If you are one of the thousands of New Yorkers who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome aka PTSD, then you have some good news: you can now obtain medical cannabis in your state. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new provision into law that expands the list of ailments that can be legally treated with cannabis to include PTSD. Among the other things included in the provisions are paid leave provided to veterans who are employees of the state, which will allow them to seek health services, and waiving exam fees for veterans who were honorably discharged.

Governor Cuomo made his decision as a way to honor veterans, many of whom suffer from PTSD. “Many of our veterans are suffering from PTSD and the medical community has determined that marijuana can be a helpful treatment,’ Cuomo said. “If there are veterans that are suffering and we can make a treatment available, we want to."  As long as it’s recommended by their doctor, these new provisions will allow as many as up to 20 thousand New Yorkers to seek the treatment they need.

Of course, this new exception doesn’t only help veterans. It will also help people such as police, firemen, and first responders, and other people in occupations that are frequently exposed to trauma. In addition to them, this will help victims of assault such as rape survivors and victims of other violent crimes.

PTSD is an extremely debilitating condition, as anyone who has suffered from it can tell you. Allowing people with PTSD to treat themselves with a medicine as beneficial as cannabis will enable them to live normal lives. Each day 22 veterans commit suicide. Hopefully this will at least put a partial dent in that number.

Source: wgntv.com

Image Source: wpixtv.com

Are you one of the thousands of New Yorkers suffering from PTSD? How do you feel about this? Tell us in the comments!