Veterans Want Medical Marijuana in the South

States are legalizing marijuana one by one, but more conservative states in the American south are slow to embrace the controversial herb. However, a recent Stripes article discussed a new effort from U.S. Military veterans to legalize medical marijuana, specifically in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country thanks to its eight military bases.

The effort is led by a Wilmington resident, Chayse Ross, a former Marine sergeant who served multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The goal: to legalize medical marijuana for veterans living with debilitating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Ross has banded together with other vets to form NC Families for Medical Cannabis.