Congress Finally Considers Overturning Rule Banning VA Doctors From Prescribing Medical Cannabis

edical cannabis use for veterans has been
a highly contentious issue for over 40 years. This year, for the first time, Congress
will finally consider overturning a ban prohibiting VA doctors from discussing
or prescribing cannabis to their patients.

This is a significant step in the right
direction.

It is estimated that about 50% of the
nation’s vets exist in chronic pain. 
Estimates of daily suicides by vets range from the 6-25 per day, but
this is still appallingly high for a population whose health and wellbeing is
supposed to be a national priority because of the stakes involved.

The issue has begun to move forward in the
last several years starting in 2011 when the VA issued a directive suggesting
that the government had no business interfering in the privacy that is required
to exist between vet patient and doctor.

Veterans also often fear retaliation by
asking their doctors about medical cannabis much less asking for a
prescription.  There have also been
widespread reports of veterans who have been denied other pain medications if
they admit to or are found to have used cannabis even as part of a state legal
program.

As a result, this new resolution is a
welcome sign that perhaps federal legislators are finally willing to give
thanks to those who served in a way that many veterans actually want.  And instead of meaningless gestures if not
convenient flag draped photo ops, Congress will finally begin honoring the
unbelievable challenges and heroism of those who have literally put their
bodies on the line defending an ideal of freedom.