Defence investigates cannabis use in PTSD

The Dutch Ministry of Defence is conducting research together with the Leiden University Medical Center into the use of medicinal cannabis by veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers recently visited one of Bedrocan’s cultivation facilities. There, they received an explanation from our CEO Tjalling Erkelens about the high-quality standards under which medicinal cannabis is produced in the Netherlands.

Minister wants to stop compensation, ombudsman intervenes

At the beginning of 2020, there was a stir when the ministry announced it would stop paying for medical cannabis for veterans with PTSD. PTSD is a disease that consists of reliving a traumatic event through compulsive memories, re-experiences, or nightmares. War veterans mainly use the drug to fight symptoms such as insomnia and nightmares.

The ombudsman intervened and asked the minister to continue the compensation. “In view of the Veterans Act and the special duty of care of the minister for veterans, I find the termination of the reimbursement of medicinal cannabis insufficiently motivated,” said ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen.

Shortly afterwards, the Minister of Defence announced that he would continue with the compensation. She is awaiting the research results led by Prof. Colonel Eric Vermetten for her final decision. The results are expected in 2022.