Destigmatize the Use of Medical Cannabis

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 Yet our national policies are outdated, research is lacking, and stigma persists.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.

Since the 1970s, and even before, cannabis use has been associated with criminality and non-normative behavior in an effort to alienate those that used cannabis. Today, as 35 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis medically and 15 have legalized cannabis recreationally, the long-lasting stigma of cannabis use persists. This stigma alienates those that may otherwise benefit from cannabis as a treatment option. It also means those that do participate in cannabis legally feel the need to hide it from their friends, family, and health care clinicians for fear of being judged or punished. And in the veteran community, men and women served in uniform with the clear message that the use of cannabis was not tolerated; it is a mentality that is hard to shake.

This has to stop. Too many people are in need of relief from chronic pain and mental health injuries. Veterans in particular are at a higher propensity for these classic wounds of war. With so many states legalizing medical cannabis, veterans should not feel stigmatized for exploring any and all treatment options available to them.

The veteran community is in a unique position to educate the public on the signature injuries of war, how cannabis could be used as a treatment option for these conditions, and destigmatizing its use.

• Share success stories of veterans who use medical cannabis to educate the public
• Conduct public service announcements regionally to expand awareness
• Ensure social media platforms do not silence pro-cannabis organizations
• Engage the public in a learning campaign and education platform on CBD, cannabis, and how it can be used
• Close the loopholes in VA policy which inhibit the discussion of cannabis usage between veterans and VA clinicians