If a bill advanced by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passes in Congress, the VA would be required to research the benefits of medical-grade cannabis, pictured here. (Photo: NIDA)
One of the 18 bills advanced by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Nov. 4 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to research the benefits of medical-grade cannabis for veterans and servicemembers.
The bill, officially known as the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021, was introduced to the committee by U.S. Representative J. Luis Correa (D-CA). If passed by Congress in its current form, the bill would require the VA to research “certain health outcomes” of veterans who use medical-grade cannabis for chronic pain or PTSD.
Regarding the treatment of chronic pain with cannabis, the bill specifically outlines 14 different illnesses or conditions including certain types of cancers, cognitive effects, “cardiovascular events,” and injuries caused by vehicle accidents.
The bill also states that any trials conducted by the VA must include an experimental group and control group of similar sizes and demographics, and must be measured using the same structure and methods. Additionally, it would require all trial data to be preserved for future studies.
Participation in any studies authorized by this bill would not affect veterans’ eligibility for VA benefits.
Federal Medical Cannabis Research
If the VA were required to research medical cannabis, it would join numerous other federal departments.
Currently, medical cannabis products are legal in 36 states, including California. Cannabis use of any kind is technically illegal under federal law but enforcement is not typical and the Food and Drug Administration has even approved several drugs containing cannabis-derived substances after significant research.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse notes that cannabis-derived products may offer more medical benefits versus “the use of whole marijuana plant or its crude extracts.” However, the NIDA also recommends further research on both benefits and potential adverse side effects of medical marijuana.
2021 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Bills
California American Legion is breaking down different bills advanced by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Nov. 4. Click the link below to see the full list:
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.