Bill adding PTSD to Colorado medical marijuana list clears Senate committee

Bill adding PTSD to Colorado medical marijuana list clears Senate committee

Published on 1/30/17

Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in the U.S. however some of the state's medical marijuana regulations have proven to be more limiting than many other states'. PTSD is considered a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in over 20 states, yet Colorado legislators have tried and failed again and again to add PTSD to the list. This week the push for PTSD received a 5-0 vote by a state Senate committee in favor of including the condition. While some are concerned about the lack of available studies, the anecdotal evidence exists allover the U.S. and the consensus is that victims of PTSD, often veterans, can likely benefit from medical marijuana. Current drugs given to PTSD patients often include side effects involving suicide, a major problem for those already suffering. Advocates say it's time to let doctors use medical marijuana as one of their many tools to treat patients.

SB 17, which heads to the full Senate for consideration, is the latest attempt – of many – to include PTSD as a medical marijuana qualifying condition in Colorado, joining the likes of diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, seizures, severe nausea and severe pain.

“Why do we want to continue giving them medications that have suicidal thoughts as part of their side-effects,” she said.

More than 20 states, plus Washington, D.C. and two U.S. territories have an allowance for medical marijuana to be used in treating PTSD

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