Workers? Comp Must Pay for Medical Marijuana to Treat Worker’s PTSD

A student attacked other students and instructors at school with a machete-like knife, injuring four people. As a result of this incident, a school employee suffered PTSD. Her doctor prescribed medical marijuana to help her deal with sleeping issues and nightmares. But workers’ comp refused to pay for it. However, the Appeals Tribunal ruled that ‘the real merits of the case’ support the use of medical marijuana in treating the employee’s compensable condition. This decision was based not on just one medical decision but rather on a review of all of the medical evidence and a consideration of the best interests of the injured worker. Thus, workers’ comp must cover the costs of her medical marijuana [20168114 (Re), [2016] CanLII 88636 (NB WCAT), Nov. 29, 2016].