The state of Colorado has finally added post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to its list of qualifying conditions for medical pot. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 17 on Monday this week and has granted access to medical cannabis to people who suffer from PTSD. This move will go into effect in the next coming weeks after state forms are updated to reflect the change in the qualifying conditions list.

Up until Monday, Colorado was the only state to deny the request for PTSD to be added to the qualifying conditions list. It is now among 19 other states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.c. to allow patients with PTSD to talk to their doctors openly to get medical marijuana.

Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana recreation-ally but had faced many hurdles to add PTSD to the list. Back in 2015 the state Board of Health had denied a petition from supporters. During the time, board panelist Christopher Stanley remarked, “While I get the humanity and certainly the cases and the anecdotal experience. I don’t see that the evidence really allows us to be able to add this, according to our particular jurisdiction.” The proposal failed, 6–2.

After this rejection, proponents had filed a lawsuit against Colorado which is still before a state appellate court. They also brought a bill to the Capital that was passed by legislature this past April.

The bill allows individuals suffering from PTSD to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program.

Hoban Law Group is the firm that handled the lawsuit pro bono.

“We at Hoban Law Group extend our deep gratitude to Senator [Irene] Aguilar, Representative [Jonathan] Singer and the other members of the Colorado General Assembly for making medical marijuana available to PTSD survivors in Colorado,” commented Adam Foster, the lead attorney on the case. “It has been an honor to work hand in hand with veterans and other stakeholders to shepherd this critically important bill through the legislative process.”


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