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By some estimates, Addabbo said, up to 19,000 patients in New York diagnosed with PTSD could be eligible to access the medical marijuana program.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A new piece of legislation, part of a package of veteran-focused bills signed into law on Saturday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will enable New York vets and others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to participate in the State’s medical marijuana program.
The nascent law adds PTSD as the 12th qualifying condition for medical marijuana in the Empire State. According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
“New York is home to some of the bravest service members in the nation and in addition to residents suffering from PTSD due to other traumatic experiences, this legislation will ensure that everyone receives the effective treatment they deserve,” said State Sen. Diane Savino (D-Brooklyn and Staten Island), the bill’s sponsor. “I commend Gov. Cuomo for taking action to support our residents and veterans, and signing legislation that will help remedy a number of serious conditions affecting New Yorkers in communities across the state.”
According to the Cuomo administration, approximately 19,000 patients with PTSD in New York could benefit from the use of medical marijuana, including military veterans, police officers and firefighters, as well as survivors of domestic violence, rape, violent crime, and accidents.
“It is particularly heartrending that so many of our servicemen and women come home from serving their country to struggle with PTSD. By making it one of the qualifying conditions to gain access to the State’s medical marijuana program, we will be lending an important helping hand to those many veterans in New York who return home from service deeply troubled by their experiences,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security. “In addition, this new law will aid others diagnosed with PTSD, including sexual assault victims, domestic violence survivors, first responders, and others who have lived through highly traumatic events.”
Addabbo also noted that almost all other states with medical marijuana programs in place include PTSD as a qualifying condition. And stringent protocols are in place to ensure the integrity of New York’s program and guard against its misuse.
“Research is demonstrating that PTSD is associated with a deficiency in the brain and nervous system that responds to the cannabinoids in marijuana,” said Addabbo. “Other treatments often prescribed for this condition bring with them significant and potentially dangerous side effects – like the risk of suicide and the development of diabetes – which are not associated with marijuana.”
Addabbo urged veterans who believe they are struggling with PTSD to reach out for help. The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs maintains a Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255; veterans should press 1. The website ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.asp also provides information about PTSD resources, the senator noted.
In New York, veterans may also contact the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs at (888) 838-7697 to get information and make an appointment with a benefits advisor.
