Should cannabis use be promoted as a treatment for PTSD? Does that send a good message to current and future soldiers?

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:09:55 -0400

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 10 at 2016 12:11 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:11:57 -0400

If the set the parameters correct I don't think it will. It's being decriminalized everywhere so it's a changing tide.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:18 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:18:37 -0400

No it should not.. It's a drug. A mind altering drug.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 10 at 2016 12:25 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:25:03 -0400

It's a downer, a depressant, a relaxant, It's a Drug, It has lots of Beneficial Medicinal qualities that can be useful, It is not as addictive as some drugs. I'm all for it. I smoked it before I joined and for a while early in my career I smoked it after I joined (Before Pee Tests and when most of my Junior Superiors were Vietnam Era Vets that smoked it too). As a Past Urinalysis Coordinator for COMSPAWARSYSCOM and NARDAC there is still some problems though, as a Fat Soluble Drug it remains in the Bloodstream for a long time, I used to be able to tell if you toked within a month, So right now I am not aware of any system to tell if you used 3 weeks ago or are now stoned out of your gord. Yes I'm glad that the Days of Reefer Madness are gone and people are starting to take a more Nuanced Approach to this Useful Drug.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:26 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:26:05 -0400

I don't recall Marijuana ever killing anyone. Other drugs like painkillers? Yep! The only message it sends to a civilian IMO is that the military is adhering to modern medicine in order to meet the patients need.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made May 10 at 2016 12:30 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:30:24 -0400

I have never used, nor do I think that using cannabis would be right for me.

However, the real question we need to ask is what would be the difference in prescribing cannabis for this and any other drug? Sure it's been illegal for years, but so has prescription medication abuse. I have several friends who have been put on so many meds for treatment of PTSD and associated anxiety that they may be better off getting to replace 8 different behavioral medications with a Rx for cannabis.

As stated earlier, there would need to be very specific Rx's.

To make a point, a person being given an Rx for Morphine or Oxycotin is just as, if not more than likely to abuse these medications.

Having worked in EMS for several years, I can tell you than medication manufacturers do not want cannabis to be a prescribed med because there is a high probability that many will be able to come off these medications causing a significant drop in profit.

So, if there is actual value and benefit in prescribing cannabis to a sufferer of PTSD, is it morally and ethically right to deny that soldier a chance at a better life because of the concern of sending an unfavorable message to young soldiers?

That is the question in my mind because I believe this question provides an objective point of view.

Excellent question SPC Gilles, and it is one that will become asked more frequently as time passes.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made May 10 at 2016 1:09 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:09:50 -0400

Has anyone ever heard of the research done by Dr. Sue Sisley?

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 10 at 2016 1:48 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:48:42 -0400

I think it is the individuals decision on what medications they feel work best for them. If you are out of the military and it is your personal preference to use cannabis instead of VA prescribed opiates and anti-depressants, then by all means do it if it works for you. If you are still wearing a uniform, then sorry, it is not an option.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 1:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:50:29 -0400

um no, as long as it is illegal in the military, why promote as treatment for PTSD to current soldiers? It can be then abused if promoted this way.. just my opinion.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 2:17 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:17:09 -0400

Its said to have a lot of genuine healing qualities for a lot of ailments so if it really helps i dont see what the problem is other than the big pharmaceutical companies

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 10 at 2016 3:34 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:34:43 -0400

If rigorous, reproducible studies show that there is benefit without deleterious side effects, sure. But as of yet, those do not exist in sufficient quantity to say that cannabis works for it.

Response by PO3 James Staley made May 10 at 2016 4:57 PM

PO3 James Staley — Tue, 10 May 2016 16:57:00 -0400

Yes, it should be. It has tons of health benefits. Big pharmaceutical companies don't want it to be. They will lose a lot money. It has proven health benefits.

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made May 10 at 2016 7:18 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Tue, 10 May 2016 19:18:09 -0400

I'm not sure about it. It is after all against "federal law", regardless of what states decide. While it's not for me, I have to enforce the law regardless of my personal feelings. Until the feds are kicked out of the equation and the states constitutional ability to run themselves this issue will haunt us for a VERY long time.