3 Ways Medical Cannabis Can Benefit Veterans
There’s a reason why U.S. military veterans make up more than 15% of Online Medical Card clientele. Since cannabis has not been federally legalized for either medical or recreational use, veterans cannot obtain medical cannabis through the VA, a federal agency.
However, a lot of people who reside in states where marijuana is legal have determined that getting treatment is worthwhile. As a result, there is a lot of discussion about veterans and cannabis.
Online Medical Card would like to thank everyone who has served our nation. We think that veterans should receive the best care available, no matter what that means.
Veterans may benefit from medical marijuana for the following three reasons.
- Chronic pain
It’s true that there aren’t many studies on medical marijuana and chronic pain, and the ones that have been done have produced contradictory findings. However, veterans themselves have provided anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana has helped reduce the pain associated with a variety of injuries sustained during years of active duty service.
Actually, the main reason why most people—not just veterans—use medical marijuana is to treat chronic pain.
Ricardo Pereyda, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is just one example. Healthline cited Pereyda’s use of cannabis to treat chronic pain from shoulder and back injuries, PTSD symptoms, and traumatic brain injury.
“Cannabis [marijuana] is the only thing that’s really helped me with all these symptoms,” Pereyda stated. This one plant has helped with my pain, anger, mood swings, appetite, and sleep. I regained my life.
- PTSD
Studies indicate that the symptoms of PTSD may be alleviated by medicinal marijuana.
According to research, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD work with the brain’s hippocampus to lessen amygdala hyperactivity, which is a common symptom of PTSD.
According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology earlier this year:
“Cannabinoids have been demonstrated to alleviate general PTSD symptoms, such as hyperarousal, treatment-resistant nightmares, and both the quantity and quality of sleep. Synopsis and prospects: It has been demonstrated that cannabinoids are a successful treatment option for PTSD patients. In addition to improving extinction training and helping to alleviate symptoms, they are also generally well tolerated.
- A Natural Alternative to Traditional Painkillers
Opioids, which frequently result in addiction problems, are commonly prescribed to veterans who experience chronic pain. This adds to the ongoing opioid crisis as well.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, accidental prescription opioid overdose is twice as likely to kill veterans—65% of whom experience chronic pain—than non-veterans. As a result, many veterans are turning to medical cannabis for pain relief as they look for safer substitutes for prescription painkillers.
According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Health Economics, opioid-related mortality had dramatically decreased in states where medical cannabis was legal:
“Medical marijuana laws, which mainly permit and open dispensaries, reduce the misuse of prescription opioids, as evidenced by treatment admissions and overdose deaths.”
Thinking About Getting a Medical Marijuana Card?
Check your state’s laws to see if you have a qualifying condition before applying for your medical cannabis card. Patients in California who have been recommended medical marijuana may be eligible for a Grow 99 Plants in CA permit, which permits them to grow up to 99 plants for their own personal medical use. For people who need more cannabis for treatment, this increased cultivation limit is advantageous. After determining your eligibility, proceed with us by making a virtual appointment.
