Hey Doc,
I suspect the reason that statement was made is that most MDs are still living in 1995. Remeber that MDs PRACTICE medicine. They are not scientists! There is a solid evidence base that Cannabidiol, one of the non-psychoactive components of C. sativa and C. indica does in fact work well in treating neurological disorders, such as tonic/clonic seizures, some depression disorders, PNES, and PTSD.
However, there a between 6 and 11 more depending on species, strain and cross, that actually intensify anxiety and depressive disorders. THC in particular, which is primarily responsible for the euphoria and general sense of well being, plus the sleep and appetite effects is well known to trigger strong paranoia and panic attack symptoms in a fair portion of a population.
Among stoners, it is common knowledge that "some people just can't handle their shit" so to speak. Personally, back when I was a user, I did have a reduction of symptoms...except when I went more than a few hours without a bowl. Then the PTSD symptoms intensified. Turns out this is pretty common particularly among combat veterans. As of yet there is no clear indication why, though neurotransmitter with drawl appears to be the cause.
Alcohol has similar effects on many also.
Either way, I would be very, very, very very, careful in using either drug in combination with the brain pills, dumb drops, and other shit we are often prescribed. Drugs of all types interact differently in each individual and the use of all of them is based on big pharma funded bad science. Always remember MDs are using journal articles and research based off of statistically insignificant results. In other words, with very few exceptions, our prescribed drugs are given to us because they worked well for a dozen or less subjects. (Exception is Prasoszin- the off label use for PTSD is based on a 10k subject sample size over five years in India)
My suggestion...screw that....my orders... to you are to report this doctor to the Veterans Advocate Group at your VA hospital (and with the complaints folks there). To make such a statement to the patient that alcohol is acceptable in any case is a serious ethical error. I would also request a different Doc.
Sorry bout the wall of text. I'm on one hell of a fruit salad of VA issue brain pills these days and quickly slipping back into my overly wordy personality.
