Democrats on the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee on Thursday implored the committee\u2019s officials to start research on medical marijuana for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, calling it a potential revolution for veterans\u2019 health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a letter signed by every Democratic member of the panel, lawmakers asked VA Secretary David Shulkin to push his department\u2019s Office of Research and Development to \u201cfulfill its stated mission\u201d by looking into the value of cannabis medication as an alternative to addictive prescription opioids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVA is uniquely situated to pursue research on the impact of medical marijuana on veterans suffering from chronic pain and PTSD given its access to world-class researchers, the population it serves, and its history of overseeing and producing research resulting in cutting edge medical treatments,\u201d the letter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVA\u2019s pursuit of research into the impact of medical marijuana \u2026 is integral to the advancement of health care for veterans and the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, committee ranking member Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., said the move is overdue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTime and time again, I have heard the stories of veterans who have used marijuana medicinally to help them cope with physical and psychological injuries sustained during their service,\u201d he said. \u201cI now know for a fact that research and access to medical marijuana has become a critically important veterans\u2019 issue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n