
I just finished watching the documentary “Unprescribed” on Prime Video.
The film tells the story of how veterans are being over prescribed a dangerous cocktail of upwards of 9 to 18 different pharmaceutical medications to treat their war trauma of PTSD, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain syndromes resulting from shrapnel and gunshot wounds.
In he film, Sue Sisley M.D., of the Scottsdale Research Institute, states that the FDA has only approved two drugs to treat PTSD. Those are Zoloft and Paxil, which have limited efficacy and significant side effects.
And yet vets seeking help from the VA are prescribed a shopping bag full of other drugs which have never been clinically tested.
Vets are being used as guinea pigs.
The veterans and family interviewed for the film describe how the cocktail of pharmaceuticals prescribed by the VA turn their returning family members into “zombies”.
Many veterans and their families believe that the medications prescribed are contributing to the suicide of veterans due to the ineffectiveness of the medications and serious side effects that lead vets’ to despair of ever being able to function again: To be go out in public without overwhelming anxiety, to sleep at night and or to feel emotionally connected to others.
The film’s director, Steve Ellmore, who is a veteran, describes the film as a history of marijuana prohibition steeped in racism and political motivation and how the VA is blocking access to veterans using medical cannabis, even in states where medical marijuana is available. He states emphatically:
“Now it's time to bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities. Our philosophy is that trauma is trauma and PTSD is not limited to the battlefield. Amid the opioid and suicide epidemics, increasing numbers of veterans are turning to cannabis as a safer alternative to pharmaceuticals.”
Joey Gilbert, a Nevada attorney who assist veterans, summarizes the vet’s dilemma. 'They suffer in silence. They don’t want to ask for help. They don’t want sympathy. They want to get on with their lives. Cannabis isn't a silver bullet for veterans, but it takes the edge of so they can function. Its replaces all the pharmaceutical medications without the risks of debilitating side effects and opioid overdose.'
What can you do?
Contact your senators and congressional representatives in support of:
VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 S.326
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the effects of cannabis on veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain (i.e., eligible veterans).
To schedule a guest speaker for your group.
Contact Cannabis Patients PNW
David Benedicktus and Jeremy Robbins
360 600 2296
References and Resources for Veterans
Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live, or text 838255. A caring, qualified responder will listen and help. Your call is free and ...
Unprescribed Documentary 2min trailer
Available Prime Video
22 Too Many
https://22toomany.org/
Veterans Cannabis Project Share Your Story
Apply to become a local advocate – or VCP Force Commander – in the fight for veterans’ cannabis access.
A Hero’s Journey: Fighting for Medical Cannabis as a Patient, a Veteran, and an Advocate
https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/a-heros-journey-fighting-for-medical-cannabis-as-a-patient-a-veteran-and-an-advocate
Scottsdale Research Institute -Sue Sisley M.D.
https://fieldtohealed.love/
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS
https://maps.org/our-research/
Conducts high quality, controlled scientific studies intended to ascertain the general medical safety and efficacy of cannabis and cannabis products and examine various forms of cannabis administration.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in research and education. Our work develops medical, legal, and cultural shifts so people can benefit from the careful use of psychedelics and marijuana for mental health, well-being, and
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