It's nice to be a part of this community, to introduce myself, my name is Jonathan. I served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY serving with the 101st Airborne Division. I have spent 13 months in Ramadi, Iraq with the best group of soldiers i have ever seen, the 1/506th Scouts.

While I am very proud of my military service, I have been suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the last 3 years. I am currently 22 years old, I joined at age 17, and landed in Iraq on September 3rd of 2006, which was my 18th birthday. From that day forward I spent 13 months under constant stress, combat, artillery shellings, IED's, and fatalities.

Being blessed, I made it through my stay in that desert, and came home. At first I didn't show any signs of PTSD, but as the years went by and I finished my stint in the military, I started having recurring nightmares, flashbacks to one certain event in particular, as well as feeling detached from everyone and not being able to show positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude and even love.

I was diagnosed Insomnia and Depression first, and put on heavy medication (Seroquel 400mg) and a number of antidepressants, too many to remember the names of them all. As well as Valium for anxiety. A few weeks later I got a second opinion and was diagnosed with PTSD, showing all 17 symptoms. This was back in 2008.

Somewhere in this time period I began self-medicating with marijuana, seeing great results in my sleep, sleep cycle, appetite, and overall mood. I was amazed, the VA and various doctors around the country have prescribed me every anti-depressant and anxiety medication under the sun, with no positive outcome. Then I smoke this little plant, and I feel like my normal self again, having a sense of humor, opening up and being able to discuss things with my family and friends, SLEEPING NORMALLY!

More recently, I have had various run-ins with the law, leading to jail time and probation, all because of my self medicating with pot. When I recently got out of my 10 day stay in Los Alamos County Jail, I was placed on an ankle monitor and given 3 more years of probation... Harsh, very harsh... My probation officer recommended that I get my MMJ card, saying "Then I wouldn't be able to do shit to you."

So, I'm going in on Friday to a psychiatrist to get a more up-to-date diagnosis to bring to the good folks at Medical Marijuana Evaluations in Santa Fe, I have filled out my forms for the DOH and they are printed and signed, I also filled out the cultivation and production form and a medical release form.

Sorry for the big wall of text, but I wanted to introduce myself to everyone here, and was also wondering if there were people out there who share in my struggle, and possibly get some help on what to expect next. Any info would be appreciated, and thank you, beautiful people.

Thanks as well to all other veterans, regardless of where or when you served, you are appreciated. Peace and love to you all.
TheProdigy Reviewed by TheProdigy on . Hello everyone, Iraqi war veteran seeking guidance/expectations It's nice to be a part of this community, to introduce myself, my name is Jonathan. I served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY serving with the 101st Airborne Division. I have spent 13 months in Ramadi, Iraq with the best group of soldiers i have ever seen, the 1/506th Scouts. While I am very proud of my military service, I have been suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the last 3 years. I am currently 22 years old, I joined at age Rating: 5