We did it! (Again!) Today, for the second time in history, the House of Representatives…
Category: Cannabis Caucus
“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
My bipartisan bill, the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act (HR1151), would end the current medical prohibition on VA doctors. Specifically, this bill would also create a federal safe harbor protection for veterans and their doctors in using or recommending medical marijuana where it is legal in that State or Indian Tribe. Similar language to protect VA doctors had been previously considered and approved in both chambers of Congress, but shamefully it was stripped out of the final package.
Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (NY) introduced The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act.
Today, Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Earl Blumenauer introduced legislation to allow for interstate commerce when it comes to state-legal cannabis programs.
For the first time ever, the House of Representatives just voted to restrict the Department of Justice from interfering with the states that have legalized adult-use marijuana.
Next week, the two key committees will hold hearings on various aspects of federal marijuana policy.
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.