Colorado now allows medical marijuana to be used as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Governor John Hickenlooper Signed SB17-017 Officially published on June 5, 2017. Doctors are now allowed to prescribe cannabis for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).. Colorado joins at most 20 other states that allow cannabis-based treatments to treat the disorder. [1]
Patients must attend a consultation before they can be prescribed cannabis for PTSD. Medical marijuana patients will be allowed to possess up to 2 ounces and 6 plants. Only 3 plants may be matured and flowering. However, Patients will be able ask their doctor for additional information.
Patients under 18 years old must have medical marijuana approved by two doctors. One must be a board certified pediatrician, one must be a board certified family doctor or one must be a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The state health agency will also require written consent from the patient’s guardians or parents residing in Colorado. [2]
In 2015, the State Board of Health disapproved medical marijuana for PTSD. They claimed that there wasn’t enough research to show how marijuana might affect those with PTSD. It was. At least 4Th Time The board rejected the measure. [1]
Since 2015, the state department of Health has been researching cannabis treatment for PTSD. It has set aside $3.3 Million for this research.
Roger Martin, founder of Grow For Vets said:
It doesn’t erase the bad memories, but it allows you to let go of them and allow you to be more relaxed.
Thousands upon thousands of veterans have shared with me that cannabis has been the only thing that has ever helped them with PTSD. Not one drug has the VA given has helped. [3]
Read: VA Head comes out in favor of Marijuana for Vets With PTSD
The Colorado Board of Health’s Executive Director, Larry Wolk, said that doctors have begun to recommend medical marijuana as a treatment for PTSD.
“At the very least, a physician should recommend it and if that physician is involved in the medical marijuana program, then that would presumably be better care.”
This is another positive step in allowing people to continue to use a useful, underrated medicine.
Sources:
[2] Fox 31 Denver
[3] KRDO ABC 13