Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Cannabis: Why The VA And DOD Are Saying 'No'

As debates around potential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments continue, the use of cannabis and its derivatives has come under increased scrutiny.

Despite claims of effectiveness, key stakeholders such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) Management of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder Work Group have issued a clear position: "The Work Group recommends against the use of cannabis or cannabis derivatives in treating patients with PTSD because of the lack of well-designed [randomized control trials] evaluating the efficacy of cannabis derivatives in large samples of individuals with PTSD and the serious side effects associated with their use.”

See Also: Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Considers New Rules For Veterans' Access To Medical Marijuana

What Happened: As previously reported by Psychedelic Alpha and Marijuana Moment, the VA and the DoD maintain a firm stance against the use of cannabis in PTSD treatment.

The document cites insufficient research and evidence of harmful side effects, including problems with attention, memory, IQ, and driving, as the reasons for the stance.

While strongly opposing medical marijuana, the departments express neutral views on psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD. Psychedelics, which were not even considered in the prior review six years ago, are receiving fresh attention, but more research is needed, they say.

However, the Work Group stressed that currently, "insufficient evidence exists to recommend for or against these specific psychedelic agents as a treatment for PTSD."

A separate section was dedicated to MDMA, a substance that has gained the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s "breakthrough therapy" designation for its potential in treating PTSD.

Yet, despite this recognition, the departments concluded there's still "insufficient evidence to recommend for or against" MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, citing resource constraints, potential side effects, and patient comfort with psychedelic treatment.

See Also: First Country To Allow MDMA And Psilocybin Mushrooms To Be Prescribed For Depression And PTSD Makes Global Headlines

Why It Matters: This evaluation reflects the pressing need for better treatment options for PTSD, and the complex consideration these departments must navigate in recommending alternative treatments.

Despite the departments' position, bipartisan lawmakers are advocating for more exploration into the potential therapeutic benefits of these substances.

Veterans Finding Relief: Research indicates that over 90% of U.S. military veterans using medical marijuana report an improved quality of life, often choosing cannabis over over-the-counter and prescription medications.

As Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) recently stated, the goal is to ensure veterans enjoy "equal access as their civilian counterparts to state-legal marijuana programs.”

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Read the full story at Marijuana Moment.

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Photo: Courtesy Of sydney Rae On Unsplash