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Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Armed Forces

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The U.S. Navy is a fast-paced, dynamic, and ever-evolving workplace. It operates in theaters all around the world and conduct missions in complex, high-stress environments. These conditions put an incredible amount of strain on sailors’ bodies and mindsCurrently, the Navy treats stress and pain with medication and by promoting healthy habits and relaxation techniques. Cannabidiol (CBD) can improve this process. CBD is a safe, non-psychotropic, phytocannabinoid; it derives from the cannabis plant but does not contain any psychoactive ingredients that alter perceptionThis organically produced product could revolutionize how the Navy treats stress and chronic pain, and result in increased retention rates 

Military members in all branches experience stress.  Stress has many long- and short-term effects on the physical and mental readiness of troops. These may include headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, tobacco use, decreased exerciseand angry outbursts. The Sea Services have a moral obligation to equip sailors and Marines with the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to combat stress. CBD would improve methods of treatment. 

Current research shows that CBD is an effective tool for combatting stress. A study conducted by the University of Washington, “Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders,” reviewed marijuana’s cardiovascular and neurological effects on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound that is linked with the psychoactive effects of marijuana and is processed in the cannabinoid receptor known as CB1. CBD, however, is processed in the cannabinoid receptor CB2 which resides in the peripheral immune cells and tissues. CB2 was observed in detail and proved beneficial in decreasing anxiety, assisting with sleep, reducing addiction, assisting with depression, and decreasing tachycardia in users. The study concluded by stating that pure CBD decreased anxiety in all tested doses

The unique lifestyles of sailors and Marines present challenges that degrade the abilities to practice regular stress coping techniques. CBD has the potential to be the force multiplier that enables these service members to remain mission focused. Challenges such as watch standing, duty, fluctuating work schedules, field exercises, and deployments can inhibit troops from receiving healthy amounts of sleep, maintaining proper diets, and exercising regularly. As a result, many service members use medical and mental health resources for assistance with managing stress. It is not uncommon for clinics to prescribe a variety of drugs to individuals to combat insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Many of the medications require further follow-ups to ensure proper dosing, verify efficacy, and for close continuous monitoring of harmful side effects. CBD treats all these symptoms and is more readily accessible than prescription medications. CBD does not require medical appointments and can be purchased over the counter. The use of CBD could make a measurable impact in the lives and treatment of sailors and Marines who struggle with stress  

Most active-duty service members deal with some form of aching pain attributed to their daily work routine or duties. The most common treatment for these acute nontraumatic injuries is the non=steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed or even recommended for over-the-counter use; they combat inflammation (a common cause of pain) and provide analgesic pain relief. However, NSAIDs can have serious side effects. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Gastroduodenal Complications of Chronic NSAID Therapy,” concluded that “NSAID use has been associated with a disproportionately high frequency of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation of ulcers.” The study also mentioned that the prevalence of ulcer disease in chronic NSAID users was at least five to ten times higher than in patients who did not take NSAIDs. The Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology published an article, GI Risk and Risk Factors of NSAIDs,” that found NSAIDs are the most widely used drugs in the United States, with more than 111 million prescriptions filled annually and close to $2 billion spent on over-the-counter NSAIDs. In additionthe prevalence of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients who take NSAIDs regularly is 15 to 30 percent, and NSAIDs also may cause lower gastrointestinal injury. An article in the Harvard Health Publishing journal reviewed study in the European Journal of Pain, which showed that CBD could help decrease pain and inflammation. CBD can be a safer alternative to NSAIDs for relieving pain caused by inflammation. Despite these findings, more research is required to truly understand all the positive effects of CBD. If CBD was authorized, the Department of the Navy (DoN) could capitalize on its use for treatments and take the lead in ground breaking research. 

Legalizing CBD use for recreational or medical purposes in the military will not be easy because of the loose regulations on CBD products and its among the general public. Primarily, the current lack of strict regulations preventing THC from being mixed with CBD pills or products is a huge issue for service members. THC is the common chemical tested across the different branch of services. It is a non-authorized substance in the Department of Defense. Fortunately, there is progress as the Food and Drug Administration recently approved a cannabis-derived medicine known as Epidiolex (which contains CBD) marking a huge step in the world of CBD, medicine, and regulation. Iis the first-ever regulated use of CBD within the United States. CBD’s reputation is hindered by those who are ignorant what it is and its effects on the body. It is not uncommon to hear CBD used synonymously with marijuana as if it is just another product to obtain a “high.” This is untrue, as CBD is not psychotropic. If larger entities such as the DoN became involved, further progress can be made on the regulation and reputation of CBD, which will benefit the active-duty population, veterans, retirees, and the country as a whole. The DoN could test CBD’s impact on readiness in a small controlled population before it is approved for use by the entire the military.  

If CBD is approved for use, I predict the Navy’s retention rate would increase. This hypothesis is based on a questionnaire I personally conductedFifty active duty sailors and marines, both male and female, were asked seven questions regarding stress and pain relief in relation to life in the military. I asked how they treat or mitigate pain and stress, if their daily duties inhibit their coping technique(s), and if that makes them want to separate from the military. The questionnaire revealed surprising results; 96 percent of applicants indicated they had stress in their daily lives and 86 percent stated they regularly feel minor aches and pains attributed to life in the military. The most common forms of treatments for stress reported were exercise (60 percent), tobacco (30 percent), alcohol (28 percent), isolation (14 percent), and sleep (8 percent). The most commonly reported treatments for pain were over-the-counter medications (48 percent), ignoring the pain instead of taking pills (48 percent), stretching (8 percent), and alcohol (1 percent). Surprisingly, 58 percent of the group stated they were not happy with their current treatment for pain and stress. Another 58 percent reported that their regular duties inhibited them from practicing normal techniques or treatment, and 44 percent indicated that this made them desire separation from the Navy or Marine CorpsOur brothers and sisters in arms should not feel that their relief only comes from something destructive to their health or that they do not regularly have access to the resources they need.  

In conclusion, recreational and medical CBD use will have multiple positive rippling effects in the Navy, Marine Corps, and across the armed forces. It is an improved way to alleviate stress and pain which promotes an active duty population that is healthier overall in mind and body. CBD can also assist in retention, as my questionnaire demonstrated. I believe if the Navy keep an opens mind about the benefits of CBD and overcomes the negative stigma associated with marijuana in society, the service can employ a revolutionary product that will change the way it operates and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of personnel.  

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The Naval Institute Blog is on hold at the moment. Our plan is to move it to the Proceedings site and rename it “Proceedings Blog” in 2024. More information to follow soon!

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