Why won’t the VA study medical marijuana?

(Spring 2018) Medical marijuana has been legalized in at least 29 states and the District of Columbia but remains illegal on a federal level. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin recently stated in a letter to Congress that the VA is unable to research the effects of medical marijuana on veterans being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain. The Veterans Health Administration even urges veterans to consult their doctors on the benefits of medical marijuana, but they are not able to legally refer patients to state medical marijuana programs due to the federal laws.

According to a phone survey conducted by the American Legion, 92% of veteran households said they support researching whether or not medical marijuana can be beneficial in treating mental and physical conditions. Another 82% said they would like medical marijuana to be a legal treatment option and 22% admitted to using cannabis to treat a medical condition. While the VA says that they are committed to researching new, effective ways to treat PTSD and chronic pain, their hands are tied.

However, despite statements made by the VA, some people question their efforts to actually research new methods. Brookings Institution Deputy Director of the Center for Effective Public Management John Hudak believes that the VA’s efforts fall short of what their capabilities are. While understanding medical marijuana is federally illegal, he argues that there are no stipulations on scientific research and also mentions several universities going through the process to study it legally. Until 2016, only researchers at the University of Mississippi could grow marijuana for scientific use, since then the DEA has allowed other institutions to apply to do the same; although none have been approved yet. Medical marijuana has not been extensively researched due to similar regulatory hurdles because it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug.

In the meantime, the VA has made an effort to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions by 33% since 2013. They also offer a wide variety of alternative treatments for patients with PTSD which include acupuncture, hypnosis, meditation and yoga. While they remain interested in looking at the possible benefits of medical marijuana, they are unable to recommended medical marijuana until the federal law changes.

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