Research Cannabis as a Treatment Option

IAVA's Policy Agenda for the 117th Congress

Current Policy Priorities

IAVA has recommended specific policy priorities to address the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans.

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Support Veterans Who Want to Utilize Medical Cannabis & Alternative Therapies

GET UP TO SPEED ON MEDICAL CANNABIS AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

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WHAT IS IAVA’S PLAN?

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Support for Veterans Who Want to Utilize Medical Cannabis & Alternative Therapies

The use of medical cannabis has been of great concern to the veteran population for quite some time. For years, IAVA members have sounded off in support of researching medical cannabis for the wounds of war. Veterans consistently and passionately have communicated that cannabis offers effective help in tackling some of the most pressing injuries we face when returning from war. In our latest Member Survey, over 80% of IAVA members supported legalization for medical use. Across party lines, medical cannabis is largely unopposed. Yet our national policies are outdated, research is lacking, and stigma persists.

Over the past few years, IAVA members have set out to change the national conversation around cannabis and underscore the need for bipartisan, data-based, common-sense solutions that can bring relief to millions, save taxpayers billions and create thousands of jobs for veterans nationwide.

America is entering a new era in the cannabis debate, and IAVA will work to ensure that veterans are protected, supported, and elevated in the national debate.

IAVA's Approach

Research Cannabis as a Treatment Option

GET UP TO SPEED ON RESEARCHING CANNABIS AS A TREATMENT OPTION

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WHAT IS IAVA’S PLAN?

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Research Cannabis as a Treatment Option

Federal research into the efficacy of cannabis is lacking. This is despite protest from many in the VSO community who posit medical cannabis could serve as an alternative to opioids and antidepressants. Further, the VA Secretary announced in early 2018 that the VA will not conduct research into whether medical cannabis could help veterans suffering from PTSD and chronic pain.

This is in direct opposition to a rising tide of opinions in the veteran community. Among IAVA members, almost 90% agree with researching cannabis for medicinal uses and 84% agree the VA should be doing this research. It is past time for federal research to be expanded and for restrictions to be eased so that research can continue into the effects of cannabis use.

IAVA's Recommendations

  • Push for VA to conduct research into the efficacy of medical cannabis as a treatment for veterans with chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions
  • Publish research and reports on cannabis use among veterans
  • Press the VA and private medical community to conduct research into the use of medical cannabis as a treatment option for chronic pain and mental health injuries
  • Encourage state-level research and ensure those researching at universities nationwide do not lose funding
  • Monitor and share IAVA members’ opinions on all elements of evolving cannabis policy

IAVA's Policy Priorities

Select a topic from the list below to learn about IAVA’s policy recommendations for the 117th Congress.