Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Marijuana study in war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder wins US backing

 

Agency
Monday 17 March 2014 15:04 EDT
Comments
Researchers have struggled for decades to secure approval for research into marijuana's medical uses
Researchers have struggled for decades to secure approval for research into marijuana's medical uses (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The federal government on Monday approved research into the use of marijuana as a treatment for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Department of Health and Human Services' decision was hailed as a major victory by marijuana researchers, who have struggled for decades to secure approval for research into marijuana's medical uses.

The proposal from the University of Arizona was long ago cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, but its researchers had been unable to purchase marijuana from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The agency's Mississippi research farm is the drug's only federally-sanctioned source.

In a letter last week, HHS cleared the purchase of medical marijuana by the studies' chief financial backer, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, which supports legalization of marijuana and other drugs.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in