It’s been a great year for supporters of cannabis decriminalization. Both Colorado and Washingtonbegan selling recreational marijuana, each with its own rules and regulations. In addition, pro-cannabis groups throughout the U.S. have been gaining ground and marijuana awareness is at an all-time high.

The environment makes it difficult for border states in the southern U.S., which have traditionally fought the hardest in the drug wars, to make progressive moves. This has been especially highlighted in Arizona, where the stigmatized lawman Sheriff Joe Arpaio made a name for himself butting heads with Mexican drug cartels, and the University of Arizona became a battleground for the right to use cannabis to treat PTSD in soldiers.

The PTSD Study That Couldn’t

When Suzanne Sisley gained approval from the federal government to study marijuana’s positive effects on PTSD in March, it was the first time anyone had received approval to study the positive effects of THC and CBD, much less any other illicit drug. However, as the national media applauded the decision, Arizona State Senator Kimberly Yee blocked the study.

Senator Yee’s move sparked outrage in the Arizona pot community and soon various groups, including a few veterans’ groups, were calling for her to resign. The battle went to court and in early June, Arizona Judge Thomas Shedden issued his ruling that “a preponderance of evidence shows medical marijuana provides palliative benefit to those suffering from PTSD.”