Illinois advocates are pushing to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the conditions eligible for medical marijuana.
Lon Hodge is a Vietnam veteran. He suffers from PTSD and experiences panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. He says marijuana helps him cope with those symptoms.
Illinois currently has a pilot medical marijuana program.
But Hodge can't use pot legally in the state because PTSD is not on the list of illnesses covered under the program.
"I was suicidal many times. Made several attempts at suicide to end that. So I don't want that for anybody else. Legalize this,” Hodge said.
Last year, Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration rejected an appeal to allow PTSD and several other conditions to be treated with medical marijuana.
The group, Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, says 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
Supporters want PTSD and seven other medical conditions added to the program.
