Despite the growing body of research confirming the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for PTSD, chronic pain, and other ailments often suffered by veterans of this country’s wars, the Department of Veterans Affairs has doubled down on its commitment to block veterans from using medical cannabis. Ever since states began legalizing medical cannabis programs, VA officials have prohibited government physicians from assisting veterans in qualifying for these programs.
The department updated their website this week to make their anti-cannabis stance even more clear. “Veterans should know that federal law classifies marijuana – including all derivative products – as a Schedule One controlled substance. This makes it illegal in the eyes of the federal government,” the site now reads. “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is required to follow all federal laws including those regarding marijuana. As long as the Food and Drug Administration classifies marijuana as Schedule One VA health care providers may not recommend it or assist Veterans to obtain it.”
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