New Medical Marijuana Study

[atilla]

I think thats part of my coping, if i have a "mission", a straight forward purpose, i treat it as such. Plus with the edge off made it easier to focus on what i'm doing. It was still sort of unnerving with the crowwded streets, but i was a lot more able to handle it Dutchie. Still had to have a debrief with the wife, but all was pretty good.

 

[5line]

They, (The State) just OKd medical marijuana to be used for PTSD, but only in a pallative manner. It can only be recommended to people who are also undergoing "Conventional treatment"

Out of Curiosity, I called the Phoenix VA PTSD clinic and asked them what their position is on this issue. I was told that, if you use legal, medical marijuana, FOR ANY REASON, you could NOT receive PTSD treatment at any VA facility. The person I spoke to went on to say that they wouldn't "Waste resources" on MMJ users.

Proof that, When it comes to treating PTSD, The VA remains in the dark ages.

So, in Arizona, you can only use MMJ for PTSD if you are, concurrently, in a treatment program, BUT, you can't get into a program if you use MMJ, at least not at the VA.

Anybody know what a "Catch 22" is?

Jeez louise really?. is it just licensed "medical cannabis" users ? I told my docs at the VA that i smoke (not medical) and they didn't seem to care either way.

 

[Sarg]

Docbob,

The official VA opines that it's use for PTSD is "tolerated" and not an acceptable treatment. The Phoenix VA gave you that answer because the Phoenix VA is so screwed up, individual employees will give you a different answer, no matter how many you ask. That place should be burned to the ground. Every time I had to go down there, they gave me much pause for concern. Doesn't surprise me one bit all those Vets died going there (or not being able to go there).

Since I have a doctor's prescription, there's not a lot they can do. I currently have it for joint pain but the state has been looking at it for PTSD. The advent of having dispensaries who offer consistency and a choice of strains (sativa, Indica) changed my attitude about it's use entirely.

I believe that the Indica strain can very effective in treating the anxiety associated with PTSD. It has helped me immensely, especially with sleep and helps buffer the panic attacks.

I am not recommending it to anyone. I am not advocating anyone do anything against the law. I only know it works for me and is legal for me.

Sarg

 

[Deleted member 43454]

I've had full conversations with them at the VA about this. I should of clarified. Especially if you do not live in a state where it is legalized. It is definitely still in the dark ages. They don't want to hear about MMJ. Their argument will be they don't know what effects it might have... yet we can take a million different pills. Go figure.

 

[Spock]

Interesting thread ~ change is coming:
Link Removed

 

[Spock]

Here's the gist of what the VA intends with medical MJ, much as Sarg said, they can't issue it but:

d. VHA policy does not administratively prohibit Veterans who participate in State marijuana programs from also participating in VHA substance abuse programs, pain control programs, or other clinical programs where the use of marijuana may be considered inconsistent with treatment goals. While patients participating in State marijuana programs must not be denied VHA services, the decisions to modify treatment plans in those situations need to be made by individual providers in partnership with their patients. VHA endorses a step-care model for the treatment of patients with chronic pain: any prescription(s) for chronic pain needs be managed under the auspices of such programs described in current VHA policy regarding Pain Management.
3. POLICY: It is VHA policy to prohibit VA providers from completing forms seeking recommendations or opinions regarding a Veteran’s participation in a State marijuana program.

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2362

 

[Jimmy1]

My psych and therapist had a good old chat to me, I suppose they were working out whether I was a stoner or was seriously studying it. Well after talking through which symptoms I was targeting, etc, etc.

I think Australia will go by way of legalising it for critical and terminally ill first, we also have a couple of states over here where it is decriminalised.
People can grow up to two plants without being in trouble, two plants per person. If the cops raid you, they just pull them out of the ground and take your stash, no criminal proceedings. If you have more than two plants though, harsh penalties.

I think our VA frown too because it's classed as a dangerous drug......

 

[LocaButt]

Thanks for posting this DrBlack. Like you said, good to see some studies going on.

The new study, which is published in the American Journal of Public Health, shows that the suicide rate among men ages 20 to 29 and 30 to 39 fell by 10.8 percent and 9.8 percent respectively following a given state’s decision to legalize medical marijuana.

Reason for the drop in rates: Who would want to commit suicide when there are sooooooooooo many Cheetos in the world?

 

[Spock]

...Reason for the drop in rates: Who would want to commit suicide when there are sooooooooooo many Cheetos in the world?

:LOL::ROFLMAO:(y):cool:

 

[atilla]

Good point loca...lol. funyuns too. But seriously, Mj allows me to sleep(for the most part nightmare free), and takes care of anxiety attacks, my appetite is good, and sex is awesome. Wish i had known this 22 years ago.:)