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NY Senate Approves Bill to Allow PTSD for Medical Marijuana

New York City Cannabis Dispensary

Last week the New York General Assembly approved legislation to add PTSD to the state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. The Senate has also advanced the bill. It’s another step closer to getting PTSD on the list.

Twenty-six states have approved PTSD as a medical marijuana qualifying condition, according to WIVB 4 News. New York’s medical marijuana program has a patient base of 17,000. In this new legislation, veterans would not be excluded. Anyone suffering from PTSD would be eligible with a confirmed diagnosis.

Dr. Laszol Mechtler of DENT Cannabis Clinic said, “We have a lot of veterans who are not being treated adequately or are not responsive to treatment, so medical marijuana which is in essence is a natural way to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Dr. Mechtler also said, “Medical marijuana has two components, THC and CBD. The CBD component helps with sleeping, helps with anxiety, helps individuals to react to stress.”

The doctor mentions that adding PTSD is a good step and research could still take years to produce viable results.

He said, “I would say this is the best option for now, but I have no proof of that just because I’ve seen patients that swear by it, is not enough, so you’re right, the research has to be done.”

Roger Woodworth, a veteran with PTSD, is in favor of medical marijuana treatment for PTSD if research proves its safety and effectiveness.

Woodworth said, “We need to do our due diligence with any medical or clinical treatment and look into it, but if it benefits vets or those with PTSD then it’s something we should certainly explore. Personally, I don’t think there’s a cure for PTSD, I think it’s something you have to work on.”