Title:
Arizona DHS rejects addition of PTSD, depression, anxiety, migraines
Message:
The Department of Health Services has rejected petitions to add post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches as conditions qualifying under Arizona’s medical marijuana program. In a recent interview, DHS Director Will Humble claimed that current scientific evidence does not justify adding the conditions.
The rejection of PTSD in particular comes as a great disappointment to combat veterans and others who have suffered deep psychological trauma.
While disappointing, this decision strongly highlights the need for better research into the effects of medical marijuana when used to treat such conditions. Unfortunately, the federal government has stymied research by granting the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) a monopoly on growing marijuana for research purposes.
Arizona’s Dr. Sue Sisley has experienced these barriers firsthand. Dr. Sisley planned to conduct an important study on treating combat veterans suffering from PTSD with medical marijuana. Astonishingly, the FDA approved the study, but NIDA refused to provide the marijuana!
On a bright note, DHS received nearly 500 dispensary applications before the May deadline. Around 100 applications are expected to be approved in August. A map showing the number of applicants in each health district is here.
Please support MPP as we continue working to protect patients!
