Legislation is one step closer to adding PTSD as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in Colorado. Senate Bill 17, which would allow physicians to prescribe medical cannabis for PTSD and acute stress disorders, cleared the Senate on a 34-1 vote recently. Senator Kent Lambert cast the only dissenting vote. The measure, co-sponsored by Senator Irene Aguilar and Representative Jonathan Singer now moves to the House. The Senate State and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee advanced the bill in a five to zero vote.
At the committee hearing the majority of the crowd of about 100 people supported Senate Bill 17. Almost all of the public testimony came from advocates. The Republican-led committee also heard from doctors representing Colorado’s major medical organizations. The Colorado Board of Health has denied requests to put PTSD on that list. Lawmakers have also been unsuccessful. A legal obstacle to the Colorado Board of Health’s 2015 ruling denying PTSD as a qualifying condition is now before the Colorado Court of Appeals.
Advocates dispute that recreational cannabis is not cost-effective for PTSD patients and limited availability of the low-THC/CBD products claimed effective for symptoms such as anxiety and depression. They also note that veterans could be at risk for losing their benefits if they use cannabis recreationally. Having PTSD as a qualified condition opens an honest dialogue between physicians and patients, they explained.
Members of the medical community frequently caution that more qualified research is needed to determine the effectiveness and any health risks associated with using medical marijuana to treat a complex psychological condition. Psychologists have disputed that any therapy would likely need to be used in combination with other forms of treatments. There is research being done. However, a number of researchers have expressed worry that the federally approved study drug does not accurately reflect what is available on the market.
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