Veterans can access medical marijuana if they meet state requirements and have a PTSD diagnosis. However, because cannabis is still federally illegal, VA doctors cannot recommend it, nor can pharmacies fill prescriptions.
Veterans must communicate openly with their healthcare providers if they consider medical marijuana card online in Baton Rouge. Certain medications may interact negatively with cannabis or have contraindications.
Pain Relief
Managing chronic pain due to physical injuries or PTSD symptoms is a major challenge for veterans. Medical cannabis can reduce veterans’ pain levels and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Medicinal cannabis can alleviate neuropathic pain, often caused by multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV and cancer. It is also a safer alternative to opioid-based medications, which are highly addictive and have the risk of fatal overdose.
The vast majority of veterans surveyed support increased access to marijuana. However, veterans still face restrictions when using cannabis since the federal government classifies it as a Schedule 1 drug. VA doctors cannot prescribe or recommend it for medical purposes, and the agency does not pay for it.
Anxiety Relief
As a group, veterans struggle with anxiety and depression more than the general population. Many also suffer from chronic pain and PTSD. When pills don’t work or even worsen matters, some vets turn to marijuana as an alternative.
Cannabis for veterans is an effective tool for pain management. It also helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares and insomnia. It can also help regulate mood changes that accompany PTSD and TBIs. Moreover, it can reduce inflammation and improve overall quality of life. It is important to note that cannabis use doesn’t affect eligibility for VA care or impact a veteran’s disability rating and compensation. However, it is crucial to communicate with a medical professional before starting a treatment plan. This is to avoid any interactions or contraindications that may occur with other prescription medications.
Sleep Improvement
A good night’s rest is essential to the overall health of any person, including veterans suffering from PTSD. Chronic sleep disturbances can significantly impair daily functioning and performance, leaving veterans overwhelmed, depressed and tired.
Cannabis has been shown to enhance sleep quality in some people. This is thought to be due to its ability to affect the endocannabinoid system, which regulates stress and mood.
One study found that smoked cannabis was associated with decreased sleep onset latency and fewer awakenings in PTSD patients. In contrast, another found that cannabis reduced nightmares in women with PTSD, a common symptom. A bill called the Medicinal Cannabis Research Act would mandate that the agency study how cannabis can help treat PTSD symptoms and reduce reliance on dangerous opioids and benzodiazepines.
Depression Relief
The suicide crisis among veterans is a national tragedy. Roughly 20 veterans take their lives each day. Many veterans struggle with chronic pain and depression — often treated with opiate-based medications.
Those drugs can be incredibly dangerous when taken in high doses. And they can also be addictive. The good news is that there are alternatives. Cannabis is a safe, natural treatment free of prescription drugs’ devastating side effects.
And it’s important to note that a veteran’s participation in their state medical marijuana program will not jeopardize their VA benefits. The only reason the VA would want to know about a patient’s cannabis use is if there are any drug-related contraindications with their current medications. PTSD patients, in particular, report using alcohol much less with the help of cannabis.
PTSD Relief
Many veterans struggle with symptoms of PTSD like nightmares, chronic anxiety and insomnia. These symptoms can make working, maintaining a healthy weight and interacting with friends and family difficult.
While research in this area is limited, veterans that have been prescribed medical marijuana for PTSD have reported improvements in their symptoms and improved quality of life. This is an encouraging sign that cannabis may help treat PTSD and is being used in states where it is legal.
Veterans must communicate openly with their healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans. This includes discussing if the patient is considering or using medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan. This will ensure that the patient receives optimal care while minimizing potential adverse effects.
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