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Those suffering from PTSD in Minnesota will be able to obtain medical marijuana cards. In an effort to make changes to the state’s medical marijuana program, a few expansions were made. Eight conditions were up for discussion, but only PTSD was approved.
Officials explored adding conditions like depression, autism spectrum disorders and arthritis, according to Star Tribune. More evidence and clinical information is required before any additional conditions will be considered to expand the list of qualifying conditions. Although VA doctors are not permitted to discuss medical marijuana as a treatment option or recommend it, veterans with PTSD can seek outside assistance to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Ed Ehlinger, Department of Health Commissioner, said, “PTSD was the only one that really came close to meeting my threshold. There’s widespread agreement among medical experts on the need for improving existing PTSD treatments.”
Additional forms of medical marijuana will also be available soon. The state will allow topical patches, creams and lotions beginning in August 2017. Oils, vaporizing and capsule-form medical marijuana are the only types of products available. The 2014 law prevents smoking marijuana or using the entire plant.
Ehlinger said that adding PTSD will help more than just veterans dealing with combat horrors. It will also help victims of sexual assault and other personal violence and witnesses of traumatic tragedies.
Veterans should watch for issues with receiving VA benefits or care, and be prepared to contact their assigned case manager with any issues. Former VA employee, Gilbert Acevedo said, “That’s where the conflict may come in. If you work for the VA, you have to follow federal guidelines.”
Dr. George Komaridis believes that medical marijuana would be useful for treating veterans with PTSD. He has had patients who found relief, while illegally using marijuana for PTSD relief. He said, “This is a drug that has high potential as a medicine.”
The expansion of products available is welcomed by the dispensaries selling medical marijuana.
Andrew Bachmann of LeafLine Labs dispensaries said, “This gives us another avenue. It’s a route of delivery that was missed with the original statute.”
