THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS AND CANNABIS
Since the legalization of Cannabis by most states in the U.S. for medical and recreational purposes. The American Veteran community has always been at the forefront and trying to influence the Department of Veterans Affairs to reevaluate its policies and views concerning Cannabis. It is with joy, honor, and bravery that African Americans Veterans put themselves in harm’s way daily for the sake of their beloved United States of America.
However, during their stint overseas, these heroes mostly return home to their families and friends after life-threatening missions with painful memories powered by their experiences in representing their nation overseas. Due to this, many of them have physical and mental issues. With that in mind, as they search for much-needed relief from psychological and physical problems and try to stay clear of opioids dues to dangerous side effects, many veterans are bound to seek solace in medical marijuana as an alternative.
The Potency of Cannabis on African American Veterans
A survey carried out in 2017 through 2018 opines that over 33% of veterans turn to Cannabis as a treatment for depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. Another research carried out by the National Institute on Drug Abuse opined that opioids are known to be the prime cause of over 100 deaths daily. The reverse is. However, the case considering marijuana registers no deaths. Enclosed below are some of the benefits of marijuana for veterans
- Cannabis as a Panacea for Depression
The most common problems affecting veterans today is depression. Almost every day in the U.S., vets are known to take their lives because of depression. Making it a severe problem needing immediate attention. The most common cause of depression in veterans is rooted in trauma-related combat during their time in active service. Unfortunately, due to social shame, many veterans forfeit the opportunity of actually seeking treatment for depression.
- Cannabis for Veterans in Pains
There is a strong positive relationship between chronic pains associated with combat in veterans, as it affects almost all areas of their lives. Although most doctors turn to opioids for pain veterans suffer, its side effects include mood changes, constipation, and even anxiety. In addition, opioids are often very addictive, with Veterans Affairs reporting treatment for 66,000 vets in 2016 for opioid addiction. According to the findings compiled in leafly.com, Cannabis is a practical, non-toxic, and non-addicting treatment for pain as it restricts those receptors that cause chronic pain.
- Cannabis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PSTS is the most common disorder associated with war veterans in the U.S. Although the disease can occur at any time, most veterans are known to witness firsthand the symptoms two to three months after deployment. Therefore, along with therapy, the treatment of PTSD is of prime importance to all members of the veteran’s family as it is a source of refuge from symptoms of PTSD by using medical Cannabis.
- Cannabis for Veterans With Suffering From Insomnia
Many military veterans are surveyed a lot during battles just so they home victorious. When they finally arrive home, reality sets in. This is evident, considering a wide array of them find it so hard to sleep engineered by the memories they got during battle. Although a wide variety of prescription drugs and therapeutic sessions are designed to help war heroes suffering from this ailment, none has proven effective.
However, Cannabis, thanks to years of extensive research and legalization, is changing the narrative. Although the drug is surveyed to serve as a panacea for many ailments, like pain, PTSD, and voting from cancer treatment, it can now treat patients with insomnia and sleep-related disorders.
Final Note
As a war veteran or hero suffering from health-related disorders ranging from chronic pain, PTSD, or depression, the key to getting better lies in your ability to accept your present situation and ignore what the world says about your current predicament.