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Study Pending for Marijuana Treatment for U.S. Veterans with PTSD

According to Veterans News Now, at the University of Arizona College of Medicine researchers are lobbying for approval on the use of marijuana to treat disabled veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The current research project would furnish treatment of 50 veterans disabled from PTSD symptoms through either administration of marijuana or a placebo. Participants in the study would abstain from marijuana use for a month prior to the study, then be given 1.8 grams or 2 marijuana cigarettes per day for 2 months. The treatment plan is to study the differences various strains and levels THC has on minimizing the symptoms of PTSD.

States with laws allowing the use of medicinal marijuana suggest that it’s a viable treatment option. Nearly 27% of the prescriptions for marijuana in New Mexico are for treatment of PTSD – the highest percentile of conditions approved for use in treatment.

At this time, the study is still pending on the approval of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Public Health Service. These organizations are necessary to supply the marijuana needed for the research.

There have been many anecdotal accounts of using marijuana for self-treatment of PTSD symptoms, which has lead to an increase in interest for use as a medically-approved method of relief. Some studies have even shown that marijuana use immediately following a traumatic experience may decrease the chance of developing this disabling condition.

PTSD is one of the most common conditions seen in disabled veterans applying for veteran’s disability benefits. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms could open doors for other conditions such as anxiety disorders and alcoholism.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.