Medical marijuana may just be able to help veterans with post-traumatic stress. The federal government has given a green light to researchers to study the effects of marijuana on those suffering from PTSD.
This "green light" may not seem like a big deal, but it is as far as medical marijuana is concerned. For decades, marijuana researchers have struggled to secure approval for research into marijuana's medical uses, according to NBC Tulsa. The fact that the Department of Health and Human Services gave the go ahead for this new research is a big step forward for marijuana studies.
"These are not people who are going to be involved with some clandenstne production of the drug or do something nefarious," said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., in an interview with the Times, according to Oregon Live. "They are trying to do scientific research that will add to the body of knowledge and safety."
It's perhaps not surprising that restrictions are being lifted. Views on marijuana are changing across the United States. In fact, a recent poll revealed that Americans believe sugar is more dangerous for your health than marijuana. In addition, states are slowly legalizing marijuana as more and more residents push for medical marijuana to treat illnesses. Over the last eight months, more than 100 families have moved to Colorado just to legally use medical marijuana for their children.
Currently, there are more than one million Americans taking medical marijuana-usually for chronic pain, according to Live Trading News. Yet rigorous medical research has, until now, been limited due to federal restrictions. Yet opinions are changing in the United States, which could herald a new era of research into marijuana.
Currently, the researchers are preparing to conduct the study. If the findings are favorable, there may be a new way to help treat PTSD in veterans.
