First study of cannabis in veterans with PTSD

The first observational study to determine the efficacy of cannabis for veterans with PTSD has gained approval from regulators in the US.

US charity, The Battle Brothers Foundation has received approval to launch an observational study on the use of medical cannabis to help combat PTSD in veterans. 

In conjunction with NiaMedic, a medical data and research company, the study will determine if cannabis treatment will be beneficial in reducing symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant PTSD. 

The two groups received approval to proceed with the study from the national Independent Review Board (IRB), the independent committee that reviews the methods proposed for research to ensure that they are ethical.

“This news could not come at a better time,” Bryan Buckley, founder and president of the board for Battle Brothers Foundation.

“Every day, 22 veterans are dying due to effects of post-traumatic stress from opioid addiction to depression. Through anecdotal experiences, we know that cannabis can alleviate symptoms and provide relief. 

“We appreciate that the IRB recognises the validity of and the need for this study.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of PTSD among returning service members varies widely across wars and eras. 

In one major study of 60,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 13.5 percent of deployed and non-deployed veterans screened positive for PTSD, while other studies show the rate to be as high as 20 to 30 percent. 

As many as 500,000 US troops who served in these wars over the past 13 years have been diagnosed with PTSD.

The study will enroll 60 California veterans, with moderate or severe PTSD over the next year.

Participants will dose and titrate individually purchased products under their own discretion and will be followed for 90 days to evaluate the safety and efficiency of cannabis on their symptoms. 

Results of the study will be documented and monitored at that time.

The Battle Brothers Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC), a cannabis company founded by disabled United States Special Operations veterans that donates 100 percent of its profits to fund research on the medical use of cannabis for veterans.