Federal Government Quietly Fails US Veterans
Federal Government Quietly Fails US Veterans
I am upset this wasn’t shared by mainstream outlets. Congress failed to re-introduce language from a spending bill that would have allowed Veterans Administration doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients. I read a lot of news, it would appear not enough. I understand that I’m being hard on myself, but I honestly find this appalling. Earlier in the year, this happen as well. Congress fails to support Veteran access to medicine! When will Congress stand behind Veterans, who have put more on the line than most Senators or Congressmen?
The Huffington Post reported, “An effort to allow veterans to access medical marijuana in states where it’s legal died Wednesday night (9/29/16) when Congress passed a spending bill without the provision included.”
Veteran Affairs
I have a serious issue with the way the Veteran Affairs handles patients who medicate with cannabis. The Veterans Equal Access Amendment would have nullified a Department of Veterans Affairs standard that keeps VA doctors from recommending medical cannabis. Cannabis is a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, pain and other conditions. Veterans currently seeking medical cannabis must obtain a doctor’s recommendation outside of the VA system and pay the expense out of pocket. In Connecticut and elsewhere, why are veterans being forced to spend money unnecessarily? Politicians exploit Veterans to boost their popularity during elections, but where are these same politicians when Veterans need them most?!?! Why do we keep supporting these individuals when they fail to stand up for us?
The amendment, authored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), passed both chambers of Congress earlier this year as part of a spending package funding the Veterans Affairs department. But in June, the provision was stripped from the final version of the bill during conference committee.
If you are unhappy with how you are represented, please share this! Let’s get the attention of lawmakers!!
