Cannabis can help with PTSD

Soldiers do their best, but sometimes return home a little broken… Access to cannabis can make a big difference

The United States and Canada have over 1 million active duty soldiers. They make sacrifices so their fellow citizens can enjoy security, democracy, and more. Four years is the usual full-time commitment, but sometimes they are left with that time forever. With mini-wars and conflicts flaring up around the world, 20-30% return with some sort of PTSD. It's a tough souvenir to remember from trying to help your country. Science shows that cannabis can help with PTSD, and hopefully the U.S. federal government will act quickly to help more.

RELATED: How to be discreet when using weed

While the government works slowly, over 30,000 active duty soldiers and veterans who have served in the military since 9/11 have committed suicide. That's roughly equivalent to the destruction of all of Fairbanks, Alaska. More veterans committed suicide after Vietnam, nearly 100,000, than during the war (about 58,000).

Photo by Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images

Symptoms are generally classified into four types, including intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional responses. Symptoms may vary over time or differ from person to person. This can cause a person to lose any advantage in life and interfere with their daily life.

Over 50% of research into the medical benefits of marijuana has focused on dangers rather than ways to help. But existing studies suggest that medical marijuana at the right dosage can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and provide relief. More extensive studies need to be funded and completed to better understand the full benefits and treatment regimens.

One study found that cannabis users reported a greater decrease in the severity of their PTSD symptoms. They were also more than 2.5 times more likely to not meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD than those who did not use cannabis.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Good news is that veterans who participate in a federally approved medical marijuana program will not be denied VA benefits, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA providers can discuss cannabis use with veteran patients and adjust care and treatment plans as needed. Veterans are encouraged to discuss medical marijuana use with their VA providers as part of their confidential medical record.