The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to a clinical trial study examining the use of marijuana as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. The study, led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), will provide veterans with commercially and medically available cannabis products to assess the impact of “real-world” use on their PTSD symptoms.
The randomized, placebo-controlled study will involve 320 veterans with moderate to severe PTSD who have previously used cannabis. Participants will be able to select their own doses from provided cannabis products with higher potencies, similar to what is available in dispensaries. The study aims to better understand the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use for PTSD treatment.
MAPS officials believe that this study is a step forward in normalizing research on cannabis, which remains illegal under federal law despite its widespread use medically and recreationally. The study’s director of cannabis research, Allison Coker, noted that the FDA’s approval shows a willingness to recognize the need for high-quality data on the drug’s risks and benefits.
The study’s design allows participants to adjust their dosing based on their individual needs, rather than prescribing a specific amount. This approach is seen as more realistic, given that many people use cannabis in a way that is not strictly controlled.
The use of cannabis among veterans is on the rise, with nearly one in 10 veterans reporting use in the past year, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD. Veteran advocacy groups have long been calling for more federal research into novel treatments for physical and behavioral health concerns.
The FDA’s approval of this study is seen as a positive step towards opening the floodgates for more veteran-focused cannabis research. However, some advocates note that the VA’s Office of Research and Development has been limited in its ability to study cannabis due to FDA restrictions and a lack of understanding about the drug’s effects.
Despite the growing popularity of cannabis, VA pharmacies cannot fill marijuana requests, and VA clinicians are prohibited from prescribing it to patients, even medically. However, bills have been introduced in Congress to allow VA doctors to discuss and recommend medical marijuana programs to veterans in states where medical use is legal.
The study’s findings could have significant implications for the treatment of PTSD among veterans, and may help to pave the way for further research into the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use.
