FDA Approves Cannabis Study Focused on PTSD Treatment for Veterans

A recently approved clinical research will look into the effects of cannabis on veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) organized the study, which gained approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month. It will include 320 veterans who have previously used cannabis to treat PTSD symptoms.

The randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to investigate "real-world" cannabis use, focusing on products that veterans would typically find at state dispensaries, including those with higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for cannabis' psychoactive effects.

Allison Coker, MAPS's head of cannabis research, underlined that the study would provide insights into how cannabis is used in real-life scenarios, as opposed to controlled conditions in past studies. This decision marks a significant step forward in the federal government's attitude to cannabis, which remains illegal under federal law despite its widespread use.

Veteran advocacy groups have long advocated for additional research into cannabis as a treatment for PTSD and other ailments. This trial is regarded as a key milestone that could pave the door for more veteran-focused cannabis research. As cannabis usage among veterans increases, the Department of Veterans Affairs is supporting several studies to study its therapeutic potential.

Patrick Murray, legislative director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, stated that the VA should use its enormous health network to encourage research into alternative medicines such as cannabis, particularly given veterans' rising interest in exploring new avenues for recovery.

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