As we approach Thanksgiving, it is essential to remember and honor our veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. However, caring for the living veterans struggling with physical and mental health issues is equally important. Everyone needs support, even the heroes among us. One promising option for caring for veterans is using plant medicines like cannabis and psychedelics.
Plant Medicine and Veterans
After years of military service, veterans are often left with physical injuries, mental health disorders, and spiritual disconnection. While traditional therapies such as counseling and medication may alleviate some of these symptoms, many veterans have found that plant medicine offers a unique opportunity for healing.
Studies have shown that ayahuasca, a plant mixture found in the Amazon rainforest, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The psychedelic brew contains the compound DMT, which induces a powerful altered state of consciousness. Individuals often experience profound insights, spiritual awakenings, and emotional healing during this state.
Spirituality can offer a lot of warmth during trying times. Caring for veterans isn’t just offering a helping hand; it’s also knowing what they need to get through the day. Practices like ayahuasca not only help guide those in need of guidance, but they can also calm the soul– just like some other popular plant medicines that are far easier to research.
Enter Cannabis and Microdosing
For years, veterans have been turning to medical cannabis to treat various conditions, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Cannabis has been shown to provide pain relief, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality, which can significantly improve a veteran’s quality of life.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has called for more research into medical cannabis as an alternative pain relief option for veterans. With currently 33 states and the District of Columbia having state-approved medical marijuana programs, veterans have more access to this treatment option than ever before.
However, cannabis is not the only plant medicine gaining attention in the veteran community. Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, are also being explored as potential mental health treatments for veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is currently studying the use of psychedelics for PTSD and depression treatment, and early results are promising.
According to a recent article by Forbes, “Researchers believe that psychedelics have the potential to reduce PTSD symptoms by rewiring neural networks that become disrupted by trauma and activating new ones that can improve mental health.” In addition, psychedelics have been shown to improve mood, increase feelings of connectedness, and decrease anxiety and depression.
Psychedelics and cannabis treatments for PTSD and other ailments are another way to make caring for veterans a forefront movement. Many veteran support groups and research teams have been delving into the magic of microdosing and marijuana for decades.
A Movement from Veterans For Veterans
Veterans have been at the forefront of the psychedelic medicine movement, advocating for increased access to these treatments. The nonprofit organization Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is working to provide veterans with access to psychedelic therapies safely and legally.
While the use of cannabis and psychedelics for veteran care is still relatively new, the potential benefits are clear. As we honor our veterans this Memorial Day, let us also recognize the need to provide them with the best possible care. Our government must invest in research and access to these alternative treatments so that veterans can lead happier, healthier lives.
Support for Veterans
As we approach Thanksgiving, it is essential to remember and honor our veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. However, caring for veterans struggling with physical and mental health issues is equally important.
One promising option for veterans to care for themselves is using herbal remedies and medicinal mushrooms, with a particular enthusiasm for research underway to treat PTSD with cannabis and assisted psychedelic therapies. Be sure to try out any number of these products to treat brain fog, depression, and other everyday ailments.
