Wayne State University Receives $30M in Grants for Cannabis PTSD Study Targeting Veterans
Wayne State University secured three grants worth $30 million from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, as per Detroit News. The money will fund studies on cannabis as a treatment for…
Wayne State University secured three grants worth $30 million from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, as per Detroit News. The money will fund studies on cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans. Recruitment opened in December 2025 after the school obtained all necessary federal, state, and local approvals.
The research program bears the name Warrior C.A.R.E. Two studies will run concurrently. The first examines cannabis as a treatment for PTSD and thoughts of suicide in veterans. The second tests cannabis paired with therapy sessions for these same conditions.
Participants complete a 12-week treatment program. Researchers test varying amounts of THC and CBD—two compounds in cannabis plants. Scientists track changes in mood, mental health, and overall well-being, as shared by Detroit News.
"This study represents a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges facing veterans," said Dr. Leslie Lundahl, one of the project's lead investigators, as reported by Detroit News. "By using rigorous scientific methods, we aim to understand whether cannabis can play a safe and effective role in improving veterans' lives."
Over 6,400 U.S. military veterans died by suicide in 2022. That number accounts for 15% of all adult suicide deaths, according to the school's press release, as shared by Detroit News.
The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act passed in November 2018, when voters approved it. This law created grants for studying medical effects of cannabis. It established the Marijuana Regulation Fund and instructed the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency to reserve $40 million. These dollars support FDA-approved trials that research marijuana's effectiveness in treating medical conditions affecting armed services veterans and work on veteran suicide prevention, said David Harns, public relations manager for the agency, as reported by Detroit News.
Wayne State got selected for its research capacity, academic knowledge, and proven ability to run trials that satisfy federal standards, Harns explained.
Participants must meet specific criteria, as per the government's Clinical Trials website. They need veteran status. Ages must fall between 19 and 69. They must have smoked cannabis within the past year and experienced PTSD symptoms. Willingness to complete screening is required—this involves interviews, blood draws, and saliva samples. Veterans who want to participate can fill out a submission on the Wayne State research program's webpage or call (313) 473-7733 with questions.
