Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Senate Appropriations Committee OKs Medical Marijuana for Vets

In July 2017, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted 24-7 to approve an amendment that would allow vets legal access to medical marijuana as part of the 2018 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The bill, if met with final approval, would allow physicians at VA hospitals in legal marijuana states to recommend and write medical cannabis prescriptions for veterans. [1]

Gov. Scott’s Signature Makes Medical Marijuana Officially Legal in Florida

Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill into law on June 24, 2017 officially making medical marijuana legal for patients with certain debilitating diseases. [1]
Ben Pollara, the executive director of Florida for Care, said:

“This is a good day for sick and suffering Floridians. The signing of this law provides a framework for the future of our state’s medical marijuana system and while it is far from perfect, it will begin providing access to patients.”

Medical Marijuana for Treatment of PTSD Gets Green Light in Colorado

Medical marijuana is now a legal treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Colorado. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB17-017 on June 5, 2017, officially giving doctors the green light to prescribe cannabis to patients suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Colorado joins at least 20 other states in allowing cannabis-based treatments for the disorder. [1]

VA Head Comes out in Support of Marijuana for Vets with PTSD

President Donald Trump’s stance on legalizing medical cannabis is a big question mark, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions hates marijuana and has expressed his intent to stiffen drug penalties. But there is at least one person in the government who sees the potential of marijuana as a medicine, and that person is Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin.

FDA Approves Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Ecstasy for PTSD Sufferers

The FDA gave permission on November 29 for large-scale, Phase 3 clinical trials of Ecstasy for people suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Many people swear the currently-illicit street drug has saved their lives, and if the trial is successful, it would establish Ecstasy as a legitimate prescription drug. [1]
Preliminary trials of Ecstasy, also called MDMA, for PTSD have been successful, but a large-scale trial is necessary before the FDA can approve it. [2]

Report Shows “Staggering” Signs of Ill Mental Health Among 9/11 First Responders

A recent report on 9/11 responders has found that many of these individuals are suffering from numerous mental health issues, including dementia (or are showing signs that they will develop it as they age). Doctors and researchers are astounded by this discovery, especially because the average age of those who participated in the study was only 53. These disorders are most often diagnosed in those over the age of 70, which prompted researchers to call the results of their study “staggering.” [1]

Medical Marijuana Shows Promise for Treating Depression

Depression currently affects almost 15 million people in the US every year. Similar numbers can be found in Europe. Depression and anxiety disorders cost us approximately $42 billion annually, comprising a whopping third of the mental health bill of the country. Is it possible that simple cannabinoids in medical marijuana can help treat this debilitating and costly mental health condition? [1]

Marijuana May Soon be an Approved Treatment for PTSD in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Senate Health and Human Services Committee is contemplating legislation that would allow post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be treated with medical marijuana.
The bill, introduced by Democratic Sen. Stephen Archambault, would add PTSD to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana treatment. The legislation would also allow patients who are eligible for hospice care to receive an expedited approved medical marijuana use application. [1]