PTSD and emotional regulation: Cannabis can help regulate the stress response by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in mood and memory. Many veterans use indica-leaning or CBD-rich strains to ease hypervigilance, calm nightmares, and soften emotional flashbacks.
Chronic pain and inflammation: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common conditions among veterans. Topicals, tinctures, and balanced THC:CBD products are popular for long-term pain management without the risk of opioid dependence.
Sleep: Insomnia is another common challenge that’s often a side effect of PTSD or pain. Strains like Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, or products with CBN can help encourage deeper, longer sleep cycles.
Reconnection and social engagement: Some veterans use cannabis to help manage social anxiety and to feel more grounded in public spaces, family gatherings, or peer support groups. Microdosing or consuming low-THC products can promote a gentle mood lift without overstimulating psychoactive effects.
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I was essentially at my wit’s end coming out of the Army and I really didn’t know what to do...I tried cannabis reluctantly for myself, and I swear from the moment I tried it and experienced it for myself, all the misinformation was very apparent to me. And I was like, man, nothing that these people have told me about this plant is true. I feel good. I’m back to myself. I am healthy. I want to be kind to myself and everybody around me.
That hasn’t stopped advocacy groups like Veterans Cannabis Project, Weed for Warriors Project, and Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access from pushing for reform. Aaron Newsom, a Marine veteran who co-founded the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance, said in a 2016 TIME Magazine article, “Those of us who use [cannabis] on a daily basis want nothing more than the research to be done. It is a safer and healthier alternative to most of the pharmaceuticals they pass out at the VA.”
Embracing alternative therapies: Veterans' willingness to explore cannabis as a therapeutic option underscores the importance of being open to alternative treatments. Their journeys highlight that healing isn't one-size-fits-all and that exploring different modalities can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life.
Prioritizing mental health: The use of cannabis by veterans to manage symptoms of PTSD and anxiety brings attention to the critical need for accessible mental health resources. Their proactive approach serves as a reminder that seeking help and finding effective coping mechanisms is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Advocating for personal wellness: Veterans who have found solace in cannabis often become advocates for its benefits, emphasizing the importance of taking charge of one's health journey. Their advocacy encourages others to be informed, deliberate, and proactive in pursuing wellness strategies that align with their individual needs.
Building community and support networks: The camaraderie among veterans who use cannabis therapeutically illustrates the power of community in the healing process. Their support networks demonstrate how shared experiences and mutual understanding can foster resilience and recovery.
Challenging stigmas: By openly discussing their use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes, veterans challenge longstanding stigmas and pave the way for broader acceptance. Their transparency invites a more nuanced conversation about cannabis, encouraging others to consider its potential benefits without prejudice.
Veterans have a long history of turning to plant medicine for healing.
Today, cannabis is helping veterans manage PTSD, pain, sleep issues, and emotional wellness – often with fewer side effects than traditional meds.
Advocates are pushing to remove barriers so that veterans can access safe, legal cannabis through their healthcare systems.
