FDA Greenlights Groundbreaking Study on Cannabis as a PTSD Treatment for Veterans
Oregon News
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proud to announce the approval of a landmark clinical trial, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to study the potential of cannabis in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
This federally approved, randomized, placebo-controlled study will explore the “real-world” use of cannabis among veterans, marking a significant step in research on this promising yet underexplored treatment option.
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), in collaboration with leading researchers, will conduct the trial, which will include 320 veterans diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD who have previously used cannabis. Participants will receive commercially and medically available cannabis products, enabling researchers to assess the drug’s therapeutic potential and understand its benefits and risks.
“Veterans deserve access to cutting-edge research that could transform the treatment of PTSD,” said a VA official. “This study reflects our ongoing commitment to exploring innovative therapies that improve the lives of those who have served our nation.”
The trial will focus on methods of cannabis use that mirror everyday practices, including smoking and vaping, with products designed to replicate those found in legal dispensaries. Participants will be provided with cannabis containing approximately 20% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the compound responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects and will be allowed to self-administer up to 1.5 grams per day, adjusting doses based on their symptom management needs.
“By studying cannabis in the way it is commonly used, we hope to generate real-world data that can inform future treatments,” said Allison Coker, Director of Cannabis Research for MAPS. “Our goal is to provide clarity on how veterans can safely and effectively manage PTSD symptoms with cannabis.”
The study comes amid growing interest in cannabis as a therapeutic option for PTSD, a condition that affects many veterans. Although cannabis is widely used medically and recreationally across the United States, federal classification as a Schedule I drug indicating no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse has historically limited research.
“This FDA approval represents a turning point, demonstrating the willingness of regulatory bodies to support high-quality, data-driven research,” added Coker. “It underscores the importance of providing public, scientific, and regulatory communities with robust evidence on cannabis’ potential benefits and risks.”
The VA remains committed to advancing the science behind PTSD treatment and advocating for the health and well-being of veterans. This study will serve as a critical step toward understanding how cannabis may provide relief for the brave individuals who have served our nation.
