VA Issues New Medical Marijuana Policy

shagg · Dec 21, 2017

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomang...na-policy-for-military-veterans/#5e00fbc85b90

The directive urges government doctors to "discuss with the Veteran marijuana use, due to its clinical relevance to patient care, and discuss marijuana use with any Veterans requesting information about marijuana."

However, the policy reiterates the department's long-held position that "to comply with Federal laws such as the Controlled Substances Act...providers are prohibited from completing forms or registering Veterans for participation in a State-approved marijuana program."

V.A. Misstates Federal Law

In fact, no provision of federal law blocks the department from allowing its doctors to fill out medical cannabis recommendation forms in states where it is legal, even under continued federal prohibition.

In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a federal ruling finding that doctors have a First Amendment right to recommend medical cannabis to patients, as long as they don't actually provide marijuana.

One of the tragedies of the war on drugs that continues to play out, despite great strides in the fight against unjustified prohibition, have been those who rely on the VA. Our veterans with PTSD and other relevant conditions, not having access to legal medical cannabis. And as is often the case with these sorts of things at the national level, the policy memo simply gives a thumbs up to something that has already happened for the most part, and it's merely a softening of their previous position rather than actual policy change. Doctors were already discussing this with their patients at the VA, doing everything short of prescribing it. Nothing in writing of course. But discussing the benefits with patients who have relevant conditions, and leaving them to make the decision to buy cannabis on the unregulated black market.

The article is critical of the VA for being so timid on the issue, for shifting blame to national laws and claiming they can't legally prescribe or research medical cannabis due to the Controlled Substance Act. The article claims this is not actually true , but rather an excuse. Personally, I don't blame the VA so much. They have to consider where they get their funding from and how many are relying on them. It really shouldn't be up to them to push the issue, especially with Jeff Sessions still being a factor. This is probably as good as they can do, and the fact they released the memo in the first place tells me they're trying to make as much of a statement on the issue as they safely can. While it doesn't change anything, I believe its another sign that the times are a changing and a meaningful change on the national level is possible, and possibly not too far in the future.

joG · Dec 21, 2017

shagg said:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomang...na-policy-for-military-veterans/#5e00fbc85b90

One of the tragedies of the war on drugs that continues to play out, despite great strides in the fight against unjustified prohibition, have been those who rely on the VA. Our veterans with PTSD and other relevant conditions, not having access to legal medical cannabis. And as is often the case with these sorts of things at the national level, the policy memo simply gives a thumbs up to something that has already happened for the most part, and it's merely a softening of their previous position rather than actual policy change. Doctors were already discussing this with their patients at the VA, doing everything short of prescribing it. Nothing in writing of course. But discussing the benefits with patients who have relevant conditions, and leaving them to make the decision to buy cannabis on the unregulated black market.

The article is critical of the VA for being so timid on the issue, for shifting blame to national laws and claiming they can't legally prescribe or research medical cannabis due to the Controlled Substance Act. The article claims this is not actually true , but rather an excuse. Personally, I don't blame the VA so much. They have to consider where they get their funding from and how many are relying on them. It really shouldn't be up to them to push the issue, especially with Jeff Sessions still being a factor. This is probably as good as they can do, and the fact they released the memo in the first place tells me they're trying to make as much of a statement on the issue as they safely can. While it doesn't change anything, I believe its another sign that the times are a changing and a meaningful change on the national level is possible, and possibly not too far in the future.

After spending a trilliin dollars on prohibition, doing enormous damage to fireign and our own population and having made criminal organizations virtually to Great Powers it is hard for politicians and beaucracies to justify themselves to the People.

Jack Hays · Dec 29, 2017

MARIJUANA
December 29, 2017 6:00 AM[h=2]Legal Weed Isn’t The Boon Small Businesses Thought It Would Be[/h]By Lester Black

WillyPete · Dec 29, 2017

Jack Hays said:
MARIJUANA
December 29, 2017 6:00 AM[h=2]Legal Weed Isn’t The Boon Small Businesses Thought It Would Be[/h]By Lester Black

This is the U.S., anything profitable is going to be taken over by big companies.

It also illustrates the point that the only reason marijuana has ever been more expensive than roses or high-end tomatoes was prohibition.

There's simple no way that the boutique model they've been pushing is going to last once it becomes a truly legal commodity nationwide.

Suits me fine, getting rich was never the point of the exercise.

People who feel strongly about how their marijuana is grown or prepared will have plenty of options, including growing their own, and people who don't care as much won't get shafted with artificially high prices.

California, and particularly Los Angeles, will be interesting to watch as the existing medical shops have worked hard to corner a market that will largely dissolve right in front of them. At least the state will get their cut.

Skeptic Bob · Dec 29, 2017

Yes, I enjoy using weed recreationally. But more importantly I am convinced it saved my life. I have some serious PTSD related to an incident from my military career. While I was in the service I tried all manner of prescription drugs to help me cope with it. But every month I felt closer and closer to suicide. If not for having a family I would have done it. But it was getting to the point that wasn’t enough to stay my hand. People who haven’t experienced it don’t realize how it ****s up your rationality.

The weekend after I retired from the Army, and was no longer subject to drug tests, I got my hands on some weed for the first time in my life. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, helps me cope with PTSD the way vaping weed does. It doesn’t eliminate the symptoms, but it levels them out and prevents it from becoming so severe that suicide feels like a reasonable option.

I am not saying everyone with PTSD would benefit from marijuana use, but a lot of them would. And **** the government from trying to prevent people from doing what they need to do to be healthy. Especially when it was government service that got them the condition in the first place.

yankintx · Mar 7, 2018

shagg said:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomang...na-policy-for-military-veterans/#5e00fbc85b90

One of the tragedies of the war on drugs that continues to play out, despite great strides in the fight against unjustified prohibition, have been those who rely on the VA. Our veterans with PTSD and other relevant conditions, not having access to legal medical cannabis. And as is often the case with these sorts of things at the national level, the policy memo simply gives a thumbs up to something that has already happened for the most part, and it's merely a softening of their previous position rather than actual policy change. Doctors were already discussing this with their patients at the VA, doing everything short of prescribing it. Nothing in writing of course. But discussing the benefits with patients who have relevant conditions, and leaving them to make the decision to buy cannabis on the unregulated black market.

The article is critical of the VA for being so timid on the issue, for shifting blame to national laws and claiming they can't legally prescribe or research medical cannabis due to the Controlled Substance Act. The article claims this is not actually true , but rather an excuse. Personally, I don't blame the VA so much. They have to consider where they get their funding from and how many are relying on them. It really shouldn't be up to them to push the issue, especially with Jeff Sessions still being a factor. This is probably as good as they can do, and the fact they released the memo in the first place tells me they're trying to make as much of a statement on the issue as they safely can. While it doesn't change anything, I believe its another sign that the times are a changing and a meaningful change on the national level is possible, and possibly not too far in the future.

I work for the VA in out patient mental health. Many PTSD sufferers are dumping the VA bag of pills for cannabis. The horse left the stable a few years ago on that front. I also live in Mass were its legal for all over 21. Our dispensarys
open in July, Mass is preparing for the green rush. Boston may out sell Denver on Cannabis here very soon. To you out of Staters who come to enjoy our legal weed, thanks for the tax $.

Mircea · Mar 7, 2018

shagg said:
Our veterans with PTSD and other relevant conditions, not having access to legal medical cannabis.

I'm a combat veteran with PTSD, and cannabis does nothing for me.

joG said:
After spending a trilliin dollars on prohibition, ...

The cost of not having prohibition would be double or triple that.

Dr Marta Di Forti, Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist at King's College warned that the powerful drug placed Britain's 2.1 million cannabis users at risk of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, delusions and hallucinations.

'The increase of high-potency cannabis on the streets poses a significant hazard to users' mental health, and reduces their ability to choose more benign types,' she said.

https://www.americanthinker.com/blo...oxins_and_vulnerable_teens.html#ixzz58vigERyq

shagg · Mar 7, 2018

Mircea said:
I'm a combat veteran with PTSD, and cannabis does nothing for me.

The cost of not having prohibition would be double or triple that.

Dr Marta Di Forti, Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist at King's College warned that the powerful drug placed Britain's 2.1 million cannabis users at risk of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, delusions and hallucinations.

'The increase of high-potency cannabis on the streets poses a significant hazard to users' mental health, and reduces their ability to choose more benign types,' she said.

https://www.americanthinker.com/blo...oxins_and_vulnerable_teens.html#ixzz58vigERyq

Your article contains zero science and a lot of poorly used buzz words. This is reefer madness level stuff.

shagg · Mar 7, 2018

yankintx said:
I work for the VA in out patient mental health. Many PTSD sufferers are dumping the VA bag of pills for cannabis. The horse left the stable a few years ago on that front. I also live in Mass were its legal for all over 21. Our dispensarys
open in July, Mass is preparing for the green rush. Boston may out sell Denver on Cannabis here very soon. To you out of Staters who come to enjoy our legal weed, thanks for the tax $.

I live just over the line. Hoping RI flips this year, but it's a short drive if it doesn't.

Linc · Mar 7, 2018

Skeptic Bob said:
Yes, I enjoy using weed recreationally. But more importantly I am convinced it saved my life. I have some serious PTSD related to an incident from my military career. While I was in the service I tried all manner of prescription drugs to help me cope with it. But every month I felt closer and closer to suicide. If not for having a family I would have done it. But it was getting to the point that wasn’t enough to stay my hand. People who haven’t experienced it don’t realize how it ****s up your rationality.

The weekend after I retired from the Army, and was no longer subject to drug tests, I got my hands on some weed for the first time in my life. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, helps me cope with PTSD the way vaping weed does. It doesn’t eliminate the symptoms, but it levels them out and prevents it from becoming so severe that suicide feels like a reasonable option.

I am not saying everyone with PTSD would benefit from marijuana use, but a lot of them would. And **** the government from trying to prevent people from doing what they need to do to be healthy. Especially when it was government service that got them the condition in the first place.

Here's a few articles from the American Legion:

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/american-legion-pushes-congress-medical-marijuana-hearing/

https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/02/23/american-legion-congress-medical-marijuana-research/99813/

This is the Google search I did:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ame...ome..69i57.11087j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Checkerboard Strangler · Mar 7, 2018

shagg said:
The article is critical of the VA for being so timid on the issue, for shifting blame to national laws and claiming they can't legally prescribe or research medical cannabis due to the Controlled Substance Act. The article claims this is not actually true , but rather an excuse. Personally, I don't blame the VA so much. They have to consider where they get their funding from and how many are relying on them. It really shouldn't be up to them to push the issue, especially with Jeff Sessions still being a factor. This is probably as good as they can do, and the fact they released the memo in the first place tells me they're trying to make as much of a statement on the issue as they safely can. While it doesn't change anything, I believe its another sign that the times are a changing and a meaningful change on the national level is possible, and possibly not too far in the future.

---My wife, a 100% service connected disabled veteran, was discussing the problem she had using prescription muscle relaxers with her VA doctor many years ago.
She wound up sleeping twenty hours a day or even straight through on the latest prescription, and she wasn't developing much of a tolerance to it either. So her muscles were nice and relaxed alright, because she was completely out of it most of the day.
She'd reached the end of her rope.

Her VA doctor said, "Of course there ARE OTHER medications that you can try, but the VA does not have them and I cannot actually tell you what they are, do you understand?"
And the whole time he was saying this, he was winking at her really hard.

Of course, my wife, the little goody two shoes, was clueless.
So I finally leaned over and told her, "He says you should try smoking POT."

"Like I just said, (wink wink) I can't TELL YOU what they are, but those medications are out there."

Checkerboard Strangler · Mar 7, 2018

Skeptic Bob said:
Yes, I enjoy using weed recreationally. But more importantly I am convinced it saved my life. I have some serious PTSD related to an incident from my military career. While I was in the service I tried all manner of prescription drugs to help me cope with it. But every month I felt closer and closer to suicide. If not for having a family I would have done it. But it was getting to the point that wasn’t enough to stay my hand. People who haven’t experienced it don’t realize how it ****s up your rationality.

The weekend after I retired from the Army, and was no longer subject to drug tests, I got my hands on some weed for the first time in my life. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, helps me cope with PTSD the way vaping weed does. It doesn’t eliminate the symptoms, but it levels them out and prevents it from becoming so severe that suicide feels like a reasonable option.

I am not saying everyone with PTSD would benefit from marijuana use, but a lot of them would. And **** the government from trying to prevent people from doing what they need to do to be healthy. Especially when it was government service that got them the condition in the first place.

You should try the drinks. I cannot handle the smokable buds, certainly not anymore and I never really was much of a consumer in the first place; even in my youth I was a lightweight.

But the G-farma Half-and-Half Ice Tea+Lemonade is wonderful, especially before bedtime.
You will sleep like a baby, something that has eluded me for a long time.
For me, all it took was one gulp and twenty minutes later I was in dreamland, and my wife said I looked more relaxed and happy than she'd seen in years.

Checkerboard Strangler · Mar 7, 2018

yankintx said:
I work for the VA in out patient mental health. Many PTSD sufferers are dumping the VA bag of pills for cannabis. The horse left the stable a few years ago on that front. I also live in Mass were its legal for all over 21. Our dispensarys
open in July, Mass is preparing for the green rush. Boston may out sell Denver on Cannabis here very soon. To you out of Staters who come to enjoy our legal weed, thanks for the tax $.

Wait a minute, you're "Yankintx" so do you actually live IN Texas or Massachusetts...or both?
BTW, thanks for being a valuable VA employee.
The wife and I think the world of you guys. Everyone at the Long Beach VA treats Karen like a rock star.

Checkerboard Strangler · Mar 7, 2018

NIMBY said:
Here's a few articles from the American Legion:

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/american-legion-pushes-congress-medical-marijuana-hearing/

Shulkin is an absolute ASS. Not only that, he's also the first NON-vet to ever head up the agency, so what does he recommend?
PRIVATIZATION, of course!!
I can just see it now, if Trump and the GOP are allowed to stay in power, in the near future every disabled vet, no matter how bad off they are, will just get a voucher for two thousand bucks, a kick in the teeth and a great big "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!".

Linc · Mar 7, 2018

Checkerboard Strangler said:
You should try the drinks. I cannot handle the smokable buds, certainly not anymore and I never really was much of a consumer in the first place; even in my youth I was a lightweight.

But the G-farma Half-and-Half Ice Tea+Lemonade is wonderful, especially before bedtime.
You will sleep like a baby, something that has eluded me for a long time.
For me, all it took was one gulp and twenty minutes later I was in dreamland, and my wife said I looked more relaxed and happy than she'd seen in years.

I've been told the 'cubes' of rock candy laced with whatever strain has many advantages.
If folks are going to any sort of event, a party with friends, smoking is not an option.
Folks say that the feeling is less intense, smoother, longer-lasting, without the peak and valley;
The lessening stigma of those who medically need THC, the children that take laced-food for seizures; we're heading in the right direction;

I'm happy the American Legion is with us, and I'll be reporting on these matters to our Sons of the AL next month.
What feds and states haven't come to grips with yet is an acceptable THC level in the blood for driving.
Nor whether ANY THC level in the blood should be a disqualifier for any sort of job.

Since THC has a known half-life of 30 minutes, it takes about an hour at least to come down for safe driving, imho.
Even then, momentary spacing out could lead to a car accident.
People have to learn their limits, and always drive safely ...

Linc · Mar 7, 2018

Checkerboard Strangler said:
Shulkin is an absolute ASS. Not only that, he's also the first NON-vet to ever head up the agency, so what does he recommend? PRIVATIZATION, of course!!

Makes you wonder what Obama saw in Shulkin, but I'll cut him slack for another year.
Commander Rohan has little patience with the VA stonewalling THC for PTSD.
The American Legion first pushed the trump admin for Legalizing Medical Marijuana last August. (Legalize Freedom)
She did appear recently with Paul Ryan in Wisconsin at a legit event, though the implied politicization was obvious.

I can just see it now, if Trump and the GOP are allowed to stay in power, in the near future every disabled vet, no matter how bad off they are, will just get a voucher for two thousand bucks, a kick in the teeth and a great big "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!".

At least you live in a state with access.
We've already seen GOP corporates like Gary Johnson, yes he's a GOP, take over the THC business.
GOPs must benefit personally or they will not move ...

Checkerboard Strangler · Mar 7, 2018

NIMBY said:
I've been told the 'cubes' of rock candy laced with whatever strain has many advantages.
If folks are going to any sort of event, a party with friends, smoking is not an option.
Folks say that the feeling is less intense, smoother, longer-lasting, without the peak and valley;
The lessening stigma of those who medically need THC, the children that take laced-food for seizures; we're heading in the right direction;

I'm happy the American Legion is with us, and I'll be reporting on these matters to our Sons of the AL next month.
What feds and states haven't come to grips with yet is an acceptable THC level in the blood for driving.
Nor whether ANY THC level in the blood should be a disqualifier for any sort of job.

Since THC has a known half-life of 30 minutes, it takes about an hour at least to come down for safe driving, imho.
Even then, momentary spacing out could lead to a car accident.
People have to learn their limits, and always drive safely ...

NO THC is acceptable for driving, in my way of thinking.
The problem is, it doesn't disappear the way alcohol does, so levels must be measured as "active", not trace remnants from past use.
I've always made it a policy to NEVER drive impaired at any level whatsoever, and I don't drink anyway.
Believe me, pot keeps ME impaired MUCH longer than 30 minutes, much longer than an hour!

Linc · Mar 7, 2018

Checkerboard Strangler said:
NO THC is acceptable for driving, in my way of thinking.
The problem is, it doesn't disappear the way alcohol does, so levels must be measured as "active", not trace remnants from past use.
I've always made it a policy to NEVER drive impaired at any level whatsoever, and I don't drink anyway.
Believe me, pot keeps ME impaired MUCH longer than 30 minutes, much longer than an hour!

THC level for driving was a big discussion under the radar in Colorado before they legalized.
That's where my info is coming from, as they did extensive testing for a couple of decades.
GOPs wanted 5 nanograms per deciliter of blood, DEMs wanted ten; what a surprise.

Problem is, as you alluded to, folks wake up with a certain level in their blood, up to 10 ng/dL for heavier users.
Even that can be a medical concern while people are 'straight' the next day and in public, a different type of hangover for sure.
And yes, I agree with you on driving. The paranoia alone ought to be enough to make folks stop and think ...

yankintx · Mar 8, 2018

Checkerboard Strangler said:
Wait a minute, you're "Yankintx" so do you actually live IN Texas or Massachusetts...or both?
BTW, thanks for being a valuable VA employee.
The wife and I think the world of you guys. Everyone at the Long Beach VA treats Karen like a rock star.

I lived in TX several years. I moved to Mass shortly before election day 2016. I sure wish TX would get there act together for a decent medical cannabis program. What's in place now does not allow our Vets to use cannabis for PTSD. Why does Austin want our Vets to suffer?

Thoreau72 · Mar 8, 2018

Mircea said:
I'm a combat veteran with PTSD, and cannabis does nothing for me.

The cost of not having prohibition would be double or triple that.

Dr Marta Di Forti, Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist at King's College warned that the powerful drug placed Britain's 2.1 million cannabis users at risk of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, delusions and hallucinations.

'The increase of high-potency cannabis on the streets poses a significant hazard to users' mental health, and reduces their ability to choose more benign types,' she said.

https://www.americanthinker.com/blo...oxins_and_vulnerable_teens.html#ixzz58vigERyq

How do you figure the cost of "not having" prohibition would double or triple that?

roguenuke · Mar 12, 2018

We really need to stop the ridiculous prohibition of marijuana. We need to study this, legally. And people should not be going to jail anywhere in the US for possessing marijuana. I'm for regulating it like alcohol and cigarettes (age limits, driving restrictions, taxes, smoking in public limits, etc.). I'm also for finding other effective ways to use it (CBD may be beneficial for and something I'd like to at least have the option of and info on for my son's autism and seizures, but I certainly don't want my 8 year old smoking a joint). I honestly think there should be a separation of medical marijuana (which should be done through vaporizers and other more normal methods of intake than smoking) and recreational marijuana (if you want it, go for it, but it needs to be from your pocket not using insurance or other medical funds to pay for it). I have no doubt that it won't be nearly as cheap as some people imagine (don't think legalizing will completely make those selling it illegally give up selling it either, at least not for a while).

VA Issues New Medical Marijuana Policy

shagg

Wading Through Bull****

joG

Jack Hays

Traveler

WillyPete

The sound of one chao mooing.

Skeptic Bob

yankintx

Mircea

shagg

Wading Through Bull****

shagg

Wading Through Bull****

Linc

NIMBY

Checkerboard Strangler

Make Video Horizontal Again

Checkerboard Strangler

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Checkerboard Strangler

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Linc

NIMBY

Linc

NIMBY

Checkerboard Strangler

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Linc

NIMBY

yankintx

Thoreau72

roguenuke