First Observational Study to Determine Efficacy of Cannabis for Veterans Gains Approval

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Battle Brothers Foundation has received approval to launch an observational study on the use of medical cannabis to help combat PTSD in veterans. In concert with NiaMedic, a medical data and research company, the study will determine if cannabis treatment will be beneficial in reducing symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant PTSD. The two groups received approval to proceed with the study from the national Independent Review Board (IRB), the independent committee that reviews the methods proposed for research to ensure that they are ethical.

"This news could not come at a better time. Every day, 22 veterans are dying due to effects of post-traumatic stress from opioid addiction to depression. Through anecdotal experiences, we know that cannabis can alleviate symptoms and provide relief. We appreciate that the IRB recognizes the validity of and the need for this study," said Bryan Buckley, Founder and President of the Board for Battle Brothers Foundation.

Study General Overview
The study will enroll 60 California veterans, with moderate or severe PTSD over the next year. Participants will dose and titrate individually purchased products under their own discretion. Participants will be followed for 90 days to evaluate the safety and efficiency of cannabis on their symptoms. Results of the study will be documented and monitored at that time.

PTSD in Veterans
According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of PTSD among returning service members varies widely across wars and eras. In one major study of 60,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 13.5% of deployed and non-deployed veterans screened positive for PTSD, while other studies show the rate to be as high as 20% to 30%. As many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served in these wars over the past 13 years have been diagnosed with PTSD.

The Partners
The Battle Brothers Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC), a cannabis company founded by disabled United States Special Operations veterans that donates 100% of its profits to fund research on the medical use of cannabis for veterans. In 2016, HVGC founders spoke to members of Congress about the viability of medical cannabis as an alternative to the opioids military veterans were prescribed. They were advised to research data working alongside American medical doctors to build a strong case to present to Veteran's Affairs (VA).

Using its innovative medical & research protocols, data collection & analysis process, NiaMedic generates high quality clinical data of medical cannabis and provides: (1) Healthcare Services ?research-based medical protocols integrating conventional medicine with propriety medical cannabis treatments; (2) Clinical Research Services; (3) Consultation Services.

For more information, visit https://battlebrothersfoundation.org/veteran-treatment-research/.

SOURCE Battle Brothers Foundation