CTE and PTSD in Athletes & Veterans

These conditions are more similar than we think, and cannabis can help with both.

These two conditions affect many people, but they are typically only associated with two groups.

Military veterans have become the poster children for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). And football players are the poster children for CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Today, I want to highlight that, in many cases, both parties are suffering from BOTH of these conditions, not just one or the other.

CTE is not caused by concussions, like many think. (Concussions cause TBI—traumatic brain injury—and both parties often suffer from this too.)

CTE is caused by repetitive blows to the head. It’s what happens when your brain, which as soft as butter, hits the brick wall of your skull, repeatedly.

This causes toxins to be released, and proteins to build up in your brain, the ultimate result of which is cell death.

War blasts (literal shell shock) can cause brain injuries (CTE) in the same way that football can—yet, so often, veterans are only treated for PTSD, while football players are only treated for CTE.

But both parties are often suffering from both conditions. PTSD can also be caused by the type of physical trauma football players endure on the field.

Especially when you consider that some of these injuries are career-ending. And yet, they’re only being treated for CTE?? Career-ending injuries also constitute a traumatic event.

So when we think of these conditions, we need to consider that they not only affect many more people than we think, but there is also a considerable amount of overlap between people suffering from both.

Another similarity between these two conditions is how it affects people’s quality of life.

Both groups are more prone to use opioids, and more prone to commit suicide.

Now, how does this tie in with cannabis? Cannabis can significantly help both groups of people.

And yet, because it is federally illegal, military veterans run the risk of losing their benefits if they use cannabis, and it can be a career-ender for players in the NFL.

Make no mistake—cannabis has never killed a soul, but prohibition is killing these people that cannabis could otherwise be helping. Every day.

Want to join me in advocating for cannabis? My Cannabis 101 course was designed with you in mind, giving you the essential knowledge you need to make the change we so desperately need in this world.

*The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider. Read our full Health Disclaimer.