TRENTON, N.J. -- Veterans and others in New Jersey can now legally treat their post-traumatic stress disorder with marijuana.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a measure Wednesday allowing people to use marijuana if their PTSD isn't treatable with conventional therapy. In a statement sent with the announcement of the bill signing, Christie noted that federal officials estimate up to 20 percent of veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD.
But Christie also directed the state's health commissioner to promulgate additional regulations that provide "clear objective criteria" regarding the drug's use for PTSD. Christie has said he wants to make sure legalizing medical marijuana doesn't become a backdoor into legalization for recreational use.
