'It Could Hit You A Couple Years Later' Says Vet On PTSD As USF Prepares Cannabis Clinical Trial

The University of South Florida (USF) is preparing to launch a clinical cannabis trial for veterans with PTSD, reported ABC Action News.

"Previous studies have shown that marijuana might help improve some of the symptoms associated with PTSD, helping reduce the symptoms, the nightmares, and the other things that kind of go along with it," said Dr. Mark Kindy of the USF. "They have trouble with their daily lives. It can affect their jobs, they don't sleep properly, they have nightmares, they have flashbacks.”

See Also: Study - US Military Veterans Achieve Higher Quality Of Life With Medical Marijuana

The university was granted $13 million from Michigan for the study focused on veteran’s mental health. The study is projected to last about five weeks, during which veterans will be provided with a dose of medical marijuana and then undergo therapy sessions. The first step, according to Kindy, is to recruit veterans.

"You see a lot of trauma and things like that, and it might not necessarily hit you right away. It could hit you a couple of years later," said Michael Delancey, a military veteran, who served in the military and was shot in Iraq, which left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Delancey noted that veterans who suffered injuries or witnessed trauma during service, very often end up with PTSD. "Sometimes you might have an issue, and it could last half a second, and other times it could be something that weighs on your mind just constantly." 

He advised struggling veterans to go out of the house, be active and find a friend.

See Also: Veterans Could Soon Receive Medical Marijuana Recommendations From VA Doctors: Senate Approves New Bill - What's Next?

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