Anyone who has experienced a traumatic life event can have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD rates among veterans are slightly higher—about 7% over their lifetimes—compared to 6% of adults in the general population.
The symptoms of PTSD impact the daily lives of many veterans. For example, they often avoid celebrations and crowds where fireworks are present, as the sights and sounds trigger painful memories. Dealing with the various symptoms may also perpetuate feelings of guilt and other negative emotions.
Managing PTSD is often a lifelong process, and many veterans turn to a range of traditional treatment methods in search of relief.
Conventional Treatments and Their Limitations
Though the medical community began recognizing mental health issues in veterans centuries ago, PTSD was officially included in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in 1980. It took the Veterans Administration an additional nine years to create the VA National Center for PTSD.
The research and attention given to this condition have led to the development of conventional treatments, including medication, therapy, encouraging positive lifestyle changes, practicing mindfulness, and participating in support groups or other community resources.
Still, conventional treatments don’t work for everyone. Some veterans continue to experience unresolved symptoms, and, in their search for relief, may turn to alcohol or unregulated substances. This unmet need has opened the door to exploring alternative support methods, including medical cannabis.
Thanks to progressive legislation and more studies conducted on the merits of cannabis, many veterans and others dealing with PTSD are discovering that cannabis for PTSD is, at the very least, a good complement to traditional treatments. Ongoing studies like the FDA‑approved MJP2 trial are now examining high‑THC cannabis effects on PTSD in veterans.
Using Cannabis for Veterans’ Wellness: Practical Use Cases and Product Guidance
Many use weed for PTSD as part of their mental health routine. This usage may manifest as relatively low-dose THC combined with other cannabinoids or microdose THC. Some will smoke higher doses of THC or use concentrates and vaping products for more stressful times or to confront painful memories and feelings. Those with lung issues may turn to tinctures or edibles as a healthier source of cannabis.
For any veteran exploring cannabis—whether for symptom relief or general wellness—quality and safety are key. Products should be lab-tested, clearly labeled, and matched to individual needs and tolerance. That’s where veteran-founded dispensaries like Got Your Six come in: we’re proud to provide products and guidance with both integrity and empathy.
Flower and Pre-Rolls for Calming Relief
Pre-rolls provide a convenient way to ingest cannabis. The pre-rolls may come in the form of low THC dose hybrids or concentrates. The Indica strain pre-roll Anthologie Garlicane contains a moderate 15.5% of THC. It produces the effects of happiness, relaxation, and sleepiness.
The Sativa strain dried flower product Hella Jelly contains 22.64% THC. Since consumers typically ingest the dried flower or weed via inhalation, the effects are almost immediate and may last for several hours. The effects of Hella Jelly are calm, happy, energetic, and relaxed.
Tinctures, Capsules, and Edibles for Discreet Dosing
For those wishing to microdose or avoid smoking due to respiratory issues, tinctures provide a good alternative way in which to use cannabis. An advantage of gummies is that they can be easily transported and taken discreetly. These forms of cannabis and THC allow veterans to manage PTSD consistently.
Topicals for Body-Based Relief
Cannabis topicals provide physical and psychological relief. In addition to a selection of products applied to the skin, transdermal patches offer a way to microdose and receive continuous benefits.
ReJuv Relax is a hybrid transdermal patch that delivers low doses of THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG directly into the bloodstream to help manage stress and discomfort. Transdermal patches are effective for use during the day or at night.
Committed to Serving Princeton’s Veteran Community
At Got Your Six, we’ve understood the needs of veterans since the day we were founded by them. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for veterans and the entire Princeton community.
We would love to chat about how cannabis can help improve your health and life. If you are a veteran—or know one—please visit us at the dispensary or contact us online at any time. We proudly extend discounts to help make wellness with cannabis more accessible for veterans and service members.
