“Currently, VA healthcare providers, however, are prohibited from providing the paperwork necessary to complete a state-legal medical cannabis recommendation, forcing military veterans to seek the advice of a private, out-of-network physician. Seeking care is hard enough, and we should not make it even harder for our veterans.” – Rep. Earl Blumenauer
The reefer madness days are done and it’s time for Congress and the VA to face the facts surrounding marijuana — most pointedly, its medicinal benefits for veterans. More and more veterans are reportedly using cannabis to help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, and several other ailments.
Nearly my entire career as a public servant, I’ve been proud to work with NORML to build understanding and consensus on the need for cannabis reform since 1973. While I was serving as a state legislator, my home state of Oregon became the first in the nation to decriminalize simple possession.
Today, I am happy to report that our movement is cresting.