Veterans, Concussions, and CBD

Please read our Cannabis Health & Safety page. There appears to be a consensus among researchers that cannabidiol is relatively benign. Consumers typically purchase CBD made from hemp, which contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

There are numerous contraindications to be aware of for cannabis containing THC (marijuana), meaning that there are circumstances when marijuana could be detrimental. Additionally, people with brain injuries may be more vulnerable to substance abuse, including abuse of marijuana.

CBD advocacy organizations, including free cannabis

Hero Grown

"HeroGrown’s mission is to raise awareness, advocate, and assist veterans, first responders and their families with the use of cannabis as a safe alternative to deadly prescription drugs. Founded in 2014 as Grow for Vets, HeroGrown is nationally recognized as the preeminent organization fighting for our heroes’ right to use cannabis. We’ve also given away over $2,000,000 worth of cannabis products to veterans since." HEROGROWN

Weed for Warriors Project

"Weed for Warriors Project was started in the San Francisco Bay Area by an OEF United States Marine Corps Veteran who found relief from his service connected disabilities through medical marijuanaand the fellowship of other like minded Veterans within the cannabis community. With the help of organizations like SANTA CRUZ VETERANS ALLIANCE, Weed for Warriors Project is able to provide Veterans with medical marijuana information, a safe place to fellowship with other Veterans and safe access to free medicine with proof of service/ current medical recommendation." WEED FOR WARRIORS PROJECT

SC Veterans Alliance

"Our mission here at SC Veterans Alliance is to provide Qualified California Military Veterans with top quality lab tested medical cannabis grown by fellow United States Military Veterans. We honor our veterans with our Veteran Compassion Program (VCP), where every member of this collective receives free medical cannabis at every meeting. " SC VETERANS ALLIANCE

Veterans Cannabis Project

"Our Mission is to Support All Veterans. To foster an environment that is politically and legally favorable to US military veterans using medical marijuana to address service-related health challenges that prevent them from living the high quality of life that they have earned." VETERANS CANNABIS PROJECT

Research

DEA approves first ever marijuana study for veterans with PTSD

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has given formal approval to a controlled clinical trial to study the effectiveness of whole-plant cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans, the California-based non-profit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) announced last week. See the April 25, 2016 article in MedicalJane.

Research suggests need for new treatment strategies to help veterans recover 

According to a new study in JAMA Neurology, U.S. military service members who endured a mild concussion after blast injury while deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan may continue to experience mental health symptoms as well as decreases in quality of life for at least five years after their injury. The study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the Department of Defense. NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health. See the article in ScienceDaily. 

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