Politics May Stop Study of Marijuana for the Treatment of PTSD in Veterans

A proposed scientific study by the University of Arizona to study the use of medical marijuana in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is in jeopardy. I believe any treatment that might benefit PTSD recovery in veterans deserves to be studied as we are in desperate need of effective treatments for the post-traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately this project may not be carried out due to drug politics. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the study, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse has reservations about approving the use of medical marijuana for the project.

Street Marijuana Should Not Be Used to Treat PTSD

Although I am in favor of any new scientific studies that are safe for participants and may offer new treatments for PTSD, I am not in favor at the present time of the use of street marijuana for PTSD symptom relief. I am aware many vets with PTSD use “pot,” or “weed” to help with symptom relief, but the fact that it is illegal causes the potential for more problems if the vet is arrested for its use.

In addition, I worry that the use of either alcohol or marijuana may cover up the symptoms of PTSD without providing any long term relief of the disorder.

Read the full story on marijuana for PTSD symptom relief here:

http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/index.php/article/2011/10/marijuana_ptsd_study_waits_for_ok