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Pharmaceutical industry

Cannabis Science Hails VA's New Policies on Medical Marijuana for Disabled Vets

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has issued new policies that allow veterans to access pain medications in VA facilities even if they test positive for medical marijuana, a move hailed by Cannabis Science, Inc. as a triumph of science and compassion. According to a letter issued by Under Secretary of Health Robert Petzel, M.D., a patient's use of medical cannabis is not sufficient cause to deny them access to prescribed pain medications in a VA facility, as long as they are using it in a manner consistent with state law. This policy change has been welcomed by veterans and advocates, who had previously been denied treatment at VA facilities due to their state-authorized use of medical cannabis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new policies allow veterans to access pain medications in VA facilities even if they test positive for medical marijuana, as long as they are using it in a manner consistent with state law.
  • The policy change was hailed by Cannabis Science, Inc. as a triumph of science and compassion, and a validation of their strategy of focusing on helping disabled vets suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, and other problems.
  • The company's President and CEO, Dr. Robert Melamede, PhD, commented that it was "shocking" that disabled veterans in states without medical marijuana laws can still be denied access to prescribed pain medications in a VA facility.
  • Cannabis Science has previously reported that Dr. Mitch Earleywine, PhD. of the State University of New York (Albany) has surveyed over 1,300 veterans and others who find cannabis very helpful with PTSD.
  • The company has also reported that a widely-prescribed medication has been linked to both suicides and sudden death among veterans suffering from PTSD.

Statistics:

  • At least 87 military men have died in the past six years while prescribed Seroquel and similar drugs (NewsBlaze.com/Martha Rosenberg)
  • More than 100 similar deaths among Iraq and Afghanistan combat vets and other military personnel have been reported (NewsBlaze.com/Martha Rosenberg)
  • Over 1,300 veterans and others have reported finding cannabis very helpful with PTSD (State University of New York/Dr. Mitch Earleywine, PhD.)

Sources:

  • The New York Times (July 23, 2010)
  • Letter from Under Secretary of Health Robert Petzel, M.D. to Michael Krawitz (Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access)
  • NewsBlaze.com/Martha Rosenberg (March 24, 2010)
  • Cannabis Science, Inc. press releases (March 31, 2010, and May 20, 2010)

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