Burning Question: Does pot help PTSD?

Some military veterans are convinced that marijuana holds the key to dealing with the burden of post-traumatic stress disorder.

But as NPR reported on its "Morning Edition" program last week, they have to go outside the Veterans Affairs Department health system if they want to pursue this avenue of treatment, even if they live in a state that allows the use of medical marijuana.

The VA says it is "in the process of developing national policy" on medical marijuana, but for the time being, the department's general counsel has ruled that for its doctors, filling out a state medical marijuana form would constitute a violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

Meanwhile, the jury is still out among doctors as to whether marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD.

Can Marijuana Ease PTSD? A Debate Brews
("Morning Edition," NPR)

Burning Question is a recurring feature that looks at key issues and compelling stories being explored at other publications and social media sites.