Vexed Vets and Victims: PTSD Patients Sue Colorado

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]R[/dropcap]ecently, Colorado made a big decision when it comes to medical cannabis laws. They decided not to include PTSD as a condition that can legally be treated with medical cannabis. This debate was certainly marked by controversy on both sides—veterans and victims of assault often claim that cannabis is the only thing that makes them feel safe and sane, but due to the ambiguous nature of mental health issues, and the lack of research and understanding of PTSD in general and how cannabis effects those with mental illness, there was also a lot of opposition to telling sufferers of PTSD that they could count on cannabis. It appears that this controversy is not over just because a decision was reached, as several PTSD patients are currently suing Colorado over their lack of treatment options.

According to Russia Today, the plaintiffs in the case include a sexual assault victim, and four war veterans. Each of these individuals’ claims that they now have less access to the strains that help them the most and that their ability to medicate is suffering due to this new ruling. They also cite the fact that Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Wolk recommended keeping PTSD as a treatable condition, although the proposal ultimately lost due to a panel vote ruling 6-2 against keeping it on the list.

Those who did vote against allowing PTSD for veterans claim that they did so simply because there is not enough science to support that cannabis helps the condition. According to Courthouse News, Dr. Christopher Stanley, who voted “no” claims that “the science piece” of the cannabis and PTSD puzzle needs to be better explained before he is comfortable supporting it as a treatment.

However, some of this much-needed scientific research is on the way. Bill Graf, president of Enigami Systems, a company that deals with health software, is currently conducting a study of PTSD, looking at both traditional, prescription medicines and cannabis.

“We’re two thirds of the way through it,” Graf explained to Courthouse News. “We track the severity of their symptoms day in and day out, along with the medications they’re taking. Those medications can be traditional, doctor-written prescriptions, it can be over-the-counter medicines, or it can be medical cannabis.”

“I was very surprised that the bureaucracy in Colorado chose not to look into or not to allow treatment for PTSD,” he continued. “I think many people would find that maybe medical cannabis is a much safer alternative to opioids and the abuse and addiction that might come from some of those.”

However, he understands the hesitation, given the unfortunate bad reputation that cannabis still has in many circles.

“The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) reports that a veteran takes his or her own life almost every hour—22 times a day was a recent number I heard,” he stated. “The VA’s hands are tied a little bit now that medical cannabis still has the highest classification for abuse and danger.”

The board still has not officially filed their answer, so no date for a hearing has been set. Clearly, more research does need to be done on the topic, and it is fortunate that as residents of a recreational state, these patients can still get some form of cannabis. Still, it would be ideal if they had access to the strains and products that they feel really help them. Hopefully, with a bit more research as the stigma is slowly peeled away, or if these impending lawsuits are successful, PTSD patients in Colorado will once again be able to medicate.