Veteran Organizations Urge Biden And DEA To Reform Cannabis Policy, Citing Health Issues

Several of America’s largest veterans organizations have rallied behind the push for the Biden administration to swiftly lower federal restrictions on cannabis. This call to action, embodied in a letter to the Department of Justice, comes after the Department of Health and Human Services recommended rescheduling cannabis six months ago.

Veterans' Unified Call For Changing Cannabis Policies

Leading veterans groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, AMVETS, American GI Forum, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association and the Minority Veterans of America are collectively pressing the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to expedite action. They argue that access to a broader range of treatments, including cannabis, is crucial for addressing the complex health challenges faced by veterans returning from service.

"We understand that the administrative scheduling process involves several steps, but the sooner the DEA moves forward with a reclassification of cannabis, the sooner it could potentially be integrated into the [Veterans Health Administration] — our nation's largest healthcare system," they wrote, according to NBC News.

Amid rising anticipation, NBC News sources indicate the DEA may announce a decision on cannabis rescheduling "in the coming weeks", potentially altering federal restrictions.

Implications For Veterans’ Healthcare

Currently classified as a Schedule I substance, cannabis is deemed to have a high potential for abuse with no recognized medical benefits. However, a shift to Schedule III, as recommended, would significantly reduce restrictions, acknowledging its potential for therapeutic and medical uses.

Despite the widespread legal use of cannabis in over 40 states, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not offer or fund medical marijuana treatments for veterans. This stance remains unchanged even as a majority of veterans express a strong preference for medical cannabis as a treatment option, with a significant 82% in favor, according to a survey by the American Legion.

Congressional Momentum Amid Public Support

The push for cannabis rescheduling has gained traction in Congress, with bipartisan efforts to integrate cannabis into veterans’ healthcare options. However, political hurdles remain, evidenced by the blocking of a comprehensive package by Republicans in the Senate.

Meanwhile, public support for marijuana legalization has reached new heights, with a recent Gallup Poll indicating a 70% approval rate among American adults.

Read more at NBC News | Image by El Planteo