Thanks to the new amendment passed by the Senate. The Veterans can now get medical marijuana in any state that allows the use of therapeutic cannabis. The Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors are now allowed to prescribe or recommend the use of medical marijuana to patients.
According to Inquistr, the Senate Appropriations Committee just passed the amendment that allows VA doctors to discuss the use of medical marijuana in treating ailments like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to their patients. The amendment was part of the 2017 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies bill.
There have been several discussions about veterans and medical marijuana. But veterans who received healthcare through VA doctors have not been able to get medical marijuana even if they live in the state that allows the use of it. This is because the VA doctors were not allowed to discuss to their patients about that matter.
Last year, the U.S. Senate passed the amendment that allows veterans access to medical marijuana. But it was stripped from the final law. The bill, which was shut down by the House of Representatives, would have barred the government from using funds to enforce the rules that prohibit the VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis to patients.
Then in January this year, lawmakers wrote a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald demanding him to change the rules. The letter, which was signed by 21 members of Congress, said that it is time to allow VA doctors to openly discuss medical marijuana to their patients.
In a report by Green Rush Daily, the new amendment has been granted this week, saying that the VA funds cannot be used to keep VA patients from accessing the medical cannabis. But this rule takes effect only in the states that allow the use of the drugs.
"Veterans should not be denied access to a medicine that can help alleviate their condition, and doctors must be able to discuss and recommend all treatments," Michael Collins, deputy director for the Drug Policy Alliance's Office of National Affairs, said in a statement. "They have served this country, and shouldn't be discriminated against."
According to High Times, there are currently 23 states that permit the use of medical marijuana. But it will soon become 24 states once Pennsylvania Governor signs the bill, which is set to be approved by both chambers of the State Legislature this week.
Many also hope that, by the end of this year, the bill will be signed into law and veterans can get access to medical marijuana as a treatment option.
