Colorado advocates ask that people with PTSD be approved for medical marijuana use

From The Denver Post:

Cannabis advocates July 7 filed a petition to include post-traumatic stress disorder on the state's list of medical-marijuana-approved conditions.

The petition argues that medical-marijuana can help with PTSD — especially in veterans — by alleviating depression and anxiety and limiting nightmares. The petition was formally filed at the state Health Department today by Kevin Grimsinger, an Army veteran and double amputee who said he lost his legs after stepping on a landmine in 2001 while serving in Afghanistan.

"People who have served our country or other people who were injured and have PTSD," said Brian Vicente, the executive director of Sensible Colorado, an advocacy group backing the petition, "should be able to have access to medicine that helps them."

In 2000 voters approved a Constitutional amendment allowing for the use of medical marijuana for eight conditions. The amendment also creates a petition process by which more conditions can be approved.

Grimsinger's petition will now be reviewed by Ned Calonge, the state's chief medical officer, who will determine whether it warrants a full, public hearing before the state Board of Health. If the Board of Health gives the OK, doctors would be able to write marijuana recommendations for PTSD.

Calonge has 180 days to tell petitioners whether the Board of Health will hold a public hearing.

Four previous petitions — one each for Parkinson's disease, anxiety, asthma and bi-polar disorder — were all denied for lack of a scientific basis.

The petition submitted today cites multiple studies that suggest marijuana can be beneficial to PTSD patients. State Rep. Joe Miklosi, a Denver Democrat who supports the petition, said that should be enough to prompt a public hearing.

"All we're asking for is a fair shot, a fair hearing and review process," Miklosi said.

Grimsinger, who uses a wheelchair and now works as a veterans outreach coordinator for a medical-marijuana dispensary, said marijuana has helped ease his pain, both physical and emotional.

"I'm rolling proof the medicine works," he said. "It's helped me eat. It's helped me sleep."