Should the VA be Allowed to Research Medical Marijuana to Treat PTSD?

What’s the story?

• Both chambers of Congress have introduced the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018, which would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to research the use of medicinal pot to treat “veterans enrolled in the VA health care system diagnosed with conditions such as chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder.”
• The House version of the bill was sponsored by Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the ranking Democrat on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Walz currently has the following tweet pinned:

• Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), the chairman of the committee, agrees the VA needs to research cannabis.

"I've heard from many veterans who believe medical cannabis can help them lead healthy lives. Right now, we don't know if that's true or not, and that's why we believe the VA should conduct rigorous research on medical cannabis just like any other medication or treatment."

• The Veterans Cannabis Coalition has called the fight to get the legislation passed “the good war”:

• But U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in March that “there really is no such thing as medical marijuana." He continued, "There is no FDA approved use of marijuana, a botanical plant. I just want to be very clear about that.”

What do you think?

Do you want your reps to support the 2018 VA Medicinal Cannabis Act? Or should lawmakers respect the Department of Justice’s anti-marijuana stance? Hit Take Action and tell you reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: @Tomangell via Twitter)