Should VA Physicians Be Able To Recommend Medical Marijuana To Veterans? (H.R. 667)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 667?
(Updated February 3, 2019)
This bill would authorize health care providers in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend state medical marijuana programs to veterans when they believe they could benefit from them. VA healthcare providers would be allowed to complete forms reflecting these recommendations that are required by state medical marijuana programs.
Currently, the VA’s policy on medical marijuana is that its physicians and specialists are “prohibited from recommending and prescribing medical marijuana for PTSD and other pain-related issues.” This stems from the fact that marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug — a designation the federal government gives to drugs it views as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Argument in favor
Marijuana has been embraced by numerous states for its medical benefits, and the federal government shouldn’t prevent veterans from accessing something that can improve their quality of life.
Argument opposed
As a Federal agency, the VA should be held to the standards of federal law, by not doling out recommendations for illegal drugs to patients. There are legal pharmaceutical substitutes for medical marijuana that serve the same purpose.
Impact
Veterans who could benefit from access to medical marijuana, VA physicians and specialists, medical marijuana producers, and the VA.
Cost of H.R. 667
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth:
Medical marijuana programs have been established in 23 states plus the District of Columbia — so VA physicians and specialists treating veterans in those areas under this legislation would be able to recommend the use of medical marijuana. Presumably the four states that have legalized recreational marijuana, and any states that subsequently create medical marijuana programs would also be covered.
Of Note:
In 2014, the federal government allowed the University of Arizona to conduct a study on the use of medical marijuana to treat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Back in 2009, New Mexico became the first state to allow the use of medical marijuana for people with PTSD, and research showed that PTSD symptoms were reduced by 75 percent in patients using marijuana. It should be noted that the New Mexico study called for further research into whether pharmaceutical equivalents of marijuana that are legal could be effective substitutes.
Media:
Sponsoring Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Press Release
Americans For Safe Access (In Support)
Marijuana.com (In Support)
Smell the Truth (In Support)
Washington Post (Context)
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