We should see if it works: Lawmakers want Veterans Affairs to study whether pot is safer than pain

[jpak]

Source: Washington Post

A bipartisan measure introduced this week in the House would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to research whether marijuana is a viable substitute for highly addictive opioids in treating former military personnel suffering from post-
traumatic stress and chronic pain.

The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018 would initiate a five-year study to examine the drug’s safety and efficacy, and require VA researchers to compile annual status reports for Congress. The bill was introduced by Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), the ranking minority-party member of the committee, along with 35 co-sponsors — including seven Republicans. Companion legislation is under review by leaders of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“As a physician, I’m keenly aware of the need to look for opioid alternatives to treat patients’ chronic pain,” Roe said in a statement. “I’ve heard from many veterans, both with physical and invisible wounds, who believe medical cannabis could benefit them.”

President Trump has made veterans care one of his signature policy issues, vowing to modernize the VA medical system and expand patient access to services offered outside the government’s network. Ending opioid abuse is another of his priorities. It’s unclear whether this initiative has the administration’s support. The White House press office did not respond to requests for comment.

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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/we-should-see-if-it-works-lawmakers-want-veteran-affairs-to-study-whether-pot-is-safer-than-painkillers/2018/04/18/6183ade2-4321-11e8-bba2-0976a82b05a2_story.html?utm_term=.38d5ccdd4d87

[pbmus]

1. As a medical marijuana card holder ptsd vet....

IT FUCKING WORKS....LET OTHER VETS TRY IT NOW...

[RobinA]

8. What Does It Work For?

I am honestly curious. In my long ago experience with the substance, it's the very LAST thing I'd ever take for any kind of anxiety. People keep talking about pot for stress reduction and how it puts you in a good mood and I have to wonder if these people have ever actually used the stuff. Maybe mileages vary.

[pbmus]

12. In my case, It works for pain, both physical and emotional...

It works for issues related to my ptsd including mood, anxiety, depression...

I was exposed to agent orange and have numerous physical and psychological issues related to that experience...

You can google and learn much more about the effects of thc...

I will just say that cannabis and it’s main ingredient thc and cbd has been better than any prescription given to me by any doctor..

You can start here to help you understand what cannabis can do specifically...

https://www.leafly.com

[PoiBoy]

2. A five year study...? That's ridiculous...

There is already a study underway that is being hamstringed by the Federal government at every turn...

https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/599e48/the-first-study-on-marijuana-for-vets-with-ptsd-is-in-danger-of-being-shut-down

Two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a clinical trial that would test whether cannabis could help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. Tonic reported in April that the study's researchers finally began recruiting volunteers earlier this year—marking the culmination of a seven-year-long effort headed by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a research and educational nonprofit. But despite their initial optimism, the researchers are now worried their study may never get off the ground. And they're blaming the federal government for doing little to help.

also...

VICE News looks at veterans using cannabis as treatment for PTSD and other ailments.

I just wish they would cut out the BS...

[askyagerz]

3. I have personally been studying it for over 25 years...

and yes it helps with all kinds of pain...

[B Stieg]

4. Of course it does.

Been smoking fairly regularly for 45 years, the last 25 of which have seen me weather MS (rel-rem) and diabetes (Type II) with little pain (neuropathy) and nary a seizure, something I was told was likely in my case.

But, we definitely need to do more research!

[Shoonra]

5. Completely unnecessary delay!

There is already very thorough and adequate medical data, including that of other countries, that shows that mj relieves pain, calms nerves, soothes PTSD, and has dozens of other medical benefits. This proposal for a five year study and only inside the VA is just another ploy by prohibitionists to delay the inevitable legalization of mj. It's already legal for medical uses in almost half the states and for recreational use in about ten states. Some veterans (and others) in need of pain treatment and other benefits of mj have even moved to those States.

Just plain legalize mj everywhere, and amend the banking laws to enable dispensaries to keep their money in banks and use checks for their transactions, to reduce temptations to crimes against mj growers and dispensers.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

6. My primary physician at VA...

Said she is totally onboard with Cannabis treatment, just can’t do it. Maybe they should just interview the doctors. She is not the only doctor I’ve had contact with there that has expressed the same sentiments.

[duforsure]

7. Hasn't there been

A reduction in opioid deaths in states where they have medical MJ legally?

[lark]

9. Will they tell the truth about the results or

just continue to lie, lie, lie and keep big pharma happy by selling lots of opioids and not give a damn about all the opioid deaths? I think we know for sure with this administration, they will always take the hurtful path because they are nothing but grifters, traitors and criminals.

[Wednesdays]

10. Pot safer than pain?

At first, I thought the headline was from Borowitz or The Onion.

[Cold War Spook]

11. It is my understanding that if a VA patient

is taking pot for pain, physical or mental, they do not lose their VA healthcare.