Where FREEDOM Flies #2 - Flipbook - Page 9
VA and Marijuana – What Veterans need to know?
Reference Source
Several states in the U.S. have approved the use of
marijuana for medical and/or recreational use.
Veterans should know that federal law classifies
marijuana as a Schedule One Controlled Substance.
This makes it illegal in the eyes of the federal
government.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is
required to follow all federal laws including those
regarding marijuana. As long as the Food and Drug
Administration classifies marijuana as Schedule I
VA health care providers may not recommend it or
assist Veterans to obtain it.
Veteran participation in state marijuana programs
does not affect eligibility for VA care and services.
VA providers can and do discuss marijuana use
with Veterans as part of comprehensive care
planning, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Some things Veteran need to know about marijuana
and the VA:
Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because
of marijuana use.
Veterans are encouraged to discuss marijuana
use with their VA providers.
VA health care providers will record marijuana
use in the Veteran's VA medical record in order
to have the information available in treatment
planning. As with all clinical information, this is
part of the confidential medical record and
protected under patient privacy and
confidentiality laws and regulations.
VA clinicians may not recommend medical
marijuana.
VA clinicians may only prescribe medications
that have been approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. At
present most products containing
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD),
or other cannabinoids are not approved for this
purpose by the FDA.
VA clinicians may not complete
paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients
to participate in state-approved marijuana
programs.
VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for
medical marijuana.
VA will not pay for medical marijuana
prescriptions from any source.
VA scientists may conduct research on
marijuana benefits and risks, and potential for
abuse, under regulatory approval.
The use or possession of marijuana is prohibited
at all VA medical centers, locations and
grounds. When you are on VA grounds it is
federal law that is in force, not the laws of the
state.
Veterans who are VA employees are subject to
drug testing under the terms of employment.