For those who have never served in the Armed Forces, it can be difficult to imagine the unique stressors that our veterans face. Simply put, our veterans have all had experiences that the rest of us can’t really fathom, and those experiences can make it challenging for these vets to readjust to civilian life. Indeed, surveys of Iraq and Afghan War veterans show that a high percentage of those who have served abroad have real hardships getting used to “normal” life.

To help cope with some of the after-effects of combat, and to aid in their readjustment to civilian life, many veterans have spoken openly about their use of CBD products. This has become such a popular phenomenon that even some veteran advocacy groups have offered public support for CBD use.

But how exactly can veterans use CBD to help readjust to daily life? Here are a few points to consider.

How CBD Benefits Veterans

To understand the efficacy of CBD, it’s first important to understand some of the hardships that veterans face. It is fairly common for vets to experience post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which can cause them to mentally re-live unpleasant experiences from their days in the service. Symptoms of PTSD can also include disrupted sleep cycles, panic attacks, chronic anxiety, difficulty concentrating at school or work, and beyond.

CBD may be able to help veterans navigate some of these symptoms, to enjoy better sleep and greater clarity of mind, all thanks to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is an important network of receptors, responsible for governing such everyday functions as mood, sleep, and memory, among many others. As far as veterans are concerned, the endocannabinoid system may be most noteworthy for its role in regulating stress and in controlling our emotional responses to things. 

In other words, the endocannabinoid system may play a significant role in helping veterans let go of traumatic experiences from their past. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and can help provide the relief that veterans need. And by mitigating some of the unpleasant effects of PTSD, CBD can indirectly help with other issues, such as anxiety and insomnia.

But does CBD actually work to relieve some of the mental health problems experienced by our veterans? Beyond anecdotal evidence and public advocacy, there is some scientific research to suggest that CBD might indeed be valuable as a means to address PTSD. For example:

• There is a 2013 study showing how CBD can help individuals who experience unpleasant memories of a traumatic situation.
• A paper from 2018 notes that CBD can be a useful way to augment other therapeutic modalities, including exposure therapy.
• Other studies have indicated CBD’s potential efficacy for mediating occasional or situational anxiety. There is plenty of other clinical evidence to suggest how CBD might help promote restful sleep.

Using CBD When You’re in the Armed Forces

A question worth exploring: Can active-duty service members use CBD products?

Sadly, the answer to that question is no. As of right now, members of the military are prohibited from using any hemp-derived products, regardless of the THC level. That includes CBD. We hope that policy changes soon, allowing those who are actively serving to make full use of holistic health remedies.

CBD for Veterans: Where to Start?

A few guidelines for veterans who wish to try CBD:

• First and foremost, remember that CBD is not a substitute for psychiatric health care. If you experience symptoms of PTSD, it is imperative to seek therapy.
• Always look for trusted CBD brands that manufacture their products in the USA, and that offer independent testing.
• Start with a smaller dose and work your way up to a larger dose as needed.

At Asé Pure Naturals, we are big believers in the value of CBD to help promote mental and emotional wellness. And, we are thrilled that CBD has proven so effective among members of the military community.

We’re proud to offer a full inventory of products that are holistic, cruelty-free, vegan options, and sourced in the USA. Browse the Asé Pure Naturals inventory today to find CBD products that might work for you. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.