Veteran Marijuana Rehab & Addiction Help

An estimated 11.9 percent of Veterans reported using marijuana between 2019 and 2020, while 9.2 percent of all Veterans had a marijuana addiction in 2020.¹ While marijuana is a commonly used drug, its widespread use does not mean it is harmless.²

This article can help you learn more about what marijuana is and why some Veterans use it. In addition, you can learn more about the signs of marijuana addiction and resources for getting help for Veterans with marijuana addiction.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is the dried stems, leaves, seeds, or flowers of the cannabis sativa plant.² It contains the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, which is the ingredient responsible for the psychoactive effects marijuana can produce.²

Marijuana can be smoked, either by rolling it up in cigarette papers (joints) or in empty cigar papers (blunts). It can be smoked in pipes, including water pipes known as bongs.² Marijuana can also be vaped, which occurs when a person places marijuana into a vaporizer device, where it draws out THC and other compounds, enabling them to inhale just the vapors instead of the smoke.² Additionally, edibles (such as brownies or cookies that contain marijuana) can be eaten.²

THC-rich resins, which are extracted from the marijuana plant, can be heated and smoked.² This is a process known as dabbing.² The resins can be made into:²

• Shatter, which is a solid resin that is amber-colored.
• Hash oil, or honey oil, which is a form of resin that is a gooey liquid.
• Wax, also called budder, which is a semi-soft substance that is similar in texture to lip balm.

Marijuana Use in Veterans

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States, as 16.3 million Americans have a marijuana use disorder.³ Veterans are no exception when it comes to the use of marijuana, with many using marijuana for similar reasons as other Americans do, but also for reasons specific to their time spent in the service.⁴

Causes & Risks

Those who have served the United States military have a greater chance of developing posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, than people serving in other professions. This typically occurs because of the exposure to various life-threatening traumas related to a Veteran’s duties. According to the VA, war zone deployment, training accidents, military sexual trauma, combat exposure, and life-threatening experiences can all contribute to the development of PTSD in members of the armed forces.⁵

Rates of PTSD have increased dramatically over the years, increasing from 3 percent of Veterans of World War II to 15 percent of Veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom.⁵ At this time, about 7 percent of all Veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.⁵ Attempting to cope with these traumatic experience increases one’s risk for misusing substances, including marijuana.

Additionally, other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are also considered risk factors for the misuse of marijuana among Veterans.¹

Other risk factors that can contribute to a Veteran’s likelihood of misusing marijuana can include:⁴

• Younger age.
• Male gender.
• Lower socioeconomic status.
• Living in a state with legalized medical marijuana.
• Using other substances, such as alcohol or opioids.

In 2020, roughly 9 percent of Veterans reported using marijuana.¹ Unfortunately, the misuse of marijuana can produce several side effects that can negatively impact all areas of a Veteran’s life.

Side Effects

While marijuana and its use are polarizing topics throughout the United States, it is important to remember that there are indeed several side effects that can develop from using marijuana, especially when used chronically or frequently.²

Typically, when a person smokes marijuana, they will feel the effects almost immediately, as the THC enters the bloodstream and goes directly to the brain.⁶ However, if a person consumes an edible, it can take 30 minutes to an hour to feel the effects.⁷

THC interacts with brain receptors to produce short-term effects of marijuana use that can include:²

• Altered perceptions, such as seeing colors in a different way.
• An altered sense of time.
• Mood changes.
• Slowed body movements.
• Memory impairment.
• Problems with thinking and problem-solving.

For some, delusions or hallucinations can occur because of consuming high doses of marijuana.²

Are There Long-Term Risks of Using Marijuana?

There are associated health risks that can develop because of marijuana use, and the chances of experiencing any of these risks increases when marijuana is used chronically and/or in large doses. Some of these long-term risks can include, but are not limited to, the following:^8,9

• Problems with brain functioning, particularly in areas responsible for memory, learning, decision-making, attention, and coordination
• Cardiovascular risks, including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, or other vascular diseases
• Lung-related issues, such as irritated throat and lungs, lung tissue damage, and increased risk for cancer and lung disease
• Potential for experiencing mental health issues, such as social anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia

Additionally, chronic use of marijuana can lead to the development of a marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder (CUD).⁸

Signs of Marijuana Addiction: When Is It a Problem?

Cannabis use disorder is characterized by a set of criteria outlined in the DSM-5, which is the standard guide for the diagnosis of mental health or substance use disorders. Some of these criteria include the following:¹⁰

• Giving up previously enjoyed hobbies or activities to use marijuana
• Continuing to use marijuana despite knowing it is causing a physical or mental health problem or exacerbating an existing one
• Continuing to use marijuana in risky situations, such as while driving
• Being unable to fulfill responsibilities at home, work, or school as a result of marijuana use

To receive a diagnosis, 2 out of the 11 criteria for cannabis use disorder must be occurring over a span of 12 months.¹⁰ If you feel that it is possible you are addicted to marijuana, it is recommended that you obtain further assessment and evaluation, as it is important that only a trained professional provide you with an official diagnosis.

Will Marijuana Use or Rehab Affect My Veteran Benefits?

If you are a Veteran in need of marijuana addiction treatment, you do not have to worry about losing your VA benefits or getting into trouble, as there are certain laws and regulations that are designed to protect you and your wellbeing.^11,12

Laws & VA Stance

If you are prescribed marijuana for medical reasons, the Marijuana Safe Harbor Act protects you from suffering any legal repercussions as a Veteran.¹¹ Furthermore, while the VA cannot prescribe or recommend the use of medical marijuana themselves, this does not mean that they won’t provide treatment for Veterans who are experiencing marijuana misuse or addiction.¹²

Does the VA & Veteran Benefits Cover Marijuana Rehab?

The VA will not deny the use of VA benefits due to marijuana use.¹² The VA has numerous options regarding the benefits that are available to help pay for treating a marijuana or other substance use disorder.¹³

The VA has programs at various VA treatment centers across the United States.¹³ In addition, under a plan called Community Care, you can access providers and state-funded drug rehab outside of the VA for certain services if the VA themselves cannot provide the necessary care.¹⁴

If you are a Veteran with Medicare, Medicaid, or other types of insurance (including Tricare) the VA can bill these insurance companies to help you pay for treatment.¹⁵ However, having private insurance will not stop you from getting any Veterans Affairs benefits or any VA treatment that you are eligible to receive.¹⁵

Marijuana Rehab & Treatment Options

If you need marijuana addiction help, there are numerous options for you. Marijuana addiction treatment options can include:¹³

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient treatment.
• Residential treatment.
• Family counseling.
• Self-help groups.
• Outpatient treatment, both short-term and long-term.
• Relapse prevention.
• Specialized programming for Veterans.

Regardless of how serious your marijuana misuse or addiction might be, or if you have problems with other substances, the VA is available to help you find marijuana rehab centers and coordinate your care. Don’t hesitate to reach out today to get started on your journey toward recovery and healthy living.