Submitted by Raju for Congress
Medical marijuana should be legalized at a federal level and available with a prescription in all 50 states including Indiana, according to Indiana Fifth Congressional District candidate Raju Chinthala.
Chinthala
“Currently, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana to treat pain and illness,” Chinthala said. “As a healthcare professional, I believe it’s time to show compassion across our entire country to our sick and injured citizens, as well as to our veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. It’s time to legalize medical marijuana.”
Chinthala bases his support for medical marijuana on research studies and practical application in those states offering it.
“Among its results, medical marijuana has been shown to ease chronic pain and control nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy,” Chinthala said. “It is used to control seizures and muscle spasms – and provides a treatment option for a wide range of illnesses, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and IBF. And evidence suggests that medical marijuana provides relief from common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.”
Chinthala emphasizes that veterans and other frontline responders have been treated for PTSD with medical marijuana, with many published studies suggesting a decrease in the symptoms of this disabling condition.
“Our veterans are our national heroes,” Chinthala said. “They deserve compassionate care. Medical marijuana is one option that should be available for them to try to relieve their PTSD symptoms.”
Chinthala says he is not supporting legalization of recreational marijuana on a federal level.
“I am in favor of the issue of recreational marijuana being handled on a state-by-state basis,” Chinthala said. “My concern is for the medical benefits that well-regulated medical marijuana can provide.”
Chinthala is a successful speech-language pathologist and Hoosier businessman. He is the Treasurer of the Hamilton County Republican Party and has served as Senior Advisor for India at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and as Founder and President of the Indiana India Business Council. He has been honored by President Biden with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and has received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from both Governor Pence and Governor Holcomb.
Chinthala lives in Carmel with his wife Dr. Prasanna Chinthala, their son Anoop, and their dog Snowball.
Learn more about the candidate at RajuForCongress.com.