Fifth District Congressional Candidate Raju Chinthala has come out in support of medical marijuana at the federal level
“Currently, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana to treat pain and illness,” says Chinthala. “As a healthcare professional, I believe it’s time to show compassion across our entire country to our sick and injured citizens, as well as to our veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It’s time to legalize medical marijuana.”
Chinthala bases his support for medical marijuana on research studies and practical application in those states offering it. According to Chinthala, “Among its results, medical marijuana has been shown to ease chronic pain and control nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. It is used to control seizures and muscle spasms – and provides a treatment option for a wide range of illnesses, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and IBF. And evidence suggests that medical marijuana provides relief from common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.”
Chinthala emphasizes that veterans and other frontline responders have been treated for PTSD with medical marijuana, with many published studies suggesting a decrease in the symptoms of this disabling condition. “Our veterans are our national heroes. They deserve compassionate care. Medical marijuana is one option that should be available for them to try to relieve their PTSD symptoms,” Chinthala says.
Chinthala states that he is not supporting legalization of recreational marijuana on a federal level. “I am in favor of the issue of recreational marijuana being handled on a state-by-state basis. My concern is for the medical benefits that well-regulated medical marijuana can provide,” he says.
