Indopedia All Things Marijuana
The fate of veterans hoping to get easier access to medical cannabis is in the hands of the House Rules Committee, who will vote whether to allow an amendment to be added to the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s “Veterans Equal Access” amendment would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any veteran living in a canna-legal state.
This is Blumenauer’s fourth attempt to pass the legislation. His amendment failed to pass the House in 2014 and 2015, but was approved by both chambers of Congress last year. Unfortunately for veterans, a conference committee reconciling the House and Senate versions of the 2016 VA bill cut the amendment at the last minute.
“All we’re trying to do is make conversations between veterans and their VA providers about all treatment options more accessible,” Blumenauer said. “We have Republicans, Democrats, and veterans behind this effort. Our hope is that the Rules Committee will take note of the overwhelming bipartisan support for this amendment, show compassion for our veterans, and give us a vote.”
If approved by the Rules Committee, Blumenauer will be able to propose the amendment next…
