The NC AMVETS Service Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for American veterans, has announced the start of a clinical study on the effects of CBD on veterans. The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Northern Colorado and Vantage Hemp Co., will examine the impact of CBD on various parameters that affect the quality of life of veterans. The study will also survey veterans about their experiences with CBD.
Why CBD for Veterans?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for various health conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the scientific evidence for CBD is still limited and inconclusive, especially for the veteran population.
According to the NC AMVETS Service Foundation, many veterans suffer from physical and mental health issues that impair their daily functioning and well-being. Some of these issues include chronic pain, opioid addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These issues can also increase the risk of suicide among veterans.
The NC AMVETS Service Foundation believes that CBD could be a safe and effective alternative or adjunct to conventional treatments for veterans. CBD could potentially reduce pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality and mood. CBD could also help veterans reduce their dependence on opioids and other medications that may have harmful side effects.
However, the NC AMVETS Service Foundation also recognizes that there is a lack of reliable and comprehensive data on the efficacy and safety of CBD for veterans. Therefore, the organization decided to launch a clinical study to fill this gap and provide more information to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the veteran community.
How will the study work?
The study will be a placebo-controlled trial that will involve a daily fixed dose of CBD for 28 days. The study will recruit 100 veterans who are members of the NC AMVETS Service Foundation and who have expressed interest in participating. The study will measure the effect of CBD on several parameters that affect the daily activities of veterans, such as pain, mood, sleep, stress, and quality of life. The study will also collect data on the veterans’ demographics, medical history, medication use, and cannabis use.
The study will be conducted in partnership with the University of Northern Colorado and Vantage Hemp Co. The University of Northern Colorado will provide the scientific expertise and oversight to ensure the validity and rigor of the study. Vintage Hemp Co. will provide CBD products and financial support for the study. Vintage Hemp Co. is a plant-based extractor and manufacturer that produces high-quality CBD products that are certified by third-party labs.
The study will be one of the first of its kind to examine the effects of CBD on veterans in a controlled and systematic way. The study will also be one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on CBD for veterans to date. The study aims to generate valuable data that can inform the decisions of the VA and advocate for further research on CBD for veterans.
The study is expected to start in February 2024 and last for six months. The results of the study will be published and shared with the VA and the public. Veterans who are interested in participating in the study can contact cbdstudy@ncamvets.us for more information.
What Are the Expectations and Implications of the Study?
The NC AMVETS Service Foundation hopes that the study will provide positive and meaningful results that can support and improve the lives of America’s veterans. The organization also hopes that the study will raise awareness and interest in CBD among veterans and the general public.
“This research initiative was developed in the pursuit of supporting and improving the lives of America’s veterans,” said William Clark, AMVETS National Commander. “We are extremely grateful for the support of UNC and Vantage, as their contributions will help provide meaningful results and catalyze well-informed decisions.”
The study could also have significant implications for the future of CBD research and policy. The study could provide more evidence and insights into the potential benefits and risks of CBD for various health conditions. The study could also influence the VA’s stance and regulations on CBD for veterans. Currently, the VA does not endorse or prescribe CBD for veterans and warns that CBD may interact with other medications or cause positive drug tests. The study could help the VA reconsider its position and provide more guidance and access to CBD for veterans who may benefit from it.
The study could also pave the way for more research and collaboration on CBD for veterans. The study could inspire more organizations and institutions to conduct similar or complementary studies on CBD for veterans. The study could also foster more partnerships and dialogue between the veteran community, the scientific community, and the CBD industry.
The study could ultimately contribute to the advancement and innovation of CBD science and therapeutics, as well as the advocacy and empowerment of the veteran community.