Honoring our heroes on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices have safeguarded the freedoms we cherish, and they have often endured unimaginable challenges both during and after their service. As we pay tribute to our veterans, it’s essential to acknowledge not only their service but also the unique struggles many face upon returning home—and the ways society can help ease those burdens.
One increasingly recognized support tool in this journey is medical cannabis, which has become an important aspect of holistic wellness for many veterans. While several sources support the use of medical weed for veterans, a number of peer-reviewed studies addressing cannabis and PTSD have lent weight to the idea, paving the way toward further clinical trials.
As science progresses and more veterans share their experiences, the therapeutic potential of cannabis continues to be better understood. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of Veterans Day, the challenges veterans confront after service, and how cannabis has offered relief and hope for so many.
The importance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The holiday originally celebrated peace after a brutal conflict that had cost millions of lives and left countless others scarred, physically and emotionally. In 1954, the United States expanded Armistice Day to honor all veterans, recognizing that every conflict brings its own sacrifices, losses, and resilience.
Veterans Day is a reminder of our country’s gratitude for those who have served in peacetime and war in every branch of the military. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the depth of veterans’ sacrifices and the difficulties they often face in transitioning back to civilian life. For many veterans, the battles do not end once they step off the battlefield.
Life after service: The struggles veterans face
Returning from military service, many veterans face an array of challenges that can be daunting and even isolating. The trauma of combat, physical injuries, and the adjustment to a slower-paced civilian life can leave veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, chronic pain, and other health conditions. Some of the primary challenges veterans encounter include:
- Mental Health: According to the VA, PTSD affects roughly 15% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For Vietnam veterans, the number may be even higher. PTSD can disrupt sleep, relationships, and the ability to hold steady employment. Additionally, depression and anxiety are common, often compounded by feelings of isolation.
- Chronic Pain: According to the CDC, roughly 30% of veterans experience chronic pain—a significantly higher percentage than non-veterans. Physical injuries sustained during service, including amputations, spinal injuries, and other musculoskeletal issues, often lead to chronic pain. This pain can persist for years or even decades, affecting the veteran’s quality of life and ability to engage fully in daily activities.
- Dependency and Addiction: Traditional treatments for these conditions often include pharmaceuticals such as opioids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications. Unfortunately, these medications can lead to dependency, addiction, and adverse side effects that may not fully address veterans’ needs.
- Transition to Civilian Life: The shift from military to civilian life can be challenging as veterans face a loss of identity, purpose, and structure. Integrating back into family and community life often comes with complex emotions and a period of adjustment.
Cannabis: A beacon of hope for many veterans
In recent years, cannabis has emerged as a valuable option for managing many of the symptoms veterans face. With its variety of compounds—such as THC, CBD, and terpenes—cannabis may offer relief in ways that are distinct from traditional pharmaceuticals. Here’s how it’s helping many veterans regain a sense of normalcy:
Mental Health and Managing PTSD Symptoms
The effects of PTSD can be debilitating, impacting sleep problems, mood, and cognitive function. One reason there’s interest in using cannabis for PTSD is that all these functions are controlled in part by the endocannabinoid system, the bodily network that interacts with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Some veterans report that cannabis can help reduce the severity of flashbacks, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance, providing relief from PTSD’s lingering effects.
CBD, the major non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp, is known for imparting calming effects without the psychoactive “high” associated with THC. Research suggests that CBD shows strong potential as an anxiolytic, helping reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders as well as helping some veterans experience more restful sleep. When taken in moderate doses, THC may relieve symptoms of PTSD.
Alleviating Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be challenging to manage, especially for veterans who wish to avoid potentially addictive painkillers, which is why so many turn to cannabis as a promising option. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may reduce the perception of pain without the risks associated with opioid use.
For veterans who experience pain in their joints, skin, or muscles, cannabis creams and balms infused with THC and CBD may provide targeted relief. This form of pain management allows many veterans to reclaim aspects of their physical lives they thought were lost.
Cannabis may also be beneficial for neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by nerve damage that can be difficult to treat with conventional medications. Veterans with injuries or nerve damage may find relief in cannabis, which may reduce pain sensitivity by binding with pain receptors and reducing inflammation in affected areas.
Improving Sleep Quality
Sleep disorders are a common struggle for veterans with PTSD, and insomnia only exacerbates the mental and physical challenges they face. Using cannabis for sleep—particularly strains that contain CBN and CBD—may offer relief by promoting relaxation and supporting a restful night’s sleep. Each of these cannabinoids works symbiotically, with CBD potentially reducing anxiety associated with sleeplessness and CBN potentially reducing nighttime awakenings.
Veterans who struggle with nightmares, a common symptom of PTSD, report that cannabis helps them reduce the frequency and intensity of these night terrors. For those seeking better sleep quality without the intoxicating effects of THC, CBD-dominant strains are a popular choice. With the help of cannabis, some veterans are finally able to rest, recover, and face each new day with renewed energy.
Reducing Dependency on Pharmaceuticals
Cannabis has garnered attention for its soothing benefits, some studies even suggest that using it in place of opioids may improve a patient’s quality of life. Plus, additional data suggests that cannabis use for chronic pain is associated with large-scale reductions in opioid use, reducing the serious side effects and addictive qualities associated with these pharmaceuticals. For those who have struggled with addiction to prescription drugs, cannabis may provide gentler and more sustainable relief from PTSD symptoms, chronic pain, and other health issues.
Furthermore, cannabis can encourage a sense of control over one’s wellness journey. With so many product options on the market, many patients and recreational users can customize their experience based on their exact needs, choosing strains and consumption methods that provide the best relief.
Changing attitudes and policies toward cannabis use for veterans
As more veterans advocate for the benefits of cannabis, the conversation around its medical use has shifted. Organizations like the Veterans Cannabis Project work to increase awareness of how cannabis can benefit veterans and to push for policy changes that support veterans’ access to medical cannabis. Many states have included PTSD and chronic pain in the list of conditions qualifying for medical cannabis use, opening up new possibilities for veterans seeking alternative treatments.
However, federal restrictions continue to pose challenges. Since cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, veterans who use cannabis may face restrictions on employment or even lose benefits if they test positive for THC. Despite these obstacles, progress is being made. The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized veterans’ rights to discuss cannabis with their doctors without facing penalties, and as public opinion shifts, there is hope for more inclusive policies that support veterans’ well-being.
Looking ahead: Honoring veterans through continued support
This Veterans Day, as we reflect on the sacrifices our veterans have made, let’s also consider the importance of supporting their health, healing, and dignity in meaningful ways. Cannabis is just one tool in a larger approach to holistic wellness, and as we continue to explore and understand its potential, we have an opportunity to offer veterans a path toward healing that honors their unique experiences and needs.
Our gratitude should extend beyond words to action, helping veterans access the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after service. By listening to their stories, respecting their choices in managing their health, and advocating for continued research into cannabis, we can be a part of a compassionate community that values veterans’ mental and physical well-being. As we pay tribute to our veterans, let’s remember that true gratitude is shown by the ways we help and support them every day.