It's a fact that firefighters and ems personnel experience PTSD at rates far higher than the general population. In fact, Studies have found that anywhere between approximately 7 percent and 37 percent of firefighters(similar to war veterans) meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD as opposed to 3.5 percent of the general population.(https://www.verywellmind.com/rates-of-ptsd-in-firefighters-2797428; https://www.firerescue1.com/health/articles/new-study-estimates-20-percent-of-firefighters-paramedics-have-ptsd-6zymMnUZ7sWwZib6/)

There are studies and reports from reputable sources that support the claim that medicinal marijuana in conjunction with other therapeutic methods, help to alleviate the symptoms associated with PTSD. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=use+and+effects+of+cannabinoidsin+military+veterans+with+posttraumatic+stress+disorder;

Pittsburgh's fire union has fought and won the right for their uniformed personnel to be allowed the use of medicinal marijuana as a tool in the battle against the symptoms of PTSD. It's time that we, the members of the BCFD, also be allowed to benefit from the use of medicinal marijuana as it relates to mental health.