Summary: KRDO News Channel 13 reports on MAPS’ clinical trial into medical marijuana as a treatment for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting that the trial has recently received the final necessary government approval from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). "Drug regulators said it would never happen, but now the DEA has approved the first ever marijuana study for veterans with PTSD," reports KRDO News Channel 13 staff.
Originally appearing here.
Drug regulators said it would never happen, but now the DEA has approved the first ever marijuana study for veterans with PTSD.
It’s a groundbreaking decision and a major shift in policy for the DEA.
“I’m very excited as a United States Army veteran that the DEA went back on its word,” said David Gambrell, a veteran living in Colorado Springs.
Gambrell is pleasantly surprised by the DEA’s change of heart.
The administration has long resisted the legalization of marijuana, even denying its medicinal potential. “I’m so thankful and grateful that the DEA is being mindful,” said Gambrell.
The DEA approved this first-of a kind study to see if smoking marijuana can help veterans’ and their PTSD.
“As a veteran, a father and a husband cannabis has drastically changed my life with post dramatic stress disorder,” said Gambrell.
After eight years of taking 16 pills a day, Gambrell said he’s found his medicine, but he still has to buy it recreationally.
“Cannabis was able to help me sleep at night, eliminate flash backs and stop the nightmares,” said Gambrell.
The Colorado Health Department is helping with the cost of the study. It’s paying more than $2 million in grant money.
Seventy-six veterans will be involved in the first round of testing next month.
The veterans will smoke different strains of marijuana to see its effects on their PTSD.