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Our Next Lecture

Legalized Cannabis and PTSD Treatment

Melanie Hill, PhD

Wednesday, August 17 at 2:00pm ET 

Photo by Tima Miroshnickenko

About the Presenter

MELANIE HILL, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and product development research consultant with a Visiting Scholar appointment at University of California San Diego (UCSD). She earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Arizona State University. Dr. Hill completed her predoctoral internship in the UCSD/VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) Psychology Internship Training Program with specialties in PTSD, substance use disorders, and telehealth, and her postdoctoral training in the VA Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship for Addiction Treatment at UCSD/VASDHS. Dr. Hill’s research aims to improve mental health and psychosocial functioning for individuals with PTSD and problematic substance use, with a focus on cannabis. She is especially interested in evaluating novel pharmacological and behavioral interventions, as well as remote delivery options, to enhance treatment access, retention, and outcomes for this population.

About the Topic

Cannabis use is increasing among American adults, and 38 states have now legalized some form of cannabis or its constituents for recreational and/or medical use. Some Veterans report using cannabis to relieve symptoms of PTSD, and several states specifically approve the use of medical cannabis for PTSD. However, research to date has produced insufficient evidence to support cannabis as a PTSD treatment, and some studies suggest chronic cannabis use can be harmful to individuals with PTSD. Given the legal changes and conflicting messages about cannabis and PTSD, there may be a lack of clarity for clinicians about how to address cannabis use among their patients with PTSD. This presentation will help bridge that gap by providing information about the prevalence of cannabis use and the types of cannabis products available, the relationship between PTSD and cannabis use, and strategies for addressing cannabis use among patients with PTSD in clinical practice.

Featured Article

Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans

Cannabis use for medical conditions is an issue of growing interest and concern. Some Veterans use cannabis to relieve symptoms of PTSD and several states specifically approve the use of medical cannabis for PTSD. However, research to date does not support cannabis as an effective PTSD treatment, and some studies suggest cannabis can be harmful, particularly when used for long periods of time. Given these concerns, cannabis is not recommended for the treatment of PTSD...

Read the full version of this recently updated article

Free Resources

Patient Education

Substance Abuse in Veterans A webpage written for Veterans.  Includes a downloadable/printable PDF handout.  Messaging:  "Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. PTSD and substance abuse, like drinking too much or using drugs, are related. Learn about the relationship between substance abuse and PTSD. There are treatments that can help with PTSD and substance use problems at the same time, and VA has programs for Veterans."

Marijuana Use Discussion Tool A 4-page illustrated handout that can be used to discuss cannabis use with patients.  Compiled by the VA Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE) and distributed by the VA Academic Detailing Service. 

Learn to Administer the CAPS-5

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) is the gold standard for PTSD assessment and diagnosis for both military and civilian trauma survivors. The National Center for PTSD has created four courses in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) Training Curriculum to allow clinicians, trainees and researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the assessment and its administration.

Our Recorded Lectures are Available with CE Credits

We record our lectures every month and make them available for viewing at your convenience.  Free continuing education (CE) credits are available if you also complete the posttest and evaluation.  

Recent Additions

• Cultural Considerations for Conducting Trauma-Focused Treatment With Latinx Patients
• PTSD and Eating Disorders
• PTSD and Insomnia: Cultural and Clinical Considerations
• PTSD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Social Support to Reduce Risk of PTSD and Other Negative Outcomes
• Supported Employment for Veterans With PTSD
• Trauma, PTSD and Perinatal Health
• Treating PTSD When Clinicians Have Negative Reactions to Patients' Sociocultural Views
• Treating PTSD When Common Comorbidities Are Present
• Using Compensatory Cognitive Training and CogSMART for Veterans With PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury

More Information

Looking for something else?  You can explore our list of all continuing education offerings from the National Center for PTSD.

Not interested in CE credits?  You can find links to the recordings in our archive.

Interested in a PDF copy of the slides from any of these presentations?  Please ask us at PTSDconsult@va.gov. 

To review the resources shared in previous newsletters please visit our archive.

Are you treating U.S. Veterans?

Our team of expert clinicians is available to consult with any healthcare provider treating U.S. veterans in any setting.   We can discuss assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, medications, collaborating with VA care, patient and family education, continuing education, and just about anything else related to veterans and PTSD.  No question is too big or too small. Contact us at PTSDconsult@va.gov or 866-948-7880.