The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmentvoted to fund an Arizona researcher’s study about the efficacy of marijuana in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Wednesday afternoon. Scientists have two more hurdles before they can start the study.
Sue Sisley’s position at the University of Arizona was terminated in June. Since then, she’s been trying to find funding to do her marijuana research. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's commitment to fund the study for $2 million is one hurdle cleared, but she still doesn’t have a place to do her work.
“If none of the Arizona universities are willing to find a home for this work then we will be forced to do this privately,” she said. “That would be a sad day for Arizona because this is work that was originally conceived in Arizona.”
Sisley's second obstacle is getting the specific strain of marijuana. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is the single agency designated to provide research grade marijuana for medicinal research.
“Since they don’t have the study drug for us and they refuse to give us a clear timeline [on] when the drug will be ready," Sisley said. "In that case, we are going to take the time that we need to find a true sanctuary for this research.”
Until she has the drug and a location, Sisley is in a holding pattern.
