# Interactive Effects of PTSD and Substance Use on Suicidal Ideation in Military Personnel > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/marijuana-use-ptsd-suicidal-risk-military-personnel/ > **Published:** 2022-09-20T19:43:44-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:27-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore marijuana use and PTSD suicidal risk among military personnel, highlighting increased risks and the need for cautious medical marijuana prescribing. --- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental disorder among active-duty soldiers and veterans, and is a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts and attempts in this population. As of 2018, [medical marijuana](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/) is legal in 30 states and can be prescribed to treat PTSD symptoms in the majority of these states. In fact, legislative efforts to establish [medical marijuana](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/) as a therapy for PTSD have been on a surge in recent years based on some supporting evidence from small, non-randomized [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/). A study systematically measuring the longitudinal and interactive impact of [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) and PTSD symptoms on later symptoms of the same disorder, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior, however, suggested the contrary. Researchers surveyed 585 current and former military personnel over a 12-month period. They found that those with more frequent marijuana use at any point were significantly more likely to form suicidal thoughts and plan 1 month later. Especially, for those with the most severe PTSD conditions at the initial assessment, marijuana use also predicted worsened PTSD symptoms and increased likelihood of attempts at suicide over the following year. What, exactly, is the mechanism through which marijuana exacerbates PTSD and suicidal risk among soldiers and veterans, while it has been shown to alleviate anxiety and sleep problems – major components of this disorder? Such a question remains the topic of further study. Nonetheless, based on the above findings, the authors warned that prescribing marijuana for military personnel with PTSD who are at risk for suicide is a precarious practice that should be avoided until more evidence is gathered. Do you have experience with PSTD and [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/)? 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) [Veterans Groups Urge Congress To Expand Psychedelics And Marijuana Access To …](https://cedclinic.com/veterans-cannabis-psychedelic-therapy-access-expansion/) Learn about advocacy efforts to increase access to psychedelics and marijuana for veterans with PTSD. [Explore Advocacy](https://cedclinic.com/veterans-cannabis-psychedelic-therapy-access-expansion/) [Florida Lawmakers Vote To Slash Medical Marijuana Fees For Military Veterans](https://cedclinic.com/medical-marijuana-card-fees-veterans-florida-reduction/) Discover recent legislative changes aimed at reducing medical marijuana costs for veterans. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/medical-marijuana-card-fees-veterans-florida-reduction/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Interactive%20Effects%20of%20PTSD%20and%20Substance%20Use%20on%20Suicidal%20Ideation%20in%20Military%20Personnel&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fmarijuana-use-ptsd-suicidal-risk-military-personnel%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fmarijuana-use-ptsd-suicidal-risk-military-personnel%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Interactive%20Effects%20of%20PTSD%20and%20Substance%20Use%20on%20Suicidal%20Ideation%20in%20Military%20Personnel%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fmarijuana-use-ptsd-suicidal-risk-military-personnel%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).