Earlier this year, the University of Arizona terminated Sue Sisley MD, who was heading up a study on the use of marijuana as a treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD. The necessity of this research cannot be understated, as there is a large problem with veteran suicides in the U.S.
With 22 or more veterans per day choosing to take their own lives, more soldiers have committed suicide than did in combat since the start of the war in Afghanistan. It seems our greatest enemy is ourselves, as we cannot even take care of our veterans. This happens amidst nationwide news of delinquency by the Veterans Association and its employees.
Marijuana Shows Promising Results
There is strong anecdotal evidence that PTSD helps sufferers manage their symptoms. Marijuana decreases hyperactivity, stress, depression, troubles sleeping and other symptoms of PTSD in the near term. This is basically irrefutable, but there are those who question the validity as a long term solution to problems with the disorder.
Coping with emotions that strong takes time, it will not happen overnight and it certainly will not happen just with the mere lighting of a joint. Many of the problems of PTSD are associated with symptoms that make it difficult for sufferers to maintain relationships and employment. Marijuana has been shown to decrease these symptoms, which may help the veterans solve near term goals like making rent and feeding their families.
Doctors Support Medical Marijuana
Some would rather not subscribe to the idea of self-medicating, however most doctors support medical marijuana. Surprisingly, of the 1544 doctors who participated in a WebMD study, 69% said marijuana can help with certain treatments and conditions. Consumer data of the same study suggests that only 50% of the population believes the same statement to be true.
If the medicinal value of medical marijuana is really what the argument is about, then we should trust the thoughts of the medical community. They seem to be budding with excitement to start growing and testing the effects of this drug for themselves. In labs of course.
The decision seems like smarmy a political play by a right centered government, or I’m just being paranoid. Either way, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ousting of Sue Sisley MD is being conducted. We will soon find out if there was any foul play. For decencies sake, we should hope not. Perhaps she just was not giving the guys upstairs any of her Flower Bomb Kush from Green House Seeds Co.
