The Governor of the State of New York, Andrew Cuomo, permitted the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD was listed as a disease that shows the use of cannabis, a special law that Cuomo signed on Veterans Day - in a package with a number of other bills that improve the living conditions of veterans, wrote forumdaily with reference to the state governor's official website.

Ex-servicemen, law enforcement personnel and rescuers most often suffer from PTSD (other names are "Afghan" or "Vietnamese syndrome"), the symptoms of which are nightmares, increased anxiety, insomnia, anger, obsessive memories, and in especially difficult cases - hallucinations. The syndrome is a consequence of such a traumatic situation as participation in hostilities, a terrorist attack or any other major catastrophe, and requires treatment with pharmaceutical drugs, the effectiveness of which is questioned by many patients and doctors.

Many believe that medical marijuana is a more effective alternative to synthetic drugs. In the explanation to the bill it is said that as a result of PTSD the body stops producing endocannabinoids - neurotransmitters regulating the sensation of pain, sleep, memory, mood, appetite, memory, reproductive processes and many other functions.

As a result of the deficiency of these substances, the nervous system is disrupted, which leads to the appearance of symptoms of posttraumatic syndrome.

Cannabinoids contained in marijuana are almost identical in structure to natural endocannabinoids, so they can significantly alleviate the condition of patients.

Clinical studies claim that the use of medical marijuana reduces the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder by 72-77%, without causing negative effects.

According to official information, about 19 thousand people suffer from PTSD in New York.