Congress Passes Bill to Lift Ban on Medical Cannabis for Vets, It Goes to Obama’s Desk to Be Signed
In the latest development signalling the possible end of the failed war on drugs, Congress voted to lift the ban on military vets’ access to medical cannabis in states where it’s legal. President Obama’s signature is now the only thing standing between vets and possible treatment for PTSD and a host of other conditions.
“Both the House and Senate approved measures Thursday to block the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from enforcing its rule that prohibits its doctors from even discussing the treatment,” RT reported.
“We are pleased that both the House and Senate have made it clear that the Veterans Administration should not punish doctors for recommending medical cannabis to their veteran patients,” Mike Liszewski, government affairs director for Americans for Safe Access (ASA), told Marijuana.com. “Combat veterans are disproportionately affected by several conditions that medical cannabis can effectively treat, including chronic pain, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury. We anticipate this amendment will reach the president, and once signed, it will give V.A. physicians another tool in their toolbox to treat the healthcare needs of America’s veterans.”
House passes my amendment, 233-189, to remove restrictions preventing VA doctors from recommending medical #marijuana to qualified veterans!
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) May 19, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In April, the first ever trial of medical cannabis — including its smoked form — for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by vets was approved by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This whole-plant study, in the context of Congress’ actions Thursday, show the government might finally be loosening the reins on cannabis as the legitimate medical option it has proven to be for countless people — and particularly veterans.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1470694951173-5'); });
//tags-cdn.deployads.com/a/activistpost.com.js
(deployads = window.deployads || ).push({});