Delaware Makes it Easier for PTSD Patients to Access to Medical Marijuana

Governor Carney signed a bill into law making it easier for those with PTSD to have access to medical marijuana. The new law takes away the requirement for psychiatrists to authorize medical marijuana for those with PTSD. Representative Helene Keeley, Senator Margaret Rose Henry and Representative Paul Baumbach sponsored senate Bill 24.

In a House debate, Baumbach noted that assurances of proper and safe access to medical marijuana are in place, according to WDEL 101.7 FM Radio. One veteran described their experience as going from “existing to living” with the expanded access.

Baumbach said, “In Delaware, we’ve got a very significant shortage of licensed psychiatrists. The safeguards are already there. The gatekeepers are appropriately guarding the gate.”

Henry said, “We want to help our veterans. This is a fairness issue. They’ve given so much to us to protect us. This is the least we can do to help them.”

Governor Carney said, “This is a common sense and compassionate amendment to Delaware’s medical marijuana law that will expand access to treatment for Delaware veterans and others who live every day with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Veteran Kim Petters said, “Physically, I became so much healthier being off all the medications, and got my mind back. I wasn’t just numb all of the time.”