The Battle Brothers Foundation received approval to conduct an observational study to determine if medical cannabis can treat PTSD in veterans. The study, which will be conducted in collaboration with NiaMedic (an Israeli-American medical data- and research company), will examine if cannabis treatment can reduce symptoms in patients suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD.
The national Independent Review Board (IRB) approved the two groups to continue with the study. This independent committee examines research methods to ensure they are ethical.
Over the next year, 60 veterans from California with severe or moderate PTSD will be enrolled in the study. Participants will adjust the dosage of individually purchased cannabis products at their discretion. The participants will be monitored for 90 days to assess the effects of cannabis on their symptoms. The study's results will be documented and closely monitored. Participants will only be allowed to use legal cannabis products on California's markets. They will also be closely monitored for adverse effects from cannabis.
Bryan Buckley, the founder of the Board of Battle Brothers Foundation, stated that the study hypothesis was that cannabis treatment would reduce PTSD symptoms in patients suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD.
This news couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Twenty-two veterans die each day from the effects of opioid addiction and depression. Anecdotal evidence has shown that cannabis can provide relief and alleviate symptoms. Buckley says that it is a pleasure to hear that the IRB has recognized the necessity and validity of this study."
The National Institutes of Health states that the rates of PTSD among returning military personnel vary widely between wars and eras. One study that included 60,000 Iraqi and Afghan veterans found 13.5% were positive for PTSD. Other studies have shown a higher rate of 20% to 30%. PTSD has been confirmed in 500,000 U.S. soldiers who have served in these conflicts over the last 13 years.
From Helmand Valley Growers Company, pre-rolled joints
The Battle Brothers Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Helmand Valley Growers Company, is a cannabis company founded by disabled veterans of Special Operations. It donates 100% to support research into the medical benefits of cannabis for veterans.
Helmand Valley Growers Company founders talked to Congress in 2016 about medical cannabis' potential as an alternative to opioids that military veterans were prescribed. As a result, the Helmand Valley Growers Company founders were instructed to collaborate with American medical doctors to gather strong evidence to present to the Department of Veteran's Affairs. As a result, they collected and presented their research to the IRB in July 2020 after collaborating with NiaMedic.
Original Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelinebryant/2021/02/28/the-first-human-study-involving-cannabis-for-ptsd-treatment-has-been-approved/
Article credit to https://cbdhealthandwellness.net
