Introduction
Are you a Veteran who suffers from chronic pain? Do you want to try something new and natural, but are concerned about the legalities of doing so? If so, then consider medical marijuana! Medical marijuana is just what it sounds like: Marijuana that has been prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of disease or illness. The difference between “regular” recreational marijuana and medicinal marijuana is that the latter must go through a rigorous process before it’s sold at dispensaries. Recreational pot is not regulated in any way by the government, meaning there’s no guarantee that it will contain certain amounts of THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) or CBD (an anti-inflammatory compound).
What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a drug made from the hemp plant. It can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It’s important to understand that while medical marijuana is legal in some states, it’s still considered an illegal substance under federal law. This means that veterans who use or possess it may face prosecution if they’re caught by authorities–including the VA police force and FBI agents who investigate crimes involving veterans’ benefits.
Marijuana laws
Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and Washington DC, but remains illegal under federal law.
How can medical marijuana help veterans?
Medical marijuana can help veterans with a variety of conditions, including pain and anxiety, PTSD and sleep disorders.
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Pain: Many people who suffer from chronic pain have found that medical marijuana helps them manage their symptoms better than other medications. It’s also been shown to reduce reliance on opioids–a major benefit for veterans who may be at risk for addiction or overdose if they continue taking prescription pills long-term.
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Anxiety: While there aren’t many studies about the use of cannabis in treating anxiety disorders, some research suggests that people with PTSD may experience reduced symptoms when using it instead of other drugs like antidepressants or benzodiazepines (which are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medication).
Is the VA covering medical marijuana costs?
The answer is yes. The VA covers medical marijuana costs for veterans who qualify, which includes those with chronic pain and PTSD.
The American Legion, a group that advocates for veterans’ rights, has called on the VA to cover medical marijuana as an alternative treatment option for these conditions in states where it’s legal.
What are alternatives to smoking marijuana?
There are other ways to use marijuana. You can vaporize it, eat it in food or drink, rub it on your skin and even take capsules.
Here are some other options:
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Vaporizing — This method heats up the cannabis enough to release its active ingredients but not so much that it burns off any THC (the psychoactive compound). Vaporizers have become very popular with people who want to consume medical marijuana because they don’t have to inhale smoke like those who use joints or pipes do. Vaporizers range from $50-$500 depending on how fancy you want yours!
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Edibles — These are foods that have been infused with THC or CBD oil so they deliver an effect similar to smoking pot but without having to inhale anything into your lungs directly (which can irritate them). It takes longer for edibles’ effects to kick in than if you were eating regular food but once they do…you’ll be feeling pretty good! The downside is there’s no way of knowing how strong each bite will be until after taking several bites yourself first…so make sure not too many people eat one at once since there could be unexpected side effects such as paranoia or dizziness if consumed together instead of spaced out evenly over time.* Tinctures– This liquid form can be dropped under tongues/swallowed orally depending on preference/needs/condition being treated.”
How to get free medical card?
The first step to getting your medical marijuana card is to apply for one. This can be done by visiting your state’s official website and filling out the application, or by visiting Dr. Weedy. Once you have submitted all of the required information, it will take about two weeks for them to process your request and mail you a card if approved.
Once you have received confirmation that your account has been activated, there are several ways that veterans may access free medicine:
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The Veterans Administration (VA) offers free physicals every year for veterans over 65 years old at its facilities nationwide. If one of these visits results in an evaluation from a physician stating that medical marijuana would help manage any condition related to PTSD or TBI while also improving quality of life, then they will be able – under certain circumstances – prescribe cannabis without charging patients anything at all!
Takeaway:
Medical marijuana is a proven treatment for many conditions, including chronic pain and PTSD. If you’re a veteran who suffers from one of these conditions, it might be worth talking to your doctor about whether medical cannabis could help you.
If you live in California–and even if you don’t–you can get free medical marijuana through the state’s compassionate use program. This includes:
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Accessing cannabis oil that contains THC (the chemical responsible for getting people high) and CBD (a non-psychoactive component that helps with pain management) at no cost;
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Getting free seeds so that they can grow their own plants at home;
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Getting discounts on other items like tinctures or edibles made from cannabis plants
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of medical marijuana for veterans and how it can be used to treat PTSD. We also want to make sure that our readers know that there are alternatives to smoking marijuana, such as edibles or tinctures. If you have any questions about using cannabis as a treatment option, please contact us!
