As a country, we are often divided. No matter what the topic, including CBD for Veterans, there will inevitably be passionate supporters on one side and those in equally, unrelenting opposition on the other. With so many communication outlets available today, the arguments are loud, continuous and often lead to violence.
A look back at the history of the United States provides a stark reminder that war is recurring, wrought with suffering and that our freedom should never be taken for granted.
With Veterans Day approaching, it is a wonderful reminder to pay tribute to those who have fought and of course, to the many we have lost. A dedicated day of gratitude is necessary and ultimately, we could do better in caring for those who have served in the military and their overall health.
Can CBD be helpful to Veterans?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to be an effective remedy for many physical and mental ailments, which could support the well-being of our veterans and the many obstacles they face, both on the battlefield and off.
The image of soldiers…faces stoic and strong, uniforms, crisp and clean, gives the impression that our military personnel are always composed and unbreakable. Veterans describe a much different scenario and the statistics are frightening.
Possible CBD Benefits for Veterans with PTSD:
Our vets have experienced situations in battle most of us cannot fathom and the repercussions often manifest post-war. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event and was previously referred to as “combat fatigue,” “shell shock,” or “war neurosis.” While anyone can experience PTSD, it’s more common among veterans, with an alarming rate of nearly 20%.
CBD and other therapeutic interventions that enhance cannabinoid receptor signaling, particularly CB1, could become breakthrough treatments for PTSD. CB-1 mediates a broad range of physiological functions, including emotional learning, stress adaptation and fear extinction. Scientists have determined that normal CB1 receptor signaling deactivates traumatic memories and endows us with the gift of forgetting.
CBD Might Help Veterans with Depression:
Often, a diagnosis of PTSD will be accompanied by depression, almost half the time in fact.
Life is complicated and nearly 7% of the population will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. It comes to no surprise that vets suffer more than the general population leading to feelings of hopelessness, irritability and in extreme cases, even suicide. In 2016, the suicide rate was 1.5 times greater for veterans than for non-veteran adults. CBD has been shown to help dramatically with mood-disorders and researchers believe clinical depression is caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency. Studies show that elevated endocannabinoid signaling is able to produce behavioral and biochemical effects as [well as] conventional antidepressant treatment!
Is CBD a Viable Alternative for Opioids?
Beer and wine are familiar for many but have you ever heard of a “combat cocktail?” Unfortunately, this is a very real concoction and often prescribed to our struggling veterans. It is a combination of anti-psychotics, narcotic pain medication, and mood-stabilizers, contributing to the over 70,000 veterans addicted to opioids and this group being 2X more likely to overdose than non-veterans. We need an alternative remedy to this opioid epidemic across the board and the use of CBD for pain management is incredibly promising.
One thing we can all agree upon today is that we owe a thank you to the courageous men and women that have so bravely fought for this country.
At Ambary Gardens, we’re proud to offer our military veterans a 30% discount on all orders under the “Helping Hand” program. It’s an honor to give back and we will continue to fight for your freedom to mental and physical wellness.
Questions about CBD or our Helping Hand program? Please leave a comment or question below, and we’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as we can.
Live Well and Comfortable!
The Ambary Gardens Team