How Marijuana Heals our Disabled Veterans

Many veterans suffer from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other debilitating conditions that affect their quality of life. These conditions can be difficult to treat with conventional medications, which often have side effects and risks of addiction. That’s why many veterans are turning to marijuana as a natural and effective alternative to manage their symptoms and improve their well-being.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that contains various compounds called cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various functions such as mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and memory. By modulating the endocannabinoid system, marijuana can have various therapeutic effects for veterans, such as:

Reducing pain and inflammation

Many veterans suffer from chronic pain due to injuries, surgeries, or diseases. Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and mental health. Marijuana can help reduce pain and inflammation by activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. Studies have shown that marijuana can be effective for various types of pain, such as neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and cancer pain¹. Marijuana can also reduce the use of opioids, which are highly addictive and can cause overdose deaths.

Improving mood and mental health

Many veterans struggle with PTSD, a condition that can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and isolation. PTSD can affect one’s relationships, work, hobbies, and self-esteem. Marijuana can help improve mood and mental health by altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Studies have shown that marijuana can reduce the severity and frequency of PTSD symptoms². Marijuana can also help with other mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Enhancing sleep quality

Many veterans have trouble sleeping due to pain, PTSD, or other conditions. Poor sleep quality can affect one’s physical and mental health. Marijuana can help enhance sleep quality by inducing relaxation and sedation. Studies have shown that marijuana can improve sleep duration, latency, efficiency, and quality³. Marijuana can also reduce nightmares and insomnia associated with PTSD.

Providing a sense of control and purpose

Many veterans feel a loss of control and purpose after leaving the military. They may face challenges in finding a new direction and identity in civilian life. Marijuana can provide a sense of control and purpose for veterans by allowing them to choose their own medicine and dosage. Marijuana can also help them feel more connected to themselves and others who share their interest in cannabis. Marijuana can also provide opportunities for learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in social activities related to cannabis.

By using marijuana, veterans can find a natural and effective way to heal their physical and mental wounds. Marijuana can offer them relief from pain, PTSD, and other conditions that affect their quality of life. Marijuana can also offer them a sense of control and purpose that can help them cope with the challenges of civilian life.

The sustainability of cannabis farming

Besides the benefits for veterans’ health and well-being, marijuana also has advantages for the environment and the economy. Marijuana is a natural plant that can be grown with sustainable practices that reduce its environmental impact and enhance its quality. Here are some ways that cannabis farming can be more eco-friendly and profitable:

Reducing water and energy use

Marijuana can be a thirsty and energy-intensive crop, especially when grown indoors. However, there are ways to reduce water and energy consumption, such as using drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, LED lights, solar panels, and natural ventilation. These methods can help conserve water and energy resources, lower operational costs, and improve plant health.

Using organic and biodegradable materials

Marijuana can also benefit from using organic and biodegradable materials, such as compost, mulch, hemp fiber, and bamboo. These materials can help enrich the soil, prevent pests and diseases, retain moisture, and reduce waste. They can also improve the quality and potency of the cannabis product, as well as its appeal to consumers who prefer natural and organic products.

Recycling and reusing waste

Marijuana can also generate a lot of waste, such as stems, leaves, roots, packaging, and vaping devices. However, there are ways to recycle and reuse this waste, such as turning it into compost, paper, textiles, biofuel, or art. These methods can help reduce landfill and pollution, create new products and revenue streams, and support local businesses and communities.

By adopting sustainable practices, cannabis farmers can grow greener and more profitable crops. Sustainable cannabis farming can benefit the environment by reducing water and energy use, using organic and biodegradable materials, and recycling and reusing waste. It can also benefit the economy by lowering costs, increasing quality and yield, and creating new opportunities.

How much better for the earth farming cannabis is over using chemical pharmaceuticals

Another reason to choose marijuana over pharmaceuticals is that it is much better for the earth. Pharmaceuticals are synthetic chemicals that are produced in factories that consume large amounts of fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases. Pharmaceuticals also have negative impacts on the environment when they are disposed of or enter the waterways. They can contaminate the soil and water sources, harm wildlife and aquatic life, and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is a natural plant that can be grown with minimal environmental impact if done sustainably. Marijuana can also have positive effects on the environment when it is used as a substitute for other materials or products that are harmful to the earth. For example,

• Marijuana can replace paper products that are made from trees that are cut down and contribute to deforestation.
• Marijuana can replace plastic products that are made from petroleum that is extracted from the ground and contributes to climate change.
• Marijuana can replace cotton products that are grown with pesticides that pollute the land and water.

By choosing marijuana over pharmaceuticals,

• Marijuana is more accessible than pharmaceuticals for veterans who live in states where it is legal for medical or recreational use. Pharmaceuticals may require a prescription, insurance coverage, or a visit to a pharmacy. Marijuana may be obtained from a dispensary, a caregiver, or a home grow.
• Marijuana is more customizable than pharmaceuticals for veterans who want to adjust their dosage or delivery method. Pharmaceuticals may come in fixed doses or forms that may not suit the individual needs or preferences of the user. Marijuana may be consumed in various ways, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, oils, or topicals.
• Marijuana is more stigmatized than pharmaceuticals for veterans who face social or legal barriers to using it. Pharmaceuticals are widely accepted and regulated by the medical system and the government. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and in some states, and may be viewed negatively by some employers, family members, or friends.

By weighing the pros and cons of using marijuana vs pharmaceuticals, veterans can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Marijuana and pharmaceuticals both have advantages and disadvantages that may vary depending on the individual situation and condition. Veterans should consult with their health care providers and follow the laws of their state before using marijuana or pharmaceuticals.

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Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/8/2023(1) Sustainable Cannabis: Growing a Greener Future – Cheef Botanicals. https://cheefbotanicals.com/lifestyle/sustainable-cannabis/ Accessed 5/8/2023.
(2) Cannabis industry inches toward sustainability. https://cen.acs.org/environment/Cannabis-industry-inches-toward-sustainability/100/i30 Accessed 5/8/2023.
(3) Sustainability In The Cannabis Industry: Truly Going Green – Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/02/02/sustainability-in-the-cannabis-industry-truly-going-green/ Accessed 5/8/2023.
(4) Growing Cannabis With Sustainable Practices – RQS Blog – Royal Queen Seeds. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-growing-cannabis-with-sustainable-practices-n1097 Accessed 5/8/2023.
(5) What to know about cannabis and sustainability | Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/environment/sustainable-cannabis-farming/ Accessed 5/8/2023.