Veterans and their supporters gathered at the War Memorial on the capitol grounds, with a message for lawmakers: legalize marijuana for medical use. Vets said it’s helpful medicine for troops coming home with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Right now they are given pills instead.



“I myself was prescribed Valium and quite a few other very, very strong pills, to deal with my anxiety. And I believe medical marijuana would definitely, definitely help all soldiers who have that kind of issue,” said Jeffery Keller,an Iraq War Veteran.



And given the state’s huge budget deficit, some said the move could be profitable.



“And the state would benefit with the sales tax and that kind of thing. So its going to be a win-win for West Virginia, no question, you know,” said

Norman Jones, a medical marijuana supporter.



Advocates are lobbying lawmakers, and some Senators and Delegates are receptive saying its up to the doctor and patient.



“Someone that’s going through cancer; or someone that’s terminally ill, and he recommends that certain substance as a way to alleviate pain or anything like that, I think it’s a good policy,” said Del. Pat McGeehan, (R) Hancock.



But others are opposed, saying there are loopholes that could allow medical marijuana sales on the black market.



“And the problem is, you’ve got to track its movement, throughout its whole network system. And they are finding in some other states, the project is still being sold illegally,” said Del. Ron Walters, (R) Kanawha.

“The official bill to legalize medical marijuana for all West Virginians – including Veterans – will be introduced later this week.” said 13 News Political Reporter Mark Curtis.