This Veteran’s Day Vireo Honors Those Who Served
Many millions of Americans are veterans, for which all of us at Vireo Health are profoundly grateful. But the little-acknowledged truth is that for many of them, the adjustment back to civilian life is easier said than done. Because veterans are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as PTSD at a much higher rate than the general population, we want to take this Veteran’s Day—Wednesday, November 11, 2020—to not only discuss some of the challenges they face, but to offer a special offer to help them find gentle, all-natural and sustainable relief.
PTSD a Unique Challenge for Those Who Serve
The call to serve our country runs deep in the story of the United States: According to the latest US Census data, some 17.4 million Americans are veterans. Each year, over half of them are served by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and much of that effort goes towards medical care, including some 170 VA Medical Centers and nearly 1,100 outpatient sites.
Unfortunately, many observers feel that even this intensive investment in veterans’ care isn’t enough.
Why? In addition to the injuries and wounds servicemen and servicewomen sustain in combat zones such as Afghanistan and the Arabian Peninsula, a high percentage of veterans are living with lingering disorders such as PTSD.
PTSD—the acronym for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the United States. And while it’s hardly unique to veterans—about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people (or 7-8% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives—veterans are much more likely to be diagnosed with it.
According to some studies, as many as 20 – 30% of veterans may have PTSD. Symptoms can range from anxiety and insomnia to debilitating hyper-vigilance, and even more severe behaviors. Tragically, veterans are statistically more likely to end their own lives than other members of the population.
How Cannabis Helps Vets Manage PTSD
Because of the federal government’s reluctance to acknowledge the medical benefits of cannabis, progress has been slower than it might otherwise be. But a number of studies have examined cannabis’ role in treating PTSD, and whether it’s short-term relief from severe symptoms of PTSD or reducing the severe depression and suicidal ideation often associated with PTSD, the results are fairly conclusive. Used under careful medical supervision, cannabis has the potential to help address the symptoms of PTSD and dramatically improve veterans’ quality of life.
How? Cannabis helps us manage the symptoms of PTSD in a number of ways. One hallmark of PTSD is that patients feel as though they’re reliving their trauma over and over. In addition to being an anxiolytic—or anxiety-reducing—medicine, studies suggest that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD help restore healthy memory function by stimulating the Endocannabinoid System, one of the body’s chief regulatory networks.
A Call to Honor Those Who Serve
In the coming years, we’re confident that scientists will unlock more information on how the mechanisms of PTSD and cannabis interact. But for the time being, we want to make it as simple and affordable as possible for those veterans who seek the relief of medical cannabis to access it.
As Veteran’s Day 2020 approaches—that’s Wednesday, November 11—we invite any former member of the armed services to partake in a 22% discount. Simply present your Veterans ID card at any Vireo dispensary and we’d be happy to thank you for your service in this small way.
Do you have questions about how medical cannabis may help fight the symptoms of PTSD (as well as many other chronic symptoms and conditions)? We’re here to help; reach out anytime!