The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will not conduct research into whether medical marijuana could help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain, as veterans groups are pushing for the use of the drug as an alternative to opioids and anti-depressants.
Tag Archives: Veterans
Congressman Matt Gaetz Issues Statement Opposing AG Sessions Decision to End Policy on State Medical Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) issued the following statement today in response on reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind the “Cole Memorandum” — guidance established by the previous Administration in 2013 that allowed states to implement responsible medical marijuana laws without federal interference.
New Veterans Affairs Rules Allow Docs to Talk About Medical Marijuana
Doctors and pharmacists at the Veterans Affairs Department have been cleared to talk about the pluses and minuses of medical marijuana use with vets who ask about the drug.
New York Governor Approves Medical Cannabis to Treat PTSD
Patients in the state of New York suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder will now be able to use medical cannabis to treat PTSD.
Governor Signs Five Bills, Adding PTSD as a Qualifying Condition for Medical Marijuana, Waiving Fees and Improving Services for Veterans, and Creating POW/MIA Memorial
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed five pieces of legislation to further support New York veterans by improving healthcare and services, as well as memorialize veterans throughout New York State in a number of different ways.
Cannabis in Casinos? Not Until Law Changes, Vegas Congresswoman Says
Congresswoman Dina Titus voted for the marijuana legalization measure on Nevada’s ballot a year ago. Since then, she has been fighting on Capitol Hill to get the federal government to respect the decision she and a majority of her constituents made to end prohibition.
Lawmakers: Feds Should Research Medical Marijuana for Military Vets
A group of 10 U.S. House members is pushing the Trump administration to begin researching medical marijuana’s potential benefits for military veterans struggling to cope with war wounds.
VA Hospital is Denying Veteran PTSD Treatment Due to Cannabis Use When He Has a Florida Medical Card
MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — After transferring to the Miami VA Healthcare System and during a medical intake, the VA was adamant about Jonathan Fruchter being referred to drug counseling regardless of the fact that he is patient #P0032257 with the Compassionate Use Registry in the state of Florida.
Top California Cannabis Cultivator Expands Veterans Internship Program, Offering ‘Boot Camp’ Experience to Succeed in Multibillion-Dollar Emerging Sector
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — THC Design Launches 12-Week Cannabis Cultivation Internship Program to Teach Veterans Advanced Cultivation Skills and Groom New Talent for Company and Industry
Cannabis Accepted as Part of Treatment Plan for Veteran During Stay at VA NJ PTSD/Homeless Inpatient Unit
TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 20, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The only way the VA can learn about the multiple benefits of cannabis related to PTSD, and how medical cannabis can save lives, is by sitting down with the person who is actually allowed to consume it directly under the watchful eye of the Veterans Administration, Jonathan Fruchter.
This Is Why PTSD Cannabis Research Needs the VA Secretary’s Help Right Now
On Aug. 6, 2017, Sue Sisley, M.D., sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin to request that he stop a Phoenix hospital’s obstruction of the first clinical trial to study the effects of medical cannabis in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans.
Sen. Cory Booker Says Marijuana Should be Legal in America
In a Facebook live address, Cory Booker introduced legislation that would legalize pot at the federal level citing that current drug laws “are badly broken” and disproportionately hurt minority communities.
GOP Leadership Blocks Amendment Allowing Veterans Medical Marijuana Access
On July 25, 2017, the House Rules Committee blocked the Veterans Equal Access amendment, an amendment allowing veterans medical marijuana access in legal states, from proceeding to the House floor for consideration.
GOP Leadership Blocks Blumenauer Amendment to Allow VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, condemned the House Rules Committee decision to block his amendment to make it easier for qualified veterans to access state-legal medical marijuana.
Senate Committee Stands up for Veterans Using Medical Cannabis
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — This morning, the Senate Committee on Appropriations voted 24-7 to include an amendment introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the FY2018 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.
Governor Carney, Lawmakers Expand Access to Medical Marijuana for Delawareans with PTSD
WILMINGTON, Del., July 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Governor John Carney this week signed into law Senate Bill 24, which will expand access to medical marijuana treatment for Delaware veterans, and other Delawareans, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
State Senate Approves PTSD for New York Medical Marijuana Program
Post-traumatic stress disorder may become the next condition approved for the New York medical marijuana program after state lawmakers gave their approval on June 20, 2017.
Senate Passes Senator Savino’s Bill Adding PTSD as Treatable by Medical Marijuana
ALBANY, NY, June 20, 2017 / — The New York State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation sponsored by Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn) to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the list of qualifying conditions treatable with medical marijuana in New York State.
Federal Lawmakers Reintroduce Bipartisan Medical Cannabis Bill
A group of lawmakers reintroduced a bipartisan medical cannabis bill just days after a letter surfaced from Attorney General Jeff Sessions that asked Congress to let him prosecute medical cannabis users.
Veterans Question Colorado Medical Marijuana Regulations
The state has recreational marijuana is tested, but in Colorado medical marijuana isn’t held to the same standard.
Rep. Correa Sends Secretary Shulkin Letter on Veteran Use of Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Rep. Lou Correa sent Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin a letter asking for clarification of the Department’s policy on medical marijuana usage in states where it is legally prescribed.
Battle Born State: Reno Medical Marijuana Event Helps Veterans
On May 27, 2017, the Canna Community Connection brought together stakeholders for a Reno medical marijuana event to give back to veterans in Nevada by offering them access to free physician evaluations and medical marijuana cards.
American Legion Lobbies Trump to Reclassify Marijuana
One of the largest veteran services organizations in the United States is making a push to change marijuana’s status as a Schedule I substance.
Nebraska Legislative Committee Approves Medical Marijuana Bill
A Nebraska legislative committee has voted to approve a medical marijuana bill, according to a March 18, 2017, article at Omaha.com. Legislative Bill 622, sponsored by state Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed the Judiciary Committee with a 6-1 vote. It will now head to the legislative floor.
Federal Marijuana Does Not Test Well
Marijuana grown by the federal government for research purposes does not have the same quality as the pot from other sources. Until recently, the U.S. federal government had to grow all the marijuana that would be used in scientific research, but researchers have found the government’s pot to be, essentially, irrelevant.
Veterans Oppose Prohibition of Medical Marijuana on Arizona’s College Campuses
A veterans group is opposing Arizona’s prohibition of medical marijuana on college campuses, according to a March 14, 2017, article at 12News.com. The veterans’ update on their Change.org petition, posted March 12, 2017, claims the University of Arizona campus police are “ready to lock up medical cannabis patients.”
Science and Medicine of Cannabis: Coping With PTSD
Sue Sisley, M.D., is leading the way in studying medical marijuana and post-traumatic stress disorder. In her talk, “Coping With PTSD,” hear Sisley discuss the first clinical trial to study the effects of medical marijuana in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans.
New Mexico Bill Would Allow Veterans to Purchase Medical Marijuana
On Feb. 8, 2017, the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee voted to endorse Senate Bill 8, a bill that would, among many other changes, allow United States military veterans residing in New Mexico to use medical marijuana, regardless of diagnosis.
PTSD Marijuana Study Dispenses MMJ to First Military Veteran
On Feb. 6, 2017, the first clinical trial to study the effects of medical marijuana in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans dispensed medical marijuana to its first veteran at the Scottsdale Research Institute in Phoenix.
First Participant Enrolled in First-Ever Trial of Marijuana for Chronic PTSD in Veterans
PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On February 6, 2017, the first participant in the first-ever clinical trial of smoked marijuana (cannabis) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. veterans received cannabis at the Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) in Phoenix, Ariz.
Hoban Law Group Heads to Senate State Affairs Today
DENVER, Jan. 30, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Hoban Law Group is excited to announce that the SB17-17 Post-traumatic Stress Bill, to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder to the list of qualifying conditions for treatment by medical marijuana, has been scheduled for its first committee hearing Monday, January 30th in Senate State Affairs.
Veterans Affairs Canada Outs Medical Marijuana Users in Mail
On Dec. 30, 2016, Canadian Armed Forces veterans began reporting a privacy breach by Veterans Affairs Canada, as the VAC sent letters to veterans in the federal medical marijuana program with “RE: Cannabis for Medical Purposes” visible in the envelope window.
Medical Marijuana Bills Pre-Filed in South Carolina
In South Carolina, Rep. Todd Rutherford has pre-filed a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in the state. Dubbed the Put Patients First Act, the bill would allow qualified patients to possess up to two ounces of medical marijuana as well grow up to six plants.
Texas Lawmaker Filing Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana
State Senator Jose Menendez will introduce a bill in Austin to legalize the use of medical marijuana.
Canada Revises Cannabis Reimbursement Policy for Veterans
On Nov. 22, 2016, Veterans Affairs Canada announced a new reimbursement policy for veterans using medical cannabis. While veterans can now be reimbursed for medical cannabis extracts, the daily reimbursement limit dropped from 10 grams to 3 grams.
Minister Hehr Announces a New Reimbursement Policy for Cannabis for Medical Purposes
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 22, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced a new reimbursement policy on cannabis for medical purposes.
Cannabis for Medical Purposes: New Reimbursement Policy
OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — In March 2016, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Kent Hehr, announced a review of VAC’s role in reimbursing Veterans for cannabis for medical purposes.
The Cannabis Industry’s Ivy League of Educational Institutions Opens Enrollment For New York Grow Seminars in December
OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 21, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Oaksterdam University, the Ivy League of cannabis education since 2007, will be holding a seminar in New York City for those interested in an education on indoor horticulture practices in the newly legal cannabis industry.
Error in I-182 Cuts Medical MJ Off for Another Eight Months
Initiative 1-182 passed on election night, supposedly restoring the state’s medical marijuana program. But for Vietnam veteran and Butte resident Johnny Shipley, along with thousands of other patients, it is still completely cut off.
Medical Research Rising: Cannabis, Veterans and PTSD
Could cannabis be effectively treating PTSD? On Nov. 16, 2016, Marijuana Investor Summit is bringing Dr. Sue Sisley to the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, to discuss her study on the use of medical cannabis in treating PTSD.
Marijuana Training Class in Texas
A local advocacy group is looking to educate the public on the movement to reform the marijuana laws in Texas.
Congress Kills Veterans Equal Access Amendment
On Sept. 28, 2016, the United States Congress passed a stop-gap funding bill to keep the federal government operating through December; however, conspicuously absent from the bill was the Veterans Equal Access Amendment, a measure that would allow doctors with Veterans Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to veterans.
Marijuana for PTSD Treatment Now Legal in NJ
New Jersey residents suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will be able to be legally treated with marijuana under a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Chris Christie. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Eustace, D-Maywood, and several co-sponsors, adds PTSD to the list of ailments for which qualified patients can be treated under New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.
Indiana Marine Veteran Pushes For Medical Marijuana Legalization
A U.S. Marine veteran in Indiana has registered a nonprofit organization that will push for medical marijuana legalization in his state, according to an Aug. 22, 2016, article at Fox59.com. Jeff Staker started Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis to convince Indiana lawmakers to make medical marijuana legal. “There needs to be an alternative,” he said.
Illinois Patients Spent $2.9 Million on Medical Marijuana in July
On August 3, 2016, state officials announced that Illinois patients spent $2,947,223 on medical marijuana in the month of July, beating out the previous month’s record high of $2.57 million.
Volunteers Wanted: PTSD Cannabis Study Seeking US Military Veterans
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Scottsdale Research Institute are looking for U.S. military veterans in Maryland and Arizona to participate in a study examining the effects of medical cannabis in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Illinois Judge Rules PTSD Must be Included on Medical Marijuana List
A judge in Cook County, Illinois, has ruled post-traumatic stress disorder must be included with other diseases legally treatable with medical marijuana, according to an Associated Press report of June 28, 2016. Judge Neil Cohen made the June 28, 2016, ruling in a lawsuit brought by Daniel Paul Jabs, a veteran of the Iraq war.
Congress Blocks Medical Marijuana for Military Veterans
Despite strong bipartisan votes in both the House and Senate to allow military veterans to receive medical marijuana recommendations through the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.), Congressional leadership is blocking the change from becoming law.
New Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support Marijuana Legalization
A majority of Americans support legalization of marijuana, according to a new poll released by Quinnipiac University on June 6, 2016. The poll showed 54 percent of surveyed registered voters agreed with the unqualified statement, “marijuana should be made legal in the United States,” while 41 percent opposed it.
Phoenix VA Blocks Medical Marijuana Presentation
On May 26, 2016, KTAR News reported that the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center has blocked Dr. Sue Sisley’s request to give a presentation on medical marijuana and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.