New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use.
The PTSD bill was part of a series of bills Cuomo signed over the weekend to highlight military veterans issues.
“Our veterans risked their lives in order to defend the ideals and principles that this nation was founded upon and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them when they return home,” Cuomo said during the Veterans Day parade in New York City. “Many of our veterans are suffering from PTSD and the medical community has determined that marijuana can be a helpful treatment in some areas.”
The governor estimates that 19,000 individuals could benefit from the addition of PTSD to list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use.
State Senator Diane Savino, who wrote the bill, was pleased with the outcome.
“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,” Savino said in a statement. “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.”
The medical marijuana program in New York has been criticized for having too strict a list of qualifying conditions. New York’s medical marijuana program does not permit flower or edibles. Qualified patients can receive marijuana oils and topicals.
A recent survey found that 83 percent of military veterans want the federal government to legalize medical marijuana.
Currently, 29 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana.
