Congress Considers Expanding War Vets’ Access To Medical Marijuana

Although some anecdotal evidence suggests medical marijuana could mitigate symptoms of PTSD — including anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, nausea, and muscle tension — little, if any, rigorous research has been conducted to determine the role the plant could play in helping those afflicted by the disorder.

Federal restrictions on marijuana research, validated by the plant’s designation as a Schedule I drug, have stunted researchers’ efforts to legally study its effects on the human mind. Even with studies in other countries affirming marijuana’s medical benefits, scientists contend that side effects of prolonged cannabis use — including short-term memory loss, impaired motor skills — further complicate the issue.

However, a solution may be on the horizon. In March 2014, the federal government authorized the study of medical marijuana as a treatment option for those suffering from PTSD. Months after, a New Mexico study found that patients reported a 75 percent reduction in PTSD symptoms after using marijuana. In September of that year, Colorado and Minnesota started the process of setting up research programs that test cannabis’ efficacy. These series of events have renewed hope among medical marijuana proponents that lawmakers will recognize its healing power, especially when it comes to military veterans.

“The men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” Dan Riffle, director of federal policies for Marijuana Policy Project, told the Associated Press. “They deserve every option available to treat their wounds, both visible and hidden.”

Article Appeared @http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/02/04/3619138/medical-marijuana-and-military-vets/

 

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