OAS Endorses Fast-Track Psilocybin Research

OAS Endorses Fast-Track Psilocybin Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2021 – Ponte Vedra, Florida

Once A Soldier Endorses a Warp Speed Option for Psilocybin Research To Save Veteran Lives

Psilocybin drugs are the rising starts when it comes to killing PTSD in post-9/11 Veterans

In recent days, we have modified our website to include the three major psilocybin treatment options researched today. MDMA, ketamine and magic mushrooms have separated themselves as superior to big-pharma anti-depressant medications. They have shown the unique ability to rewire the brain and destroy a Veteran’s PTSD. Marijuana to a lesser extend provides mental relief from PTSD, but psilocybin has that extra break-though into the subconscious. That’s where the real healing, and magic, takes place. For examples of what it’s like to meet your demons and win during a trip, check this out.

“There is a mounting body of evidence to support our view. And this research is coming from highly-reputable institutions in the US, such as the psilocybin research coming from Johns Hopkins.  We are losing the war on PTSD. PTSD is what kills our Veterans. All forms of micro-dosing these mind-altering drugs shows greater promise than the current schedule of anti-depressants offered by the Veterans’ Administration. We fast-tracked a vaccine for COVID-19, and rightly so. It’s time for that sense of urgency to motivate more help for Veterans with PTSD.” says Dave Barbush, CEO of Once A Soldier.

Indeed, earlier this year, all of the major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in the nation expressed their support, as well.

The best scenario for a successful psilocybin treatment plan includes a clinical setting, a trained staff, and a low cost. The best part of the data to date has been that the relief comes fast and is near permanent. Veterans themselves have weighed in on their feelings about it. They like the outcome. Their PTSD is gone. They may not like the process, but they don’t like being dulled by their anti-depressants either.

Mr. Barbush continued. “Our motivation for fast-tracking research and a parallel training of staff to be “trip buddies” comes from hearing the suicide stories from Veterans families. The horror inflicted upon the Veteran during war is passed down to the family in the years before the suicide. The suicide itself also enables the disorder to continue to grow.

Furthermore, our position includes a robust go-to market strategy that educates all levels of soldiers and family about PTSD treatments, screenings and practical advice on life insurance and post-suicide options.”

“Let’s face it, we are losing the war on Veteran suicide at this time. The more effort we’ve put into it to date, the less we’ve seen it working. In fact, the numbers are rising. And those numbers – the branded 22 a day, were probably low to begin with.”

 

Hallucinogens Beating PTSD Veterans Say

Hallucinogens Beating PTSD Veterans Say

Magic Mushrooms, Marijuana and More Used Successfully By Vets

Joints, gummies, CBD oil, ‘shrooms and stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs). In a recent discussion online, Veterans are reporting amazing results from these DIY meds. They’re beating their PTSD with them. Non-pharma options are working.

With Congress recently killing a late 2020 bill to remove cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, Congress is moving too slow and out of touch of these hippy drugs. White men in their 60s and 70s are still laboring under the Nixon-era non-pharma drug attitudes. Recreational drugs have been a part of active duty mental health since the hell of Vietnam. With the ravages of PTSD hitting them every day, they’re taking matters into their own hands. Here’s a slice of their lives tripping out to save their own lives.

Psychedelics, also known as psychedelic drugs, hallucinogens, or hallucinogenic drugs are chemical substances that induce hallucinations and other sensory disturbances.

soldier rests

"Between weed and a stellate ganglion block, I don't suffer from PTSD hardly at all. Some breakthroughs, but I don't have to take the 8 medications the VA wants me on."

“I actually use CBD gummies to help me sleep and CBD lotion on my shoulder where I was wounded. It works so damn well. The gummies are amazing. I don’t have to take my Prazosin anymore and the massage oils and lotion I use works wonders on my shoulder and my ankle I broke 6 years ago. I’m not a pothead by any means but marijuana as a whole has changed my life and bettered it. I don’t have to eat opiates like I used to and I don’t have to get fucked up to make it work. I do smoke a bit but just when I need a boost to help me eat when I’m having a bad day. It is literally a medicine to me. Fuck big pharma.”

“Mushrooms saved my life.”

“People have this misconception that trips are all about having fun, giggling and laughing, etc. It can be. Personally, I hate tripping. It’s uncomfortable, I feel like shit, I get sick, and it’s terrifying. That being said, I’m able to work some shit out that I otherwise couldn’t have. I only touch that shit when I’m not doing great emotionally and need a reset.”

“I do microdose on occasion. Nothing more than 0.3 of a gram. Maybe once a month. I cannot notice any effects except that my aggression seems to be mitigated. People that use them to trip are just out for a good time and all this negative press of them have severely hampered the acceptance and research of hallucinogens as a medication.”

“Yeah, I did that for a while as well. Really helped with my anxiety, but when I went in on a few grams, I stopped having anxiety and panic attacks completely after the fact.

This Back and Forth:

It’s worth mentioning that that particular experience was terrifying as fuck, extremely uncomfortable, and exhausting and I haven’t touched them since simply because I haven’t needed to.”

“That’s how you know they work and are non-addictive. There’s this great natural organism we can consume to help us, but it’s also illegal. If one dose can cure you and you never feel the need to take it again, where’s the money?”

Sources:

Veterans Groups Want Marijuana And Psychedelics Access Through VA, They Tell Congress from Veterans

Veterans Groups Want Marijuana And Psychedelics Access Through VA, They Tell Congress

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-psychedelics-22075

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ABOUT ONCE A SOLDIER

Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.

Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.

We are the only nonprofit standing with the families after a veteran suicide. Stand with us.

Our Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide.

Links for More Information:

Veterans Talk About Marijuana and the VA

Veterans Talk About Marijuana and the VA

Veterans Don’t Trust Veterans’ Affairs Care Providers

At this time, the US is in a real gray area regarding marijuana. Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic, making it illegal anywhere in the nation. However, as many in our national audience know, they can go into a retail store in their state and buy bud, oil or edibles to go. All this puts federal employees at the VA in an awkward position. The problem is, Veterans with PTSD and other pain issues are also in an awkward position. We found what veterans are thinking on this and on other “illegal” drugs as they try to find the peace and comfort they deserve.

Marijuana plants flower to produce their valuable buds.

Culled from a Veterans message board, how much a veteran will talk about using pot with his doctor varies as much as state’s laws do. Some VA doctors shrug it off as no big deal. Others stick to the law. Veterans with a disability rating that is tied directly to a monthly benefit, risk real damage if they confide in the wrong doctor. As one Veteran posted: I’m just beginning this whole mental health journey through the VA. I would love to be as honest as possible but the thought of being labeled a druggy over pot because of some archaic thoughts on cannabis is pretty disconcerting. I have a appointment with my mental health provider soon. Wish me luck!

Here’s more relevant posts about why Veterans cannabis usage is a dicey affair:

…when I lived in Washington state- the doctors literally could t care less. Moved to a Midwestern state and they were a bit nervous about it. Now I’m in Milwaukee and though it’s still illegal, no fucks are given. 

My VA primary busted out with , it’s legal here in FL. Why not get your card? I felt like it was a trap or at the very least I wasnt sure about the VA stance on weed. I treaded lightly on that conversation until I got more info.

I think the VA needs to start prescribing medical MJ. Just my opinion.

For active duty, I’d rather have a soldier smoke weed after work than drinking. Too many soldiers have drinking problems, get in trouble for drinking, get hurt from drinking. As far as when you get out, I think cannabis could help a lot more with issues we have when we get out. I’m still in so I can’t have a strong opinion on that.

And here’s the last word to round out this brief look into what Veterans think about pot and the VA:

Short and sweet: Cannabis legalization is a Veteran’s Issue and a human rights issue.

Sources:

Why veterans can’t discuss cannabis with VA doctors from Veterans

I WANT TO HELP
I NEED HELP

ABOUT ONCE A SOLDIER

Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.

Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.

We are the only nonprofit standing with the families after a veteran suicide. Stand with us.

Our Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide.

Links for More Information:

Veterans Talk About Marijuana and the VA

VA Not High on Medical Marijuana as PTSD Treatment for Veterans

Veteran Administration’s Position Hurts Veterans Suffering From PTSD

At Once A Soldier, our dedicated team understands the detrimental and debilitating impact that PTSD can have on soldiers, veterans, and their families. This is why we support a variety of local and federal initiatives that aim to support veterans and their families as they cope with the crippling effects of PTSD. Among the initiatives supported by Once A Soldier are those related to the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, despite the fact that marijuana has been proven to have positive effects on soldiers and veterans suffering from PTSD, legislation that allows marijuana to have a role at the VA will not be supported.

At Once A Soldier, we believe that anything clearly proven to help soldiers and veterans cope with their trauma should be supported by the VA. As our CEO and Chairman, Dave Barbush states, “The Veterans Administration was right in deferring to US law, but needed to go the extra step for Veterans, something they’ve proven they’re incapable of.”

Find info on CBD oil here

Find info on medical marijuana here

 

Veteran families of soldier suicide tells us that, after a suicide, that the actual suicide becomes the least of their problems. Money and the business of death become their enemy.

VA Refuses to Modernize

Lack of Education Is Killing Our Veterans

 

This recent announcement by the VA is disappointing to our team at Once A Soldier, as there have been numerous studies proving marijuana’s effectiveness in alleviating PTSD symptoms. As local governments across the nation deem marijuana fit for medical and recreational use, researchers have been able to study its effects in more detail than ever before. Much of this research has found that, by balancing the various chemical compounds found in marijuana, the plant can be used to effectively treat common ailments such as anxiety, insomnia and pain. Because of this, medical marijuana has been proven to be highly effective when treating those diagnosed with PTSD, many of whom are soldiers and veterans.

Typically, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, develops after an individual experiences a traumatic or life-altering event, such as serving in combat or being on active duty. PTSD can lead to chronic nightmares, flashbacks, and cause difficulty sleeping and functioning normally in daily life. PTSD can often be so severe that an individual’s overall emotional state and perception of the world around them can be damaged forever.

Marijuana is capable of alleviating some of these harmful symptoms because of two main components found in the plant: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for binding to specific receptors in the brain that regulate mood, sleep patterns, and perceptions of pain. Many scientists also believe that THC interacts with the amygdala and hippocampus (the brain’s main emotional centers) to help reduce anxiety.

CBD, on the other hand, is not as widely understood due to its complexity, however researchers do understand it’s influence on the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining the body’s emotional homeostasis, as well as regulating memory consolidation, retrieval and extension. CBD improves the endocannabinoid system’s mediation of essential functions, including memory consolidation and retrieval. When CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout this core system are activated, cannabinoids can prompt the system to produce neurotransmitters that promote happiness, pleasure, and memory. These specific cannabinoids play an important role in assisting veterans suffering from PTSD by preventing the brain from retrieving the underlying trauma, effectively preventing traumatic memories and nightmares, while also helping the individual attain an overall state of emotional wellbeing.

There are currently three bills in front of the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee that relate to medical marijuana access for veterans. One, the Veterans Equal Access Act, H.R. 1647, sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon, would allow VA health providers to recommend medical marijuana to their veteran patients and fill out the necessary paperwork for them to enroll in state marijuana programs. However, the VA responded to these efforts with the following statement:

“[The House Veterans Affairs Committee] can make strong proposals for us to move forward with recommendations of filling out forms and such but, in the end, we need to go back to the [Drug Enforcement Agency] and [Justice Department] for their opinion,” – Larry Mole, chief consultant for population health at the VA.

If you are interested in supporting Once A Soldier’s mission to provide financial assistance to families of veterans who have committed suicide due to the unfortunate effects of PTSD, please donate to our cause today.

Once a Soldier Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide. Financial and emotional support are offered to those families that demonstrate the need. Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will. Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans. Learn more about our impact here.