Wayne State University is seeking veterans with post traumatic stress disorder to participate in a study testing the impacts of cannabis use to treat the disorder.
During the clinical trials, veterans will participate in a 12-week treatment program testing varying levels of THC and CBD, two primary compounds found in cannabis, the university said in a press release earlier this month. Researchers will evaluate how these treatments affect mood, mental health, and overall well-being in participating veterans.
University researchers will run two studies as part of the research program titled “Warrior C.A.R.E.“: one to examine the use of cannabis for treating PTSD and suicidality in veterans, and the other to examine the use of cannabis, along with therapy, for treating PTSD and suicidality in veterans.
“This study represents a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges facing veterans,” said one of the project’s lead investigators, Dr. Leslie Lundahl. “By using rigorous scientific methods, we aim to understand whether cannabis can play a safe and effective role in improving veterans’ lives.”
More than 6,400 U.S. military veterans died by suicide in 2022, the university said, and accounts for 15% of all adult suicide deaths.
Wayne State was awarded three grants totaling $30 million from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency for its research.
The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, which was approved by Michigan voters in November 2018, allowed for grants like the ones Wayne State received to study the potential medical effects of cannabis, said David Harns, public relations manager for the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.
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