US Democrat Senator Jacky Rosen has announced her co-sponsorship of the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, which would allow doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe medicinal cannabis to veterans in the 36 states which have established medicinal cannabis programs.
The act would create a temporary, five-year protection for veterans who use medicinal cannabis and would direct the VA to research how the treatment could help veterans manage chronic pain and reduce opioid abuse.
Rosen, who represents Nevada, said: “In Nevada, even though residents amended the Constitution two decades ago to allow for the use of medical marijuana, VA providers are still prohibited from recommending or prescribing it to veterans.
“I’m proud to help introduce this common-sense legislation to help our veterans receive the care they deserve by allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to treat those suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD as a result of their service.
“After everything they have sacrificed, our veterans deserve nothing but the best care, and I will continue to be an advocate in Congress for their long-term health and well-being.”
The news emerged as the Australian Government faced its own pressures to better understand and look after its veterans.
Following intense political and public lobbying, a royal commission into the suicides of serving army personnel and veterans was launched which campaigners hope could be the springboard for greater acceptance of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for PTSD.
