North Carolina lawmakers are debating legalizing medical marijuana after 37 other states have already done so. And military veterans with PTSD have been some of the most vocal advocates. One such veteran told W. Orioles, Capital Office Manager Laura Leslie, why he is working to get him adopted Josh Buttocks is an Iraq War veteran. He returned from duty with PTSD and a badly injured back. Both worsened when he returned to work in law enforcement. So when there would be days where the tears almost hurt me, you know, there’s nothing you can do. He completed three years of treatment and pain management at the VA Hospital. At one point he was on 23 different medications, nothing worked. He seriously considered a suicidal neurologist to put me on. It is a muscle relaxant. They used for patients like Parkinson’s and LS who type stuff. And I seriously couldn’t get out of bed. Like it’s just there, lying there staring at the ceiling and it’s like it’s not worth it. Big Dick says several of his doctors have suggested trying cannabis. He says it works better for him than prescription drugs without the debilitating side effects, you know, so when you’re having a severe flare-up or you’re just having a bad day with, you know, your mood and your temper, which are all related to PTS Um Then it may give you that relief to give your mind time to reset your body and you’re back fully functional last summer butt came to legislature to speak in favor of a bill legalizing medical marijuana, This bill passed the Senate this week, but it must also pass House Speaker Tim Moore said he doesn’t think House Republicans will be ready to take it back this year. So the butts and other veterans are heading back to Raleigh next week to try to change their minds. I think that’s what never again. It is a matter of common sense. It’s a question of compassion. It’s about empathy and we’re not talking about hobbies, uh, we’re talking about people who are going to suffer in some way. Veterans Lobby Day is scheduled for Tuesday Laura Leslie WRL News Raleigh.