Congress Tackles Medical Marijuana For Veterans: GOP-Led Bill Will Open Doors To Research

Members of Congress are set to consider a measure that would streamline research into medical cannabis use for military veterans, reported Marijuana Moment.

The Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research and Effectiveness (CARE) Act was reintroduced last week by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).

The news follows a recent survey by the Universities of North Texas and Illinois revealing that one in ten veterans reported past-year cannabis use. The researchers analyzed cannabis trends among a representative group of over 16,000 veterans from 2013 to 2019.

Under the legislation that matches an earlier measure from Rep. Miller-Meeks of Veterans Affairs (VA) would be obliged to "conduct and support research relating to the efficacy and safety of forms of cannabis" for conditions such as chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to name a few.

The legislation also directs the VA to undertake research on cannabis, including plants and extracts, a minimum of three varieties differing in THC and CBD amount, and techniques of consumption such as topical administration, combustible and non-combustible inhalation and ingestion.

If the bill is enacted, the VA will be required to provide yearly updates on its progress for five years. Prior to the VA has to submit a research plan to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.

Bipartisan Bill Offers Veterans A Chance To Access Medical Cannabis

Meanwhile, a piece of legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress in April would provide a temporary five-year "safe harbor" during which veterans will not be punished for state-legal cannabis use and VA doctors would be able to recommend medical cannabis. 

The Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and in the House of Representatives by Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH).

This bill directs the VA to study the potential benefits of cannabis for veterans to treat pain, PTSD and other conditions.

As both measures are now set to advance through the legislature, veterans will have to continue to rely on actions on a state level, like that of Washington state's Perfect Union, which on Saturday partnered with the Weed for Warriors Project and vendors to provide $5,000 worth of free cannabis products to eligible veterans suffering from PTSD and other "service-related health concerns."

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Faust on Unsplash