Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Providence, Rhode Island - Amid continuing controversy over the full legalization of marijuana, Governor Raimondo has signed a law allowing the use of medical marijuana to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The signing of the bills championed by Sen. Stephen Archambault, D-Smithfield, and Rep. Scott Slater, D-Providence, marked a victory for veterans groups who lobbied hard this year, and last, for the inclusion of PTSD as one of the "debilitating medical conditions" eligible for medical-marijuana use.
Slater posted the news on Facebook on Wednesday: "Governors office just informed me that the Gov signed my bill allowing PTSD as a qualifying condition for Medical Marijuana. Thank you to all who testified, advocated, and fought to pass this legislation. Glad to help so many patients who suffer with PTSD!''
The bill would also require the approval of a completed medical-marijuana use application, within 72 hours, for a patient who is eligible for hospice care.
In a recent interview, Archambault said: "Medical marijuana is already the law of Rhode Island. We've already established that it works in treating certain conditions...It is unconscionable that we would not add PTSD to the list of medical conditions that would benefit from it. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very real psychological problem, particularly among our veteran community, and it's our responsibility to provide them with treatment options that can alleviate their suffering."
According to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 30 percent of veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from PTSD. Some scientists have suggested that marijuana may help alleviate PTSD symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks and depression.
However, the growth in the number of authorized marijuana users - a 9.6 percent increase since March - has prompted some concern.
As of July 5, there were 14,693 patients with approved medical-marijuana cards, and 2,904 people (designated as "caregivers") who are authorized to grow marijuana for them, a number that does not include the state's three approved marijuana dispensaries (also known as "compassion centers.")
Earlier this month, Michael Cerullo, who describes himself as a licensed mental health counselor or LMHC - and registered lobbyist for "What's The Rush?" - sent Raimondo and one of her top aides, David Cruise, letters urging a veto. Michael C. Cerullo is a psychotherapist in private practice in Exeter, R.I.
Among his arguments: "We can be certain that adolescents who turn 18 will be flocking in droves to obtain patient cards if this legislation is signed as it is currently framed.''
"In other words, every victim of physical abuse, sexual trauma and other forms of traumatic experience will be eligible immediately for a card. I can tell you that would include at least 20%...of the hundreds of adolescents I've treated or evaluated over the past 15 years,'' he wrote.
Beyond that, he said: "There is currently no rigorous and credible body of scientific or clinical evidence that supports the claim that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD.'' (He said a recent study by doctors at Yale University and the VA in Connecticut suggest that "marijuana may actually worsen PTSD symptoms or nullify the benefits of specialized, intensive treatment.'')
But Slater issued a recent statement that said: "Study after study continues to find useful medical applications for marijuana, including helping those with crippling ailments such as PTSD and those that are suffering incredible pain at the end of their lives.
"Both those with PTSD and those in hospice care deserve our compassion toward their suffering and if marijuana helps ease their pain, it is our responsibility to allow legal access to marijuana for these patients in the hopes that their lives become as comfortable as possible."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Raimondo Signs Law Allowing Marijuana For Treatment Of PTSD
Author: Katherine Gregg
Contact: 401-277-7000
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Providence Journal
The signing of the bills championed by Sen. Stephen Archambault, D-Smithfield, and Rep. Scott Slater, D-Providence, marked a victory for veterans groups who lobbied hard this year, and last, for the inclusion of PTSD as one of the "debilitating medical conditions" eligible for medical-marijuana use.
Slater posted the news on Facebook on Wednesday: "Governors office just informed me that the Gov signed my bill allowing PTSD as a qualifying condition for Medical Marijuana. Thank you to all who testified, advocated, and fought to pass this legislation. Glad to help so many patients who suffer with PTSD!''
The bill would also require the approval of a completed medical-marijuana use application, within 72 hours, for a patient who is eligible for hospice care.
In a recent interview, Archambault said: "Medical marijuana is already the law of Rhode Island. We've already established that it works in treating certain conditions...It is unconscionable that we would not add PTSD to the list of medical conditions that would benefit from it. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very real psychological problem, particularly among our veteran community, and it's our responsibility to provide them with treatment options that can alleviate their suffering."
According to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 30 percent of veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from PTSD. Some scientists have suggested that marijuana may help alleviate PTSD symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks and depression.
However, the growth in the number of authorized marijuana users - a 9.6 percent increase since March - has prompted some concern.
As of July 5, there were 14,693 patients with approved medical-marijuana cards, and 2,904 people (designated as "caregivers") who are authorized to grow marijuana for them, a number that does not include the state's three approved marijuana dispensaries (also known as "compassion centers.")
Earlier this month, Michael Cerullo, who describes himself as a licensed mental health counselor or LMHC - and registered lobbyist for "What's The Rush?" - sent Raimondo and one of her top aides, David Cruise, letters urging a veto. Michael C. Cerullo is a psychotherapist in private practice in Exeter, R.I.
Among his arguments: "We can be certain that adolescents who turn 18 will be flocking in droves to obtain patient cards if this legislation is signed as it is currently framed.''
"In other words, every victim of physical abuse, sexual trauma and other forms of traumatic experience will be eligible immediately for a card. I can tell you that would include at least 20%...of the hundreds of adolescents I've treated or evaluated over the past 15 years,'' he wrote.
Beyond that, he said: "There is currently no rigorous and credible body of scientific or clinical evidence that supports the claim that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD.'' (He said a recent study by doctors at Yale University and the VA in Connecticut suggest that "marijuana may actually worsen PTSD symptoms or nullify the benefits of specialized, intensive treatment.'')
But Slater issued a recent statement that said: "Study after study continues to find useful medical applications for marijuana, including helping those with crippling ailments such as PTSD and those that are suffering incredible pain at the end of their lives.
"Both those with PTSD and those in hospice care deserve our compassion toward their suffering and if marijuana helps ease their pain, it is our responsibility to allow legal access to marijuana for these patients in the hopes that their lives become as comfortable as possible."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Raimondo Signs Law Allowing Marijuana For Treatment Of PTSD
Author: Katherine Gregg
Contact: 401-277-7000
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Providence Journal
