Research Explores Differences in Cancer Patients and Medical Patients Who Use Cannabis
by Chane Leigh
Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated in the United States in May since 1949. This is a time to reflect, share resources, and support those who deal with mental health concerns. And there are many among us. According to the 2021 State of Mental Health in America by nonprofit organization Mental Health America (MHA), 19% of adults experienced a mental illness between 2017 and 2018, an increase of 1.5 million people over the previous dataset released in 2020. And that illness is having life-threatening effects on the population. According to MHA, the percentage of adults in the U.S. who are experiencing serious thoughts of suicide increased 0.15% from 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 – an additional 460,000 people from the previous dataset.
One of the major obstacles many with a mental illness face is access to and affordability of treatment and resources. According to MHA:
According to MHA, these figures on the need for mental health care have not declined since 2011.
Medical cannabis can be recommended for some mental illnesses including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because of how the federal government still regulates cannabis, research into its efficacy is often anecdotal. In an open forum in Arizona, those with PTSD diagnoses and their loved ones reported cannabis has hugely helped them in their struggles. “PTSD has kept me as a hermit separated from my entire family. Literally living in a hole in the ground in the desert!! I have hated every aspect of my life as a result of PTSD and if I hadn’t smoked medical cannabis, I wouldn’t be here to be writing this now,” one person commented.
Learn more about what states have approved medical cannabis for mental health patients.
State |
Qualifying Mental Health Condition |
|---|---|
Arizona |
PTSD Previously Arizona allowed anxiety patients to purchase medical cannabis. This was changed as of 2021. |
Arkansas |
PTSD Arkansas residents are able to petition the Department of Health asking for their specific condition to be added to the list of qualifying conditions, meaning more mental health conditions could be added. |
California |
Anorexia |
Colorado |
PTSD |
Connecticut |
PTSD |
Florida |
PTSD |
Georgia |
PTSD |
Hawaii |
PTSD |
Illinois |
Anorexia |
Iowa |
PTSD |
Louisiana |
PTSD |
Maine |
Unlike other states, Maine does not have a list of qualifying conditions. As of 2018, certified providers are able to approve patients for a medical cannabis card based on any condition they deem treatable by the plant properties. |
Maryland |
Anorexia, PTSD |
Massachusetts |
No mental health conditions currently fit the state’s list of approved diagnoses, but Massachusetts allows “other conditions that severely limit one or more major life functions,” that a doctor can confirm. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if you qualify. |
Michigan |
Obsessive-compulsive behavior, PTSD |
Minnesota |
PTSD |
Missouri |
Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to PTSD |
Montana |
PTSD Montana will also approve patients who are certified by a physician to have any other debilitating condition that greatly affects their quality of life. |
Nevada |
Anorexia, Anxiety, PTSD The state of Nevada will also approve patients who are certified by a physician to have any other debilitating condition that greatly affects their quality of life. |
New Jersey |
Anxiety, PTSD |
New Mexico |
Anxiety, PTSD |
New York |
PTSD |
North Dakota |
Anorexia, Anxiety, Bulimia, PTSD |
Ohio |
PTSD |
Oklahoma |
There is no list of qualifying conditions, nor any specified criteria for patients to receive a physician’s recommendation. According to SQ 788, “The physician must recommend a medical marijuana license according to the accepted standards a reasonable and prudent physician would follow for recommending or approving any medication.” Check with your physician to see if you qualify. |
Oregon |
PTSD |
Pennsylvania |
Anxiety, PTSD |
Rhode Island |
PTSD |
Utah |
PTSD |
Vermont |
PTSD |
Virginia |
Anxiety, Depression |
Washington |
Anorexia, PTSD |
West Virginia |
PTSD |
Washington D.C. |
Anorexia, PTSD |
Whether you or a loved one has been struggling with mental health for a short while or what feels like forever, there is support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness can help you find resources. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.
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