More Vets Using Cannabis to Improve “Overall Quality of Life”

More American veterans are enjoying the health benefits of marijuana, according to new data.

Researchers checked cannabis use patterns in a national sample of over 4,000 U.S. veterans and found that 12% said they had used cannabis within the last six months – up from 9% in 2014 when the researchers last looked at the problem, NORML reported.

“Veteran cannabis use may increase and is particularly widespread among veterans with psychiatric conditions (such as PTSD),” the researchers noted.

Separate data published earlier this month in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that veterans who use cannabis were likely to report “desirable health outcomes,” including improvements in pain relief, quality of sleep, and overall quality of life.

Similarly, previous surveys have shown increasing rates of marijuana use among military veterans. Data compiled by the American Legion shows that 39% of respondents “know a veteran” who uses cannabis for therapeutic purposes.