Ep 5. Chronic Trauma
- TV14
- May 17, 2017
- 22 min
-
8.4 (5)
In season 3 episode 5 of Weediquette, entitled Chronic Trauma, the show explores the use of medical cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The episode begins with host Krishna Andavolu traveling to Colorado to meet with veteran Chris James, who suffers from severe PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. James explains that traditional medications have not helped him manage his symptoms and that he turned to cannabis for relief. Andavolu accompanies James to a cannabis dispensary, where he selects strains of marijuana specifically designed to treat PTSD symptoms.
The show then shifts to Washington D.C., where Andavolu meets with Dr. Sue Sisley, a physician and researcher who specializes in PTSD treatment with cannabis. Sisley explains that while some veterans have found relief with cannabis, the lack of federal funding has prevented her from conducting research to fully understand its effectiveness. She reveals that she has been denied access to the plant by the federal government, despite being approved to conduct a study on its benefits for veterans.
Next, Andavolu travels to Texas, where medical marijuana is not yet legal but veterans are pushing for its legalization. He meets with David Bass, a veteran who is advocating for the use of medical marijuana to treat PTSD. Bass explains how cannabis has helped him manage his symptoms and introduces Andavolu to other veterans who also use the plant for relief.
Back in Colorado, James introduces Andavolu to the practice of "budtending" - selecting and recommending specific strains of cannabis to customers based on their desired effects. James explains that he has found relief with a strain called "grape stomper" and helps Andavolu select strains for a friend who suffers from PTSD.
The episode concludes with Andavolu reflecting on the contradictions of legalized marijuana - while many states have legalized the plant for medical and recreational use, the federal government still classifies it as a Schedule 1 drug with no medical value. Despite this, veterans and others continue to fight for access to cannabis as a treatment option for PTSD and other conditions.
Overall, Chronic Trauma is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on the potential benefits of medical cannabis for PTSD treatment, as well as the challenges that veterans and researchers face in accessing the plant.