Medical use of cannabis and psychedelics in treating symptoms of mental disorders among military and veteran populations: A systematic review
Hou-Yu Zhao, Kun Liang, Yiqun Fang
Theoretical and Natural Science March 5, 2024 DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/32/20240910 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Military personnel and veterans |
| Interventions | cannabis psychedelics |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Medline Population Randomized controlled trial Systematic review Military personnel Clinical psychology Environmental health |
| Key findings | Most of the eight included studies reported positive results for cannabis and psychedelics in treating mental disorder symptoms in military populations, but detailed information on side effects and long-term follow-up was limited. |
Abstract
Military personnel and veterans experience distinct trauma exposures, resulting in totally different mental disorder prevalence, comorbidities, and treatment responses compared to the general population. The medical use of psychoactive substances as novel strategies for specific mental health conditions within military contexts is being investigated, while their therapeutic efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence for the medical use of these substances, mainly cannabis and psychedelics, in treating symptoms of mental disorders in military populations. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception until May 16th, 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. References of relevant papers and high-quality reviews were also hand-searched. The included studies were randomized controlled trials, self-controlled trials, and case reports that explored the use of cannabis or psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders in military and veteran populations. Two independent reviewers screened all studies and performed data extraction. Eight studies were included, with five focused on cannabis and three on psychedelics. Most of the studies reported positive results, but detailed information on side effects and long-term follow-up was limited. In conclusion, the potential benefits yet the lack of high-quality RCTs underscore the need for more rigorous research in this field.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effects of cannabis use on outcomes of psychotic disorders: systematic review People with psychotic disorders, as examined in 13 longitudinal studies | 2008 | Systematic review | |
| The Impact of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Existing Findings and New Data in a First-Episode Sample Patients with established schizophrenia (meta-analysis: 572) and patients with... | 2010 | Meta-analysis and cross-sectional observational study | n = 700 |
| Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Neuroimaging in cannabis use: a systematic review of the literature Cannabis users and controls in neuroimaging studies | 2009 | Systematic review | |
| Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis. Healthy human subjects and individuals with schizophrenia | 2016 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 22
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry May 1, 2018
- Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age Frontiers in Immunology September 21, 2018
- Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology August 13, 2018
and 17 more in the library