When discussing Veterans’ Preference most people are typically referring to the federal hiring incentives for honorably discharged veterans. Only recently has the discussion focused on veteran health care options and freedom of choice within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Recent Congressional action designed to give veterans better access to healthcare could put the issue of medical cannabis squarely in the VA’s lap, which will require a monumental shift in thinking at one of the U.S. Government’s largest agencies.
As a threshold issue, many veterans wonder whether disclosing medical cannabis use to VA doctors could jeopardize their benefits or their medical care even though the VA states that veterans will not be denied access to medical care simply because of cannabis use. Many Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) exist to dispel such misconceptions and I adamantly encourage every veteran to reach out to his or her local VSO for the most up-to-date information regarding VA policy.
CannaConsumer Magazine
Veterans’ Preference: The Choice Should Be Ours
By Patrick Kinser
Veterans should have access to healthcare options that effectively treat their service-connected disorders. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) current policies on medical cannabis are out-of-step with emerging scientific theories and evidence based conclusions especially with respect to the treatment of PTSD. Congress has the power to change the VA’s old-fashioned policies if it has the stomach to address the underlying issue of de-scheduling or re-classifying cannabis.
Cannabis for Veterans
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