Watch CBS News

PTSD Sufferers Sue Colorado Over Pot Decision

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's decision not to allow marijuana to treat post-traumatic stress disorder has prompted a lawsuit by PTSD sufferers.

Five PTSD patients filed suit Thursday in Denver District Court. They're challenging a July decision by the Colorado Board of Health not to make PTSD the first condition added to Colorado's medical pot eligibility list in 15 years.

The PTSD rejection came despite a recommendation from Colorado's chief medical officer and a panel of physicians.

They said that questions remain about how effective pot is as a PTSD treatment, but that people with PTSD are commonly using pot anyway and that the designation would allow for better understanding about how people are using the drug.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Authorities have 21 days to respond to the complaint, which has no hearing date set.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue