As our country commemorates the courage and sacrifice of our service people this Veterans Day, we need to come together to help them cope with severe injuries and chronic conditions.
Medical marijuana has helped veterans suffering from conditions such as chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. However, Veterans Affairs (V.A.) doctors are banned from submitting paperwork for or recommending their veteran patients’ use of medical marijuana. And they can’t even offer their medical opinion to patients who use it legally under state law.
We need to change this cruel policy. Tell Congress to support the CARERS Act to end the federal war on medical marijuana and give veterans equal access to this medicine.
The CARERS Act would end the federal prohibition of medical marijuana, let states set their own policies, and protect patients and providers from federal prosecution. It would also remove barriers to federal marijuana research and finally allow veterans to receive recommendations for medical marijuana through V.A. physicians.
Just last week, The American Legion released a survey showing that veterans, their families and caregivers overwhelmingly support medical marijuana.
Even though we have strong public support, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Attorney General Sessions is escalating the war on drugs and our hard-won progress on medical marijuana is in jeopardy.
The CARERS Act is needed now more than ever. It’s time to allow veterans equal access to medical marijuana, while protecting patients and providers from federal attacks in states that have already legalized it.
Veterans will continue to suffer if we don’t act now: tell Congress to pass the CARERS Act.
Sincerely,
Grant Smith
Deputy Director, National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance
