News Summary
As Fourth of July approaches, veterans in Georgia are urging lawmakers to expand access to medical cannabis for PTSD. With only limited qualifying conditions under the current registry, many veterans struggle to find effective treatments for their conditions. Advocates like Gary Herber emphasize the need for legislative change to improve access to medical cannabis products that can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those who served.
Atlanta, Georgia – This Fourth of July, veterans in Georgia are advocating for expanded access to medical cannabis to assist in managing symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With loud fireworks often triggering difficult memories for veterans, calls have been made to lawmakers to consider expanding the state’s medical cannabis program. The initiative seeks to make it easier for veterans to access treatments that could help them cope with their conditions.
Currently, Georgia’s low THC oil registry includes only specific qualifying conditions, which don’t fully encompass the needs of its veteran population. Of more than 600,000 veterans residing in Georgia, about 30% live with some form of disability, yet many do not qualify for the registry. Advocates stress that these restrictions limit access to effective treatments for a significant portion of veterans who suffer from conditions such as PTSD.
Among those advocating for change is Gary Herber, a veteran who experienced combat in Afghanistan in 2009 and has been dealing with the ramifications of PTSD ever since. Herber has reported that the holiday season can be particularly challenging due to the strain it places on mental health; fireworks and other noises can exacerbate his symptoms. Having registered for the low THC oil program, he, like other veterans, has found relief through medical cannabis, utilizing capsules and tinctures to help stabilize his condition amid ongoing struggles with flashbacks and trauma from his military past. Medical cannabis has also aided him in overcoming an addiction to painkillers and managing other health issues.
Medical experts are also pushing for expanded access. Elmore Alexander, a physician knowledgeable in medical cannabis, argues that current regulations often limit the types of products available to patients. He points to the lack of access to forms such as flower or smoking products, which can provide quicker relief for patients facing acute symptoms. Similarly, Dr. Tiffani Forbes notes that the registry currently accommodates only 17 conditions, including PTSD, but does not include related conditions like anxiety and depression, which are prevalent among veterans. She advocates for broader inclusion to provide comprehensive relief.
As legislators prepare for the upcoming session, beginning January 13, 2025, discussions surrounding the medical cannabis program are anticipated to gain momentum. Some lawmakers and advocates have initiated efforts to increase the number of dispensaries permitted to operate in Georgia’s rural areas. Currently, only a limited number of dispensaries exist, making it difficult for veterans, particularly those in remote locations, to obtain necessary products. The existing policy requires that new dispensaries may only open once 10,000 people have registered for the program, presenting an additional roadblock in accessibility.
Veterans like Herber are not just looking at the political landscape but also raising awareness of the potential healing properties of cannabis. The community is working together to highlight the crucial need for legislative adjustments to better serve those who have served their country. With the heightened awareness around mental health initiatives and the ongoing need for effective PTSD management, the push for expanded access to medical cannabis in Georgia is increasingly becoming a focal point of discussion.
In summary, as Georgia approaches the Fourth of July, the conversation surrounding PTSD, medical cannabis, and veteran welfare takes center stage. Advocates are united in their belief that by enabling greater access to medical cannabis, they can significantly improve the quality of life for those who have borne the burdens of war.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Georgia Veterans Advocate for Medical Cannabis Expansion
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Veterans Push for Expanded Medical Cannabis Access
- WSB Radio: Georgia Veteran Advocates for Medical Cannabis Access
- Macon: Veterans Seek Increased Access to Medical Cannabis in Georgia
- Wikipedia: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
