Senate Votes To Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Marijuana To Veterans, Similar To House-Passed Version
Introduction
In a significant move, the United States Senate has approved a bill that includes a provision allowing doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue medical marijuana recommendations to veterans living in states where it is legal. This development comes approximately three months after the House of Representatives passed a similar provision, setting the stage for a potential breakthrough in veterans' access to medical cannabis.
The Senate's Resounding Vote
In a recent vote, the Senate approved the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) bill with the cannabis amendment, a part of a "minibus" package of three spending bills. The vote in favor of this crucial amendment was an overwhelming 82-15, reflecting strong bipartisan support.
House's Earlier Move
The House of Representatives had already advanced a similar provision in its own version of the appropriations legislation. This provision, sponsored by Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) and other members of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, aimed to grant VA doctors the ability to recommend medical cannabis to veterans.
Key Differences and Reconciliation
While both chambers have expressed support for veterans' access to medical marijuana, there are slight differences in the language of the proposals passed by the Senate and the House. These differences mean that the issue will need to be reconciled in a bicameral conference committee or negotiated by House and Senate leaders to create a final bill that can be sent to the president for potential enactment into law. This is a familiar process, as a similar situation played out in 2016 when both chambers included differing versions of the VA marijuana amendment in their appropriations bills.
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Advocates Praise the Senate's Decision
The Senate's decision to allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans has been widely praised by advocates of medical cannabis for veterans. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who introduced the amendment in the Senate, emphasized the importance of removing the obstacles that veterans face in accessing the care they need. He stated, "Outdated laws should never censor veterans' doctor-patient relationships."
Details of the Senate's Veterans Cannabis Provision
The core of the veterans cannabis provision passed by the Senate is designed to ensure that no funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs may be used in a way that interferes with a veteran's participation in a state-approved medicinal marijuana program, denies any services to a veteran participating in such a program, or limits a healthcare provider of the Department from making appropriate recommendations, filling out forms, or complying with such a program.
House's Version of the Provision
The House's version of the provision contains a similar message. Both chambers are united in their aim to empower VA doctors to discuss and recommend medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment option for veterans living in states where it's legal.
The Need for Bipartisan Cooperation
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) stressed the need for both chambers to work together and finalize bipartisan bills that address the needs of veterans and their families. The funding for federal agencies is set to expire on November 17, making it essential to resolve this issue promptly.
The Veterans Equal Access Act
The veterans cannabis amendment, if enacted into law, would achieve the same policy outcome as the Veterans Equal Access Act, a standalone bill reintroduced in the House. This legislation has received bipartisan support and has moved through committees and floor approvals multiple times, although it has yet to be enacted.
Challenges in Access to Medical Cannabis
In August, bipartisan congressional lawmakers expressed deep concern over the updated VA marijuana directive, which continues to prohibit doctors from making medical cannabis recommendations to veterans in states where it's legal. This decision is particularly alarming given the VA's latest clinical guidance on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which advises against using medical cannabis as a treatment option. Many veterans have reported using cannabis for medical purposes as a substitute for prescription drugs, resulting in an improved quality of life and reduced use of certain prescription drugs, including opioids.
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Ongoing Efforts for Reform
The Senate's approval of a bill that includes the provision to allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans is a significant step toward improving veterans' access to medical cannabis. While there are differences between the Senate and House versions of this provision that must be resolved, the bipartisan support for this change indicates a growing recognition of the potential benefits of medical marijuana for veterans. This development is a testament to the ongoing efforts to address the healthcare needs of those who have served our country.
Conclusion
The Senate's vote to enable VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans is a positive development that reflects the changing landscape of medical cannabis policy in the United States. While there are still challenges to overcome, it's a step in the right direction toward providing veterans with more treatment options and improved access to medical cannabis.
