Congressional leaders are facing criticism for omitting a bipartisan measure that would allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical cannabis to veterans in states where it is legal. Despite approval by both the Senate and House earlier this year, the policy was dropped from the latest spending bill unveiled just before
Congressional leaders are facing criticism for omitting a bipartisan measure that would allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical cannabis to veterans in states where it is legal. Despite approval by both the Senate and House earlier this year, the policy was dropped from the latest spending bill unveiled just before Veterans Day, drawing ire from advocacy groups for its insensitivity to veterans’ needs.
Advocates highlight that previous versions of the legislation would have ended VA restrictions on doctors assisting veterans with state-approved marijuana programs. Morgan Fox of NORML called the move disappointing and senseless, while Adam Smith of the Marijuana Policy Project described denying this medicine as “straight cruelty,” referencing its use for easing pain and PTSD. The final bill lacks any language on the matter, marking another setback in the long-running effort to expand veterans’ medical cannabis access.
