A Veterans Struggle and How Cannabis Can Help Heal Mental Health Conditions. Insights from a: Veteran, Nurse, and Cannabis Patient

©: Dept of Energy

If there’s one thing Veterans know all too well, it’s how to keep going, no matter how heavy the load. Whether it’s carrying a pack that feels as heavy as a small car, or bearing the weight of memories that refuse to fade, the mission is to push through.

But let’s be real, sometimes that load can get a little too heavy to bear alone. For many Veterans, the mental and emotional toll of service doesn’t end when we hang up the uniform. People often think that a Veteran can only get PTSD from battle, but let me tell you, the military and the “Big Green Weenie” as my Marine Corps family calls it, can hand out PTSD in all forms and of varying intensities.

Even the transition back into civilian life can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing the past with the present, all while trying not to look down. You can’t imagine the difficulty in reacclimating and assimilating into civilian life, all while trying to deprogram what’s been ingrained into your core… All for the love of country, all for the mission.

Something as simple as walking with your hands in your pants pocket or cutting through a grassy area for the first time as a civilian can cause a physically visceral response. One where you instantly remember every drill instructor or high ranking official that would verbally rip you a new one because both actions violated regulations and was unbecoming of a United States Marine.

©: Marine Corps

Now, I know many of you may think that those examples are comical, which they are, but it can also show you the depth and complexity of a Veterans depression and/or PTSD.

I’ve seen too many of my brothers and sisters in arms struggle in silence, their stories used as political props while their needs go unmet. It’s so damn frustrating and frankly, it’s time we talk about solutions that might actually help. That’s where cannabis comes in—a topic that’s been gaining traction as a potential tool for mental health, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions that come with the territory of military service.

But before we dive in, let’s lighten the mood a bit. I mean, Veterans aren’t serious all the time, right? So, in the spirit of keeping things light, did you hear the one about the veteran who tried cannabis for the first time? He then said, “Well, this is the calmest I’ve ever been when someone yelled, ‘Incoming!”

Okay, great, now that you’ve laughed, let’s talk about how cannabis might help lighten the mental load that so many Veterans carry.

The Heavy Lift: Mental Health Challenges for Veterans

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To understand why cannabis might be a game-changer for veterans, we first need to look at the mental health challenges many of us face. PTSD is often the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year (National Center for PTSD, 2022).

And considering I served in Operation Enduring Freedom…guess what? It’s all true. That’s a staggering number, and it doesn’t even include those dealing with depression, anxiety, or the lingering effects of traumatic brain injuries.

Don’t get this confused with just “bad days” or moments of feeling down. We’re talking about a relentless mental battle—one that can make it feel like you’re still in the war zone, even when you’re sitting in your living room or playing with your kids.

For many veterans, these mental health struggles are compounded by the sense that the world around them has moved on. We’re often celebrated on Veterans Day and/or Memorial Day, but the rest of the year…not so much. It’s like we’re invisible, except when it’s convenient for someone’s political agenda.

But I won’t dwell on the negative, when there’s some obvious solutions here and cannabis might offer a way to manage some of these challenges.

Cannabis: A Potential Ally in the Battle for Mental Health

©: Psychiatric Times

Cannabis has had an impact that has kept people talking for decades. Something that needs focus and more education: the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors that plays a crucial role in regulating our mood, stress, and fear responses (Rahn & Hohmann, 2009).

Cannabinoids—the active compounds in cannabis—can regulate this system, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal, all of which are hallmarks of PTSD.

For some Veterans, cannabis has become a tool to manage the mental and emotional aftermath of service. It can help take the edge off, reduce intrusive thoughts, improve sleep quality, and help with chronic pain; which also happens to be one of the top ailments reported by Veterans.

Imagine finally being able to close your eyes without bracing for an ambush in your dreams. That’s the kind of relief cannabis can offer for a number of veterans.

While cannabis can help tremendously, for many, it isn’t a cure all, and it’s not for everyone. It’s like that one-size-fits all uniform that will never quite fit anyone perfectly. While some Veterans find significant relief, others might experience increased anxiety or paranoia, especially if they go overboard with the dosage. That’s why it’s crucial to go slow and steady.

The Importance of Balance and Consuming Cannabis Using the Slow and Steady Method

Balance is everything when it comes to cannabis use. We’ve all heard the saying: “too much of a good thing can be bad,” and cannabis is no exception. Research suggests that while low to moderate doses of cannabis can be therapeutic, higher doses might actually worsen symptoms of anxiety and paranoia (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017).

And trust me, no one has time for that kind of stress! So before you roll up a big fat one—let’s back away slowly and reassess.

The key is to start with small doses and gradually increase as needed. Take your time, pay attention to how your body and mind react, and don’t rush the process. Whether your brain sings from a beautiful Sativa dominant Strawberry Cough or Sour Diesel, or maybe you’re a Terpene type of consumer, remember: you’re in this for the long haul.

So, slow and steady wins the race (and keeps you from falling out).

Now I wouldn’t be doing my job as a nurse if I didn’t stand on a mountain of safety and emphasize that cannabis isn’t a substitute for a solid support system, so make sure you’re not shouldering this burden alone.

Talk to a medical professional who understands cannabis and its effects on mental health, particularly for Veterans. They can help guide you on dosage, strains, and potential interactions with other medications.

And if you’re feeling like your mental or emotional lift is getting too heavy, reach out for help. Whether it’s through the VA, a therapist, or a peer support group; there’s no shame in seeking support. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.

The Road Ahead

As we continue to learn more about cannabis and its potential benefits, I’m hopeful that more Veterans will find the relief they need. We’ve given so much to our country, and it’s time that our country takes care of us in return.

Cannabis might not be the answer for everyone, but for some, it can be a lifeline. Cannabis can be a way to ease the burden and find some peace.

If you’re a Veteran dealing with mental health challenges, know that you have options. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Healing is a journey, not a destination, and every step you take brings you closer to the peace you deserve.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always that Veteran buddy who knows how to make you laugh—because a good laugh is medicine too.

If you’re a veteran feeling alone or in need of support, know that there are numerous resources and organizations dedicated to helping you navigate challenges and find the assistance you need include the below options:

Veterans Crisis Line

Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Text: 838255
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Description: The Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support for veterans in crisis and their families. It’s available 24/7 and is a great first step for veterans who need immediate assistance.

VA Mental Health Services

Phone: 1-877-222-8387
Website: VA Mental Health
Description: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wide range of mental health services, including counseling, medication, and support groups for veterans and their families.

References

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. National Academies Press.

National Center for PTSD. (2022). PTSD in veterans: A fact sheet. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp

Rahn, E. J., & Hohmann, A. G. (2009). Cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain: From the bench to the bedside. Neurotherapeutics, 6(4), 713–737.

Written by: Jessica Lewis, MS, BSN, RN.

Jessica Lewis, MS, BSN, RN, is a United States Marine Corps veteran and a Registered Nurse with seven years of experience in emergency room and surgical care. She brings a rich and diverse educational and professional background to the cannabis industry, holding two Bachelor’s degrees—one in Public & Community Health, one in Nursing, and a Master’s in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy.

Jessica’s unique blend of expertise in both traditional and alternative healthcare focuses on empowering individuals through education on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, with a special emphasis on veterans, women of color, and the elderly.

She currently serves as the Board Secretary for the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities for minority business owners in the industry. Jessica’s dedication to breaking stigmas around cannabis is rooted in her own journey with chronic pain management, which fuels her commitment to helping others find relief. A devoted mother of two, Jessica uses her personal experiences to inspire and uplift others, making her a compassionate voice in the cannabis wellness space.