Soldier Son Just Diagnosed / Medical Marijuana Use?

[Laytonshape]

hello everyone. So wonderful to find your site.

My son was just diagnosed with PTSD and is starting treatment. He is active military. Has anyone heard about 'medical marijuana' in the treatment of PTSD? A guy who finished a program told us that they are using that to calm the anxiety so that soldiers don't resort to alcohol or other drugs? I was very surprised.

Any information on that?

 

[Navy Spouse]

Have not heard of it. I'm a little mixed on the use of maijuana being used to calm anxiety to prevent alcohol and drug abuse. Call me silly, maybe I'm old school. I still consider marijuana to be an addictive drug even though I know it gets prescribed medically sometimes. I would worry about it becoming an addiction and not really "healing" the problem.

As a spouse I know the members of the military get tested on a regular bases to be sure they don't have drugs in their system. Last I knew marijuana in their urine test was enough to get them in trouble..?? I think your son should ask the right people questions before he decides on something like that.

 

[Laytonshape]

I agree with you. The guy said that it is prescribed and given to him at the military hospital. Still new to all this PTSD things. Thanks for reply.

 

[LoyalOne]

Agree with Navy. Go super carefully with that - I would hate for his life to be complicated with disciplinary issues in addition to his new Dx.

 

[Ruth09]

I'm only heard of retired veterans being allowed its use.

Google "medical marijuana use in active army" and you will find a link to the prosecution of a Oregon Guard member in 2010 for its use.

Also, AR 210-10, 8 February 2011, 6-5 Procedures applicable to Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, page 73, m. Counsel applicats that- (1) The Army does not tolerate the use of marjuana or harmful or habit forming chemicals or drugs. (2) In-Service use may be punished under the UCMJ.

I for one would not tolerate a person using "medical marjuana" when they have the responsibility of operating a tank, firing a weapon, or in the possession of a Security Clearance.

The responsibility that is required for military personnel is greater than in the civilian world, where the only danger is to yourself and not to the soldier, sailor, marine, and airman to your right or left.

Yeah,... this is a touchie subject for me.

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

Welcome to the forum, Laytonshape!

I hope that you find the support and resources here that you need.

I, too, would warn against the use of marijuana to "help" PTSD symptoms. Sometimes apparently it can temporarily reduce the symptoms by numbing them. However, numbing is not even close to a real help. The numbing itself can cause more problems. Plus, marijuana, similar to other drugs (prescribed or illegal) can have significant side effects, depending on the person. Depending on where you get the marijuana from it can also contain any amount of added drugs which can cause even worse side effects.

Marijuana tends to stay in your system for about a month and can be measured in your hair until you cut off the entire part that has been affected by PTSD. So depending on who and how they measure drug use in the military or in public, it could bring about significantly more trouble than the temporary ease of symptoms may make is seem worth.

Good luck on your and your son's journey!

 

[Ruth09]

Oops, its AR 601-210,.... stupid fingers.