Fired Cannabis Researcher Receives $2 Million Grant to Study PTSD and Marijuana

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BY BARRY BARD

Last July spelled doom for Dr. Suzanne A. Sisley after the University of Arizona axed the professor and her study on how marijuana affects veterans with PTSD.

But this holiday brings a Redemption Song for Sisley, as has Colorado issued a “preliminary approval” for a $2 million grant that will allow Sisley and her team to continue her research where weed is legal. Sisley’s controversial firing by the University of Arizona may have highlighted the hypocrisy of state and university politics, but this recent news highlights Colorado’s continued evolution as a cannabis safe-haven.

What Arizona turned into a mockery, Colorado has turned into a feel-good story. After having her pet project nearly torn up, now, as Sisley tells AZ Central, Colorado’s weed-friendly folk have saved the day.

“That’s the beauty of this grant,” Sisley said in an e-mail. “The Colorado health department believed in the quality of this research regardless of whether I was aligned with an Arizona university or not.”

Oddly enough, the study won’t take place in Colorado. Sisley will have to split her time between Arizona and Maryland, as half of the 76-veteran study will focus on veterans in Arizona (at an undetermined location) while the other half will be studied at Johns Hopkins’ renowned medical school.

In order to keep the integrity of her study intact and aid local veterans, Sisley will continue to study those veterans she worked with while in Arizona. The article also speculates that Sisley will either receive appointment by Arizona State University or obtain an out-of-state “academic appointment.”

So the important study regarding PTSD and cannabis lives on and should thrive with its new backing. Sisley now has the funds and incredible resources (Johns Hopkins) by her side, and it sounds like the goal will become a blessing for those suffering from PTSD all over the world. [AZ Central]

Vandrey, of Johns Hopkins University, said the study will evaluate four types of smoked marijuana give to veterans with PTSD. He said the study will vary the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, that veterans receive, with the goal of evaluating harm or benefit. All participating veterans will get marijuana, with the group receiving lower doses of THC serving as a placebo.

Many medical marijuana patients throughout America and beyond suffer from PTSD. Certain strains can aggravate their symptoms while others alleviate. Ideally, this study will find out exactly which strains and doses of cannabis can best benefit those suffering from the disorder.

We can all look forward to these results to help progress cannabis’ medical value and wish Sisley and her supporters the best of luck!

VIA Marijuana.com

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