The United States has made great strides in cannabis law reform over the years. However, it is evident that there are still many federal regulations and legalizations to be implemented. This is especially true for veterans.
Canada has legalized cannabis in all 50 states. Canada introduced the Veterans Affairs Canada reimbursement policy for medical marijuana. This allows veterans to receive reimbursements up to 3 grams per day. For dried or fresh cannabis, the VAC established a flat rate up to $8.50 for each gram.
In the U.S., VA providers are allowed to discuss cannabis use with veterans, but due to the federal Schedule I status of the drug, VA clinicians More Implications for Veterans and Cannabis Accessibility
Researchers concluded that this increase in federal VA provider restrictions has consequences for veteran care coordination. The present study could inform harm reduction and behavioral interventions, given the heterogenous and rapidly evolving landscape of US recreational and medical cannabis policy.
They emphasize the need to “enhanced coordination of care” for those people who might benefit from marijuana use, but cannot access it via the VA.
Similar Researches and Looking Ahead
Researchers also noted that more research was needed to understand the use of marijuana by veterans in context of the federal VA restrictions. This included an examination of veterans’ access to marijuana and the effects this had on care coordination and outcomes. They will also examine whether marijuana could play a part in decreasing other drug abuse and related harms in veterans.
A new survey by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a group that represents more than 400,000 vets, revealed that 83% of IAVA veterans support legal access to medicinal cannabis. 55% of IAVA vets favor recreational legalization. 89% also stated that cannabis would interest them if they had it.
While there is much to be done on the question of medical cannabis accessibility, the VA continues its exploration of psychedelics. A few VA physicians are currently conducting studies that focus specifically on the possibility of psychedelic assisted therapy for those who require it.
The post Study on 1 out 10 US Veterans Using Cannabis in the Past Year was first published by High Times.