A group of Democratic senators is trying to add an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would give veterans a legal right to medical cannabis in states that have legalized cannabis. The group includes Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and multiple others.

Doctors at the VA are not currently allowed to recommend cannabis to veterans as it remains illegal at the federal level. The amendment would also have the VA study the potential medical benefits of cannabis for treating pain and reducing opioid misuse. Many veterans use cannabis to treat chronic pain, PTSD and many other medical issues.

Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, told Cannabis News Box that this would address a problem that’s long needed to be addressed.

“Rather than help veterans access such safe and effective treatment, the VA’s current policy does not allow its doctors to recommend medical
marijuana. This leads to many of their patients toward more addictive prescription drugs, self-medication with alcohol or other dangerous substances,”  Schweich said. “Doctors should not be prohibited from helping their patients obtain the best possible medical treatment. Many veterans are finding that medical marijuana is the most effective treatment for PTSD and other service-related medical conditions.”

Many veterans find themselves addicted to opioids they use to treat chronic pain, and this has contributed to a suicide epidemic in that community. If veterans can get access to cannabis to treat their pain, then they could avoid using these highly addictive opioids. Studies have shown that states that legalize medical cannabis typically see a reduction in opioid abuse.

It’s not clear if this amendment that would give veterans access to cannabis will remain in the bill that is primarily meant to approve Pentagon programs, but it would be a major win for veterans who have been fighting for access to cannabis for years if it does stay in the bill. The bill has to pass, so it would certainly become law if the amendment remains in the bill.

If it doesn’t remain in the bill, there is separate legislation being debated in Congress that would accomplish the same goals, so these Democrats could try to get that bill passed. The bill will likely be passed, in whatever form, in the coming weeks. It has to pass before the year ends.