DETROIT (WWJ) -- A research team at Wayne State University is conducting several studies into the potential use of cannabis as a therapy for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
According to the University, more than 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022, including 170 in Michigan. They accounted for 15% of adult suicide deaths that year, despite making up on 8% of the U.S. adult population.
Three grants, one for $9 million and the other two totaling $10.5 million , were awarded to Wayne State from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency to look at the “potential therapeutic effects of cannabis on veterans.” The projects are being funded through Michigan’s Veteran Marijuana Research Grant Program. They “aim to determine whether cannabis can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, two major risk factors for suicide among veterans.”
Dr. Leslie Lundahl, the lead principal investigator on one of the two related studies, said that it’s known that untreated or undertreated PTSD are risk factors for suicide, but it’s unknown whether cannabis can be used to reduce symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life
Veterans in the first study will participate in a 12-week program that tests varying levels of CBD and THC, which are the two primary compounds in cannabis. The research team will see how the mood, mental health and “overall well-being” of the veterans are impacted by the treatments.
“This study represents a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges facing veterans,” Dr.Lundahl said. “By using rigorous scientific methods, we aim to understand whether cannabis can play a safe and effective role in improving veterans’ lives.”
The second study will focus on inflammation in the brain. Dr. Lundahl said neural inflammation is also linked to suicide. Researchers will use advanced image scans to study the effects of cannabis on brain inflammation.
The studies won’t only look at who could be candidates for such therapies. Dr. Lundahl said they could also help identify risk factors that would make these treatments inappropriate for some.
Veterans who are interested in learning more about the studies can go here or call 313-473-7733 and ask about the Veteran Studies.