Why Every Veteran Should Give CBD A Chance

Here in the United States there are nearly 18.2 million veterans, according to the most recent US census. Approximately 20% of those veterans suffer from PTSD, however only about 50% of the veterans who return from service will seek out help for various issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD. Thankfully more and more veterans are turning to CBD as a remedy to help them deal with these various issues.

“The death rate from opioids among VA healthcare is nearly double the national average”, said Earl Blumenauer a representative who introduced a medical marijuana amendment for veterans. In, 2016 Congress approved medical marijuana for veterans, allowing them to have access to a natural alternative medication to help them return to a new normal. This natural alternative is much safer and effective when compared against harmful and addictive prescription medicines. In this article we will explain what CBD is and how Veterans throughout the United States can benefit from using this natural remedy.

What is CBD?

To understand how one can benefit from CBD, you must first understand what CBD is at its core. CBD is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant family. CBD and THC are both part of the cannabis plant family, however they have very different attributes. Similar to how citrus and orange are part of the same plant family, however they have very different taste profiles. When it comes to CBD and THC, the biggest difference is their psychoactive effects; THC leaves users feeling high and intoxicated, meanwhile CBD is non-intoxicating and will not leave users feeling “high”. CBD users are able to get the medicinal benefits associated with the cannabis plant family, without any unwanted psychoactive effects. When it comes to CBD, it is not about what you feel, but more about what you don’t feel anymore.

How Can Veterans Benefit

More and more research is being done daily on the benefits of CBD. Thus far, CBD appears to provide significant benefit for the following conditions affecting veterans daily.

PTSD

 PTSD is arguably the most prevalent issue facing the veteran population. About 20% of our Veterans who have fought and served for our freedom experience PTSD. That is nearly 5 times higher than the rate of PTSD among the general population.

PTSD, is accompanied by distressing symptoms and constant nightmares, that often take back Veterans back to the battlefield and elevates the baseline level of fear and stress. Typically PTSD is treated with various prescription drugs and psychotherapy. These medications oftentimes come with an endless amount of side effects and can cause issues of their own as well.

Research is showing that CBD may be just as effective as these drugs in supporting our Veterans in their recovery from PTSD. CBD, is an effective natural alternative that has little to no known side effects. CBD can help block the brain’s retrieval of traumatic memories, reducing the veterans chance of experiencing a flashback. CBD is also known for its antidepressant-like effect, which minifies the negative emotions.

At this time the VA is funding its first study focusing on CBD as a potential treatment for PTSD among veterans. This research is being conducted to see how CBD can help veterans “unlearn” these negative behaviors.

Pain

 It is estimated that about half of the veterans treated by VHA are affected by chronic pain. Veterans who seek treatment are oftentimes prescribed more opioid drugs, which are extremely addictive and come with an endless amount of side effects. Here is where CBD can help our veterans. Research has shown that CBD has amazing anti-inflammatory attributes and can be effective in managing and treating pain.

When dealing with external pain, veterans can find relief from CBD topical products such as a CBD stick. CBD topical products are extremely effective in providing targeted relief, because you are able to place the CBD, exactly in the area of discomfort.

Sleep

Insomnia is one of the most prominent symptoms associated with PTSD. Without adequate sleep individuals can see detrimental effects on their health in not only veterans but also individuals in general.

Insomnia oftentimes results in stress, CBD is extremely effective as an anti-anxiety agent which helps deal with these sleep issues. CBD has been shown to stabilize sleeping patterns and improve sleep by reducing PYTSD symptoms.

When it comes to helping Veterans with CBD deal with sleeping issues, there are various products that are effective. Veterans oftentimes use melatonin CBD capsules which combine CBD and melatonin into one softgel that help improve their sleeping patterns and help them return to a new normal.

The VA’s Stance On CBD Oil

 Unfortunately, the VA clinicians cannot prescribe CBD because it is not FDA approved at this time. CBD is currently unregulated by the FDA. CBD is also not covered by Medicare of Social Security benefits.

CBD Assistance Program

Fortunately many companies offer CBD assistance programs for veterans. GoGreen Hemp’s Helping Hand Program gives veterans 20% off for life with their Helping Hand Program. This allows veterans to get high quality CBD products at some of the most economical prices in the marketplace. GoGreen Hemp has been serving customers since 2016 and uses only organically grown hemp made here in the USA. If you are looking for quality, third party laboratory tested products look no further than GoGreen Hemp!