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IAVA Launches Alternative Therapies and Medicinal Cannabis Advocacy Week

Wraps up its six week advocacy campaign to highlight their top priority issues 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 8, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – In the final week of its six-week campaign, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is highlighting its advocacy for alternative therapies and medicinal cannabis.

Among IAVA members, nearly 90% agree with further researching cannabis for medical uses and 84% agree the VA should be conducting this research. It is past time to expand federal funding to study the effects of cannabis and other alternative therapies.

“Our members have expressed to us just how crucial alternative therapies have been in treating PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions sustained during their service,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO for IAVA. “It is our duty to provide them the care they deserve. Legalization of medical cannabis has been gaining support across partisan lines, but federal regulations continue to undermine research attempts to prove efficacy of cannabis and alternative therapies as legitimate treatment options.”

IAVA supported the first bipartisan legislation for the VA to research medical cannabis, which passed out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee last year. Medical cannabis has gained bipartisan support and more than 30 states and the District of Columbia have legalized it. Outdated policies, underfunded research and social stigma continue to prevent people from receiving the effective alternative treatment they need.

IAVA will continue to champion the federal legalization of medical cannabis and the removal of cannabis from the Schedule 1 drug class. We encourage Secretary McDonough to introduce VA funding for cannabis research. Learn more about IAVA’s work on alternative therapies and cannabis here.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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