Page 160 - Total War on PTSD

Hemp oil. I can only imagine how many more could be helped if legislation would advance to the point that vital research is permitted and conducted by the necessary federal agencies.
We asked legislators to sign a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs then Acting Secretary Robert Wilke asking him to green light a study into CBD derived from industrial Hemp. This provides much of the relief that these Veterans seek, at a fraction of the cost, without the psychoactive side effects, making it an ideal alternative to the various psychotropic and toxic medications in the VA’s dispensary. The members of congress are still debating whether or not to allow testing but, according to Representative Earl Blumenauer, “I’m actually cautiously optimistic if we get something on the floor, that it will pass.”
CBD has drawn interest as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. Due to the lack of opportunity to run official research and testing relating to CBD and THC, researchers have had to resort to using empirical evidence of an epidemiological, human experimental, clinical and preclinical nature. Overall, evidence seems to indicate that CBD has good potential as treatment for anxiety disorders. The question on the table is when will we be able to conduct current research and testing. There is no doubt how much potential there is for helping our Veterans with PTSD and related issues.
In a letter to U.S. Representative Tim Walz, former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin said that the “VA’s ability to research medical Marijuana is hampered by the fact that the drug is illegal federally.” According to Shulkin, the “VA is committed to researching and developing effective ways to help Veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and chronic pain conditions. However, federal law restricts VA’s ability to conduct research involving medical Marijuana, or to refer Veterans to such projects.” This comes as 29 states and
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