Military CBD
Fact: our government is taking the lead in CBD research.
With the recent passage of the Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Act, more money than
ever will research the benefits CBD may provide. Our nation’s Military stands
to benefit from this, as well.
Every year, thousands of soldiers either enlist or retire
from the Military. While CBD is available for some active military, it’s widely
available to all retired personnel. This article will look at CBD’s
benefits and how it explicitly helps Military and Veteran health issues.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of two primary compounds
found in the Cannabis plant. CBD is low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the
other primary ingredient responsible for making you high. With the passage of
the Farm Bill Act in 2018, CBD became legal in all 50 states,
as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
The FDA has approved a CBD-based drug, and several studies demonstrate its
effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. One of these conditions
include inflammation - the number one cause of most diseases. Because CBD is
still brand new to the marketplace, we still know very little about its
potential. What researcher’s have found so far is impressive, especially for
Military and veterans.
Cannabis vs. Hemp
Cannabis and hemp are from the same species of plant. Until
2018, hemp, cannabis, and marijuana were all considered a schedule one
narcotic. The way it’s defined now is based on the following criteria:
- Hemp: Cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC.
- Marijuana: Cannabis containing more than 0.3%THC.
CBD is extracted primarily from hemp but can also be removed
from marijuana. Eden’s
Herbals, for example, extracts our CBD from American-made, organic hemp. We
also use a CO2 extraction process that’s independently tested to be free of
harmful residues.
How Does CBD Work?
When ingested, CBD works by binding to our ECS (Endocannabinoid System). The ECS is a complex set of neural
transmitters that regulate many biological functions, such as mood and sleep.
Although scientists still aren’t 100% sure how it works, CBD is being studied
extensively and promises many more results as we move forward.
CBD for Veterans
CBD’s potential for Military and veterans alike is
noteworthy. While CBD is legal for veterans, you may not receive it from your
local VA clinic unless you have epilepsy. The veteran community has unique needs
and special conditions that differentiate your treatment options from the
average patient.
For example, one in four veterans has diabetes,
much higher than the average rate. Veterans also suffer from exposure to
chemicals that everyday folks might never encounter, such as asbestos and burn
pits in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fortunately, there is good preclinical and
clinical evidence CBD helps with the following conditions.
Benefits: CBD for Veterans
When you go to your local VA health care facility, some
common conditions include:
- Sinusitis and Hearing Loss
- Certain Cancers such as Non-Hodgkins Leukemia
- Osteo-Arthritis (especially on knees)
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
CBD has shown to be potentially effective in treating some
of these conditions. For example, researchers recently determined that CBD restored
memory in animal test subjects. In another study, CBD helped relieve pain
in Arthritis patients. One of the most exciting new developments, especially
for Military and veterans, is CBD’s potential in treating:
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Opioid addiction
- CBD for PTSD
Veterans suffer from a much higher PTSD (Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder) rate than the average population. In 2019, researchers treated
eleven PTSD patients with CBD. After eight weeks, the patients showed a reduction
in PTSD symptoms, and a subset of patients reported nightmare relief.
CBD for Chronic Pain
For veterans suffering from chronic pain, CBD shows
tremendous promise. For example, in a recent animal study, CBD showed potential
in treating chronic muscle pain. This included fibromyalgia.
CBD for Opioid Addiction
Veterans, unfortunately, are much more likely to use opioids
to treat their conditions. The National Institute of Health has a task force
explicitly studying CBD for CBD relief.
Additionally, scientists recently
published an article that concluded CBD “could significantly reduce opioid
use and improve chronic pain and sleep quality among patients currently using
opioids for pain management.”
Can Active Military Use CBD?
While each branch of the Department of Defense has different
language written into their CBD guidelines, it’s essentially the same for all
military members - it’s illegal. The one exception, however, is the drug
Epidiolex. An FDA-approved medication used to treat severe epilepsy, the DoD
allows active personnel to be treated with this drug.
Is CBD Tested in the Military?
CBD is not screened for on virtually every drug test.
Because CBD is non-psychoactive, Military and workplace environments aren’t
that interested in showing up on a drug test. While full-spectrum CBD contains
THC, it’s so minuscule that there’s little chance of it showing up either.
If you’re concerned about failing a drug test, consider THC-Free CBD
Oil. Ours is 99% Pure CBD and lab-tested to be free of THC. You can also
opt for a CBD Isolate, which comes in a powder form and conation no THC.
Benefits: CBD for Military
There may be special considerations when taking CBD on
active duty, as it’s illegal. For those of you considering CBD, such as a
recently retired military member, CBD can help with several unique
conditions.
Most service members suffer from knee and ankle mobility
issues. Because of the wear and tear experienced through training, CBD may help
alleviate suffering. Some retired and active-duty personnel also suffer from insomnia.
In one study, researchers determined CBD helped insomnia and promoted restful
sleep.
Another issue our military heroes may encounter is increased
anxiety. In a randomized study conducted by the NIH (National Institute of
Health), participants treated with CBD showed improvement in the following
anxiety disorders:
- GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
- SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Is CBD Safe?
One of the most exciting elements of CBD is its safety
profile. CBD is all-natural and, if cultivated properly, provides optimal
relief without any concern about ingesting pesticides. Look for organically
grown products, like Eden’s Herbals, that provide lab
certification, ensuring quality.
If you want to learn more about CBD for Military and
Veterans, contact Eden’s
Herbals at [email protected] today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the
Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure
any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party
content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with
Eden’s Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.