Marijuana legalization has received a fresh boost. Recently, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated that he would sign legislation that will make New York the latest to OK Medical Marijuana for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The statement came during America’s largest Veterans Day parade.
The growing acceptance of medical marijuana
An increasing number of US states are legalizing medical marijuana, despite the drug being illegal under federal law. Some argue that there is still a lack of medical evidence about cannabis’ efficacy in treating certain medical conditions.
According to The Washington Post, the number of states including PTSD in their Medicinal Cannabis programs has more than doubled in the last two years.
According to pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project data, while 28 states, along with the District of Columbia, now have PTSD listed under their medical marijuana programs, Alaska, the 29th state, has not yet incorporated PTSD. However, the state allows anyone over 20 years of age to purchase pot legally.
Veteran groups spreading awareness
The increasing acceptance of medical marijuana could be the outcome of veteran groups spreading awareness about the drug. However, questions and qualms remain. New York Senate veterans’ affairs committee chairman voted against including PTSD to the state’s medicinal cannabis program.
It was suggested that the drug may simply mask the symptoms.
However, Mark DiPasquale, a retired Marine staff sergeant, is ever-thankful to medical cannabis. He believes that marijuana helped him get rid of anti-anxiety pills, opioids, and various other medicines that were prescribed to him for the treatment of PTSD, migraines, and other injuries from service.
DiPasquale, who has played a role in extending New York’s medical marijuana program of two years to include PTSD, is of the opinion that the drug helped him greatly in focusing on his wellness. Medical marijuana helped him ease PTSD symptoms, sleeplessness, and even anxiety. Legalizing cannabis is a pressing issue today.
Organizations pushing federal government
Even the American Legion started pushing the federal government this summer to allow doctors from Department of Veterans Affairs prescribe medicinal cannabis where it is legal. The organization is also aiming at easing federal pressure on cannabis research. In 1996, California was the first US state to legalize marijuana for a range of medical conditions.
According to BABW News, PTSD is stated as the primary reason why more than one-third of patients with condition seek medical marijuana to feel better. Amidst the growing acceptance of marijuana as a form of treatment, doctors should first know more about cannabis products, before prescribing them to patients. Decisions should be solely based on scientific research.
