America’s largest veteran’s organizations called on House and Senate Committees of Veteran’s Affairs to ‘fulfill their responsibilities to the nation’s veterans’ and allow greater access and removed penalties for the use of medical cannabis.
“We call upon the White House and Congress to fulfill their responsibilities to the nation's veterans by recognizing the inappropriateness of cannabis' current scheduling and removing it from the Controlled Substance Act, by removing the roadblocks to expanding approved cultivation and research and committing all necessary resources to understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis and bringing those derived medications to veterans as quickly as possible.” Greg Heun National Commander AMVETS
Over Half of Americans Have Access to Medical Marijuana
While the majority of U.S. citizens have some form of legal access to medical cannabis, U.S. military veterans can still face difficulties and penalties for the consumption of cannabis products - legal or not.
Medical Cannabis and the Department of Health of Human Services (DoHHS)
In a tragic irony for veterans seeking access to medical cannabis, the DoHHS has asserted that cannabis has beneficial medicinal properties to include antioxidants and neuroprotectants. The DoHHS has also patented and licensed cannabinoids - while many veterans continues to suffer.
Marijuana and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
In 2021, the DEA made a historical 180 degree turnaround by supporting the Biden’s administration proposals for expanding Schedule I research on medical cannabis. The DEA currently considers synthetically-derived tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, to be ‘non-narcotic’ and ‘low risk of physical/mental dependence.’
“…expanding access to Schedule I research is a critical part of DEA’s mission to protect public safety and health. It is critical that the scientific and medical community study Schedule I substances, as some may turn out to have therapeutic value. (The) DEA supports the administration’s legislative proposal’s expansion of access to Schedule I research. DEA looks forward to continuing to work with the research community and our interagency partners to facilitate Schedule I research.” DEA Principal Deputy Administrator Louis Milione
Marijuana and the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Meanwhile, the FDA has argued that cannabidiol (CBD) ‘does not meet the requirements for scheduling because of its ‘non-intoxicating and non-toxic nature.’ A quick visit to Amazon will present thousands of options for delivery of an every expanding list of CBD blended consumables, ointments, and topicals.
Marijuana and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic
While American veterans wait for the VA to provide clear and open access to medical cannabis, recent studies imply that access to medical cannabis alone can help reduce the pain and suffering caused by opioid abuse.
“…where medical and adult-use cannabis is accessible, there is a reduction in opioid prescribing, opioid use, and opioid-related overdose. Cannabis is currently legal and regulated for adult and medicinal use in more than 35 states, representing more than half of the U.S. population, yet veterans have no way to access cannabis through the Department of Veterans Affairs and risk loss of employment or imprisonment for cannabis use in certain circumstances.” Greg Heun National Commander AMVETS
OMNI applauds the AMVETS for their testimony and will continue to work to ensure access to medical cannabis for American veterans. Dear U.S. Congress
Admit medical benefits of medical cannabis
Remove medical cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act
Authorize American veterans to cultivate, process, transport and consume medical cannabis
Remove all penalties related to the use of medical cannabis by veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs
About AMVETS
American Veterans is a non-partisan, volunteer-led organization formed by World War II veterans of the United States military. It advocates for its members as well as for causes that its members deem helpful to the nation at large. The group holds a Federal charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. https://amvets.org
OMNI U.S. Veteran Support
If you are a U.S. military veteran and have questions, please contact our team today. With over a decade of experience with thousands of prior services members, we will be glad to help answer your questions. https://www.omnidoctors.com/contact-omni-medical-services-today