War Veterans Can Finally Get Access to Medical Cannabis in the United States

Once again it has been shown that legislators are advocating the elimination of restrictions surrounding medical cannabis: The House of Representative in the United States has passed a ruling for Army veterans to have access to medical cannabis. It is the first time in History that the two Houses have agreed to an amendment of this nature. Up until now, the gradual adjustments have kept these treatments out of the hands of ex-combatants, even in states where the plant has full legal recognition for medical purposes.

Earl Blumenauer is a Democrat congressman for the state of Oregon and was responsible for presenting the amendment in the House of Representatives. During the debate that took place before the vote, Blumenauer explained to legislators that the death rate due to opioids among veterans is much higher than among the rest of the population, and even doubles it. This is a strong reason, for putting forward alternative treatments, such as medical cannabis, which has already been shown to contribute to a drop in these deaths.

The medical use of cannabis has been shown to be highly beneficial in treating recurrent symptoms and illness among ex-combatants, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression or aggressive tendencies. Despite that, the Department of Veterans Affairs, a body responsible for looking after their rights, has prohibited doctors from considering this type of treatment.

It was in the House of Representatives where most obstacles were placed in the path of legislation in favour of medical cannabis, over the last two years. However, against all odds, its members voted 233 to 189 in favour. There was even more support in the Senate, 89 to 8 for granting veterans access to a treatment for their ailments.

Given that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved the amendment, it has more chance of being able to overcome the next step, being included in the 2017 Annual Budget, that President Obama must sign at the end of the year. Supporters of medical cannabis in the United States have applauded the decision of legislators.