Considerable research has been conducted on the therapeutic potential of cannabis. A 2017 review published in The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine evaluated over 10,000 scientific studies on the health impacts of cannabis and concluded that there is substantial evidence to support the use of cannabis for chronic pain, one of the most common issues veterans face. Research also suggests that cannabis can help war veterans with managing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder often seen in this population. In one such study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, more than 75% of participants (all PTSD patients) reported a decrease in PTSD symptoms when using cannabis.
Anecdotal evidence also supports its use. Many veterans who have incorporated cannabis into their healthcare regimen report improved quality of life, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.
A survey conducted by The American Legion in 2017 found that 82% of veteran households supported the federal legalization of medical cannabis, with 92% agreeing that it should be researched more. Their reasons? Replacing opioids, avoiding side effects from other medications, and the ability to self-manage symptoms, just to name a few.
