WASHINGTON — A significant number of U.S. military veterans living with chronic pain are turning to medical marijuana to ease their suffering, a new federal study reveals. According to researchers, 41% of veterans with chronic pain have used cannabis to manage their symptoms, highlighting a growing shift in how former service members approach pain relief.
The study, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), involved more than 3,000 veterans. While traditional treatments such as opioids remain common, many respondents reported that marijuana provided more effective relief—with fewer side effects.
Notably, about half of the veterans who used cannabis said it helped reduce their use of other pain medications, including prescription opioids. This finding is especially significant given the ongoing national efforts to combat opioid dependence and overdose.
A Changing Landscape
As cannabis laws continue to evolve across the United States, more veterans are exploring marijuana as a therapeutic alternative. Though cannabis remains federally illegal, 38 states have legalized it for medical use, creating a patchwork of regulations that complicates access—especially for veterans who rely on the VA for care.
Despite these legal grey areas, the VA study suggests that cannabis use among veterans is not only widespread but also often beneficial. The report calls for further research to understand the long-term impacts of cannabis on chronic pain and mental health, particularly given the high rates of PTSD among veterans.
What Veterans Are Saying
Many veterans describe marijuana as a “lifeline” that helps them cope with persistent pain without the risk of addiction. Others say it enhances their quality of life—helping with sleep, mood, and daily function.
Still, the report notes that doctors within the VA system cannot currently prescribe medical marijuana, even in states where it’s legal. Advocates argue this limits veterans’ options and keeps many in the shadows, self-medicating without medical guidance.
Key Takeaway: With 4 in 10 veterans turning to cannabis for relief, the conversation around marijuana’s role in veteran healthcare is gaining urgency. As federal policy lags behind state laws and patient needs, calls are growing for a more modern, research-driven approach to cannabis in medicine.
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