Governor Jay Inslee of Washington submitted a budget asking for $300 million to fund the state’s mental health system. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper asked his state to increase the funding for homelessness and for school counselors.
The first two states to legalize pot are grappling with a host of new problems. Are California, Nevada and Massachusetts ready to expand their mental health care services?
Legalizing marijuana is costly and has many victims, including those who fall into the trap of mental illness. One hospital in Olympia reported earlier this year that it cares for one or two new psychotic patients every day. A spokesman blamed this rise on “dabbing.”
Three months ago in Washington, a Arcan Cetin, shot and killed five people at Cascades Mall. He suffered from PTSD, other conditions and used marijuana among other things. He had complied with court-ordered treatment, but the protocol was not working.