archaic laws based on it being taboo.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 12:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:44:23 -0400

Cannabis has been shown to provide relief from chronic pain, panic attacks and anxiety. This is all dependent on the strain. I think it should be rescheduled so more research can be done to make it available to the masses. As far as vets, I think it should be allowed to be used. It's cheaper and safer than pill and alcohol.

Response by CPL Joshua Wood made Apr 25 at 2016 10:36 PM

CPL Joshua Wood — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 22:36:52 -0400

Its 2016 and we are still dealing with this stupid ban.... Who are you to tell me that I can't smoke a little natural herb before bed??? Congrats to the Pharma Industry for being the biggest drug producer and the VA for being the #1 middle man. We claim to love freedom, but allow politicians to be swayed by lobbyists and then we continue to reelect them. If it helps then who cares! What makes pot worse than cigarettes, opiates, and alcohol? I just want to face palm when I hear the gateway argument. VA would save money if vets could grow it themselves.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Apr 25 at 2016 10:54 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 22:54:35 -0400

Moot, until the Federal Govt. Says, ok the herb is not ILLEGAL.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2017 3:47 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 15:47:51 -0500

No... There is no need for "medical" marijuana when 1) you can used medically synthesized marijuana called Meridol, and 2) those with PTSD need to undergo gold standard treatments for PTSD (i.e., prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy).

Response by SFC Patrick Machayo made Mar 3 at 2019 7:52 PM

SFC Patrick Machayo — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 19:52:28 -0500

It is against federal law. Call your congressional rep, hopefully they will listen.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2022 5:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:17:11 -0400

sure...