Don't Our Veterans Deserve Better Than Opioids? Updated Directive Still Says No To Medical Marijuana

An updated directive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) confirms once again that VA doctors are banned from recommending medical marijuana treatment to their patients. The revised Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidance, updated on July 28th, reported Marijuana Moment, is similar to the prior version that was published some six years ago.

What Happened: While the new guidance highlights the revised federal definition of cannabis that went into effect with the Farm Bill 2018, it also makes clear that VA doctors can only prescribe medications that have been approved by the FDA for medical use.

While veterans will not be denied benefits over cannabis use and are encouraged to discuss it with their providers, VA pharmacies cannot fill prescriptions for medical marijuana, nor will the agency pay for it from any other source. Veterans who work with the VA are subject to drug testing under terms of employment.

Ongoing Push For Medical Marijuana For Veterans

Meanwhile, politicians and advocates have been fighting for change. This April, a bipartisan bill to legalize medical marijuana for veterans was reintroduced in both chambers of Congress.

Then in May, the Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research and Effectiveness (CARE) Act, which would streamline research into medical cannabis use for veterans was reintroduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).

More recently, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a spending bill that incorporates a crucial amendment for veterans residing in states where cannabis is legal allowing VA physicians to recommend medical marijuana (MMJ) as a potential treatment option for their patients.

Two identical amendments, sponsored by different sets of lawmakers, aim to make strides in the realm of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon/VA). The first measure is backed by co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, including Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Dave Joyce (R-FL), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

A second identical measure is championed by Reps. Greg Steube (R-FL), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Dina Titus (D-NV).

See Also: GOP-Controlled House Committee Blocks All Cannabis & Psychedelics Amendments To Defense Bill: Now, No Floor Vote

Why It Matters: “The bureaucracy at the VA is not just creating confusion, it’s keeping veterans from being able to access a proven treatment option,” Mast, who is also a veteran, told Marijuana Moment. “My bipartisan amendment passed the House with the strong support and the Senate version of the package has a provision that mirrors it, so we’re confident we’ll succeed in finally addressing this outdated rule.”

Commenting on the updated guidance, Mast said this “is exactly why this provision is needed.”

What’s Next: Will marijuana advocates overcome the challenges imposed by the Schedule I classification of cannabis, which compels the VA to abide by federal law? Are broader reforms on the horizon that will ultimately allow our veterans access to medical marijuana treatment? Only time will tell.

See Also: Study: US Military Veterans Achieve Higher Quality Of Life With Medical Marijuana

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