Last week, US Minnesota Representative, Timothy Waltz along with over 30 bipartisan co-sponsors introduced legislation supporting the research of medical cannabis for military veterans. Legislation HR 5520, or the The VA Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018, would explicitly authorize the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to conduct and support research on the efficiency and safety of medical cannabis
“While we know cannabis can have life-saving effects on veterans suffering from chronic pain or PTSD, there has been a severe lack of research studying the full effect of medicinal cannabis on these veterans,” said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., the ranking member of the House VA committee and the author of the bill. “Simply put, there is no department or organization better suited to conduct this critically important research than VA, and there will never be a better time to act.”
After Attorney General Jeff Sessions new statements concerning cannabis, it seems like an open door as more inconvincible individuals have a change in their stance. Late wednesday, Sessions acknowledged that “there may well be some benefits from medical marijuana” and it was “perfectly appropriate to study”.
He may be getting those studies sooner than anticipated. This week as well, the University of California (San Diego) received a grant of $4.7 million to research how effective CBD and cannabinoids can be for severe autism. Though the clinical trials are different, the research will no doubt help one another as well as the ultimate goal of federal legalization.
In addition, Thursday, Bill 336 from Illinois passed through the Senate. The bill would amend the medical marijuana program to allow those prescribed opioids to use cannabis instead. Considering the constant Cannabis for Opioid conversation that dominates much of the Medical Market for veterans. Both bills would be aimed at particularly at those suffering with chronic pain and/or PTSD
According to recent polls, about 39% of American knew someone who used Cannabis medically but only 22% admitted to using it themselves medically. Many who use the plant medically decline committing on their use for fear of those with negative connotation about it; particularly doctors. The federal bill would at least allow veterans to openly discuss the options of Cannabis over opioids if they choose.
Despite former VA Secretary David Shulkin’s constant rejection of Cannabis study for medical use, the VA wants to be more transparent than before. As far as Opioids, the VA is providing the public with information from VA pharmacies as well as prescribing Opioids more appropriately and safely. As Cannabis’ popularity rises, so have the number of medical users choosing the plant over Opioids. There has been an overall 33% decrease in prescriptions from 2012 to 2017.
The federal legislation was only recently introduced but, Illinois is on it’s way to Senate with it’s bill. State Senator Don Harmon wants to address the state’s Opioid crisis by offering another option.
“It’s very innovative legislation that has not been attempted in another state,” he said. “Obviously Illinois is in the same boat with many other states in dealing with the opioid crisis. And all states are grappling with how to tackle the issue.
Considering the bill’s strong bipartisan support, one can hope that it continues to the House and onto the Federal government with a standard policy.
Written by: Joycelin A.
