Military service takes a toll on the body and mind. Millions of active and former military personnel have reported physical injuries sustained in training or combat. But the rigors of service aren’t limited to the body; they affect veterans’ mental state as well.
In fact, according to the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 20% of veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD as it is more commonly known. In 2017, there was a reported average of 20 veteran deaths per day by suicide.
Unfortunately, an alarming number of vets have turned to opioids for relief—and these dangerous drugs come with a whole host of other serious problems. In 2013, the Center for Investigative Reporting found that opioid use for veterans spiked 270% over a 12-year period. And in 2016, 42,000 Americans died from opioid-related causes.
The physical and mental scars of military service have been widely reported, and many groups exist to support our veterans as they transition to the next phase of life. That’s why groups like the Disabled American Vets have begun calling for research into medical cannabis as an alternative option for relief from pain and PTSD.
How does CBD relieve symptoms of pain, PTSD and anxiety?
To answer this question, it’s important to take a close look at the Endocannabinoid Receptor System, or ECS, which all humans and animals are born with. The ECS plays an important role in directing physical processes like managing stress and our “flight or fight” response by opening the pathways in the brain to allow for more positive, healthy thoughts and sensations.
The cannabinoid compound Cannabidiol (or CBD)—most abundantly found in the hemp or cannabis plant—is one substance that’s been found to satisfy the receptors in the ECS. As a result, many leading researchers have concluded that taking CBD daily can help the body more effectively combat feelings of stress, pain, and anxiety.
Is CBD as effective as prescription drugs?
The verdict is still out on that question, but early testimonials from trusted health care entities have been overwhelmingly positive. That’s led to something of a CBD “craze,” as veterans and support groups continue to explore the possibilities of using CBD to manage PTSD.
In 2017, HelloMD and Brightfield Group conducted a survey of 2,400 patients comparing CBD to prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals. Approximately 60% of respondents indicated that CBD was more effective in treating underlying symptoms than prescription medications they had either tried or used regularly.
There is still much research to be done, but considering the fact that CBD carries no significant known side effects and is safe to use even in very large doses, more and more scientists and health care providers have begun acknowledging the vast potential of CBD and other cannabis-infused products as a much healthier alternative to prescription drug use.
What kind of CBD is best for veterans?
Currently, there exists a wide variety of CBD products on the market. The most popular formats include:
- Tincture — CBD-infused oils that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed in foods, beverages, and topical creams.
- Softgels — a capsule form of CBD taken once or twice daily.
- Transdermal creams — a topical lotion that can be applied directly to the skin, targeting areas where irritation and pain frequently occur.
The Happy Camper is proud to serve many veteran customers who use a combination of these applications to address both physical and psychological conditions related to past service. For example, some of our customers use our 1500mg softgels before bedtime to regulate stress and sleep patterns. During the day, they apply our CBD Isolate Transdermal Cream to ease daily joint inflammation stemming from arthritis, past injuries, and other ailments.
Only you can decide what type and dosage of CBD to use in your daily wellness routine. If you need help, take our simple three-question quiz. You can also contact us confidentially at any time to learn more about taking CBD in your daily routine to target specific issues you’re having.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.