My step Dad was a Korea and Vietnam vet... Master Sargent Air Force... He died in his early 60's. His heart was bad. Doctors said the stress of so many years of combat took it's toll. He use to tell me that the planes they had to get on during the Vietnam/Cambodian missions were so bad they would pretty much tie one on before their mission. They were flying and yes they were flying. Sorry to pierce the purity of some who think it's all about prim and proper, but these guys were balls to the wall and I don't fault any ONE of them that drank a bit of Jack Daniels or smoked a joint before going into what could be their last moment on earth. Flame away, anyone who denies this was the norm is a liar.
My dad used to tell me that when they landed after a mission and went to interrogation, the G-2 and group intel officers gave everyone three shots of whiskey.
Not only to relax them after flying through flak and cold for hours on end, but to loosen their tongues for the questioning, hehehe.
My best friend's father, who served 2 tours in Vietnam; died a few years ago of cancer. He claimed pot gave him the appetite to eat enough to retain strength, and extend his life a few years beyond what the doctors told him. He was able to see a granddaughter born; he believed he never would have seen otherwise. He was as solid an American you will ever find.
I get bouts of insomnia from time to time, and will occasionally take a toke or two to sleep when they occur. I find it way less a “narcotic” like effect than Ambien, and the other OTC meds I've tried over the years. I have no problem getting up the next day for work. I'm always hungry when I get up in the morning; so there's no noticeable affect on my appetite though.