During combat, servicemembers are sometimes injured in a way that leaves them with a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, the Department of Veterans Services has reported that nearly 20 percent of returned servicemembers experience PTSD, and it is estimated that an average of 21 veterans take their lives every day because of combat-related stress or injuries.
A 2014 study conducted by New Mexico-based psychiatrist George Greer found that medical marijuana may help those former servicemembers who are struggling with PTSD and other mental issues. In fact, when Greer published his findings in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, he wrote that 75 percent of the 80 veterans who participated in the study saw a reduction in the symptoms and severity of their PTSD when they used cannabis treatments.
The study also concluded that hyperactivity, flashbacks and depression were reduced while participants were using medical marijuana.
Currently, only 23 states have legalized the use of this alternative treatment, but many veterans are arguing for the decriminalization of the drug. Some have even formed the Veterans Cannabis Project, an advocacy group that petitions for veterans' use of medical marijuana.
While the stigma surrounding cannabis is still relatively negative, the proof is hard to ignore.