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1 in 10 Veterans Turn to Cannabis for Alternative Treatment



The legal and public perception changes towards marijuana in the United States have been remarkable. Despite these advancements, the absence of federal legalization and control is undeniable, which has particularly impacted some communities like veterans.


Canada has made strides in ensuring that veterans have access to affordable medical cannabis. The Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) recently introduced a reimbursement policy that allows qualified veterans to receive up to three grams of medical cannabis per day. This policy specifically sets a fixed rate of up to $8.50 per gram, with the option to receive dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, or cannabis oil. This is a significant step towards providing veterans with alternative treatment options for their medical conditions.


Last year in Sacramento local dispensaries partnered to give free cannabis to veterans for medicinal purposes. The Weed for Warriors Project is also fighting for veterans' rights to use medicinal cannabis.


It's no secret that U.S. veterans are turning to cannabis for relief from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain. While VA providers can discuss cannabis use with their patients, the federal Schedule I status of the drug prevents clinicians from recommending or covering medical cannabis. This means that veterans often have to seek alternative methods for accessing this plant medicine. Despite the legal obstacles, research continues to mount in support of the potential benefits of cannabis for veterans, making it a topic of interest for clinicians and researchers alike.