According to the Veterans Association (VA), 11.9% of veterans use marijuana, often to self-medicate for illnesses like PTSD. Yet the VA will not expand its cannabis research and "continues to deny cannabis recommendations to veterans in 36 states that allow medical marijuana," according to an article in Politico.

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD and THC reduces chronic neuropathic pain in mice. Neuropathic pain is pain caused by a disease of the nervous system. While chronic neuropathic pain and post-concussion symptoms are not directly linked, research on neuropathic pain provides valuable insight.

In an interview with The Varsity, Dr. David Lawrence discusses a study he co-authored regarding how cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes affect concussion symptoms and recovery. The study, published in Brain Injury, followed 307 subjects for four weeks after their concussion to track their recovery. they found that cannabis use was associated with lower symptom severity in the third and fourth week.

The first US-based clinical trial on CBD treatment for concussion is being conducted by the University of Miami. The five-year, three-stage study is funded by a $16 million grant from Canadian company Scythian Biosciences. The clinical trial will conduct research on a pill that combines CBD and dexanabiol, which researchers believe will reduce brain inflammation. See also the Miami Herald article.

CBD products from marijuana will have accurate labeling for purity and cannabinoid content, where the sale of marijuana is legalized. CBD products from hemp are unregulated, so we recommend purchasing from CBD hemp companies vetted by the online community Reddit. An advantage of marijuana products is that THC also has some neuroprotective qualities, and works synergistically with CBD to enhance medical benefits.

World Health Organization (WHO) report: CBD has a "good safety profile" and "may be a useful treatment" for numerous medical conditions. In June 2018, WHO will do a further review of extracts or preparations containing almost exclusively CBD.