For a long time veterans have been scared to tell doctors that they see from the Department of Veterans Affairs about their marijuana use.
The policy has been “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” but now this could change.
Veterans may not fear losing their VA benefits anymore as a new directive from the Veterans Health Administration is actually urging the veterans to speak to their physicians about marijuana use.
The new guidance directs VA clinical staff and pharmacists to openly discuss with veterans how their use of medical marijuana could interact with other medications or aspects of their care. This includes any care or treatment they are receiving for PTSD or pain management.
Despite being potentially allowed to discuss marijuana, the physicians are still not allowed to refer veterans to state-approved medical marijuana programs. The drug is illegal under federal law.
Under federal law, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. There is no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
