Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 21, 2012
On January 23nd, co-sponsors Elements Caregiver Collective, Compassion First Collective and Southwest Arizona Patient Alliance (SWAPA) will present their petition to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a debilitating illness to the list of illnesses that qualify for Medical Marijuana Therapy. Most often associated with veterans who have been in active combat, PTSD can affect anyone who has suffered through a traumatic event. One in five veterans returning from Iran and Afghanistan are affected by PTSD.
It is a glaring omission that no mental health illnesses were included in the initial list, said Corey Miller, collective manager and MMJ patient. Veterans who are suffering PTSD are effectively barred from the opportunity to treat their symptoms with cannabis.
Miller, a decorated veteran of Afghanistan and Purple Heart recipient, uses cannabis to treat the ongoing chronic pain and inflammation from his war injuries. I could not manage ten hours on my feet without medicating. I couldnt work if I had to take morphine or vicodin. I am less productive, less responsive when I use opioids.
While medicating to treat his physical injuries, Miller experienced firsthand that medical marijuana alleviated his PTSD symptoms as well. It helps manage the general anxiety and sleeplessness. I can avoid the harsher drugs that I find incapacitating.
According to VP of Operations, Ingrid Joiya, “Given the ongoing research and anecdotal stories regarding how medical marijuana has helped patients suffering from PTSD, Elements is committed to serving those persons impacted by this mental health issue.
“We are cautiously optimistic that the Arizona Department of Health Services will be receptive of the application. Director Humble has shown a tremendous degree of professionalism and commitment to implementing the rules which include the procedure to add debilitating illnesses.”
Recent court decisions lift the hold on the dispensary component of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AZMMA) and the final details on execution are being worked out. More than 16,000 patients and 700 caregivers have been licensed by the Arizona Department of Health.
Since Governor Jan Brewer has now dismissed the state of Arizonas court action enabling the dispensary program to move forward, a celebratory event will be co-sponsored by Elements and Kush Club. The Patient/CaregiverConnect will be held on Saturday, January 28th from 11:00 am to 4:20 p.m. at Elements Caregiver Collective, 12620 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix. Supporters of the AZMMA, patients, veterans and their families are invited to attend the event. For further details call 602.493.4000 or @ElementsMMJ or on facebook: Elements Caregiver Collective
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