Marijuana Milestone: FDA Approves Trial to Assess Smoked Medical Cannabis to Treat PTSD For Veterans
November 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm - by Ashlee Vogenthaler
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a significant clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of smoked medical marijuana in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans. This approval marks a pivotal step in exploring cannabis as a potential therapeutic option for PTSD, a condition that affects many veterans.
The study is led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) who aims to provide comprehensive data on the safety and efficacy of smoked cannabis for PTSD symptoms. MAPS has been at the forefront of research into psychedelic substances and cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
This development follows a series of legislative efforts to facilitate cannabis research for veterans. Earlier this year, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee approved a bipartisan bill to promote marijuana research for military veterans, highlighting the growing interest in alternative treatments for PTSD and chronic pain.
The FDA’s approval of this trial represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of alternative therapies for PTSD, offering hope for veterans seeking new treatment options.