The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recently clarified its policies on medical marijuana through a directive distributed by Dr. Robert Petzel, Under
Secretary for Health. The directive recognizes a conflict between some states’ laws and federal law. Currently, 14 states have authorized the use of medical
marijuana for medical conditions such as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain; however, federal law classifies marijuana as Schedule I drug – meaning
that a medical use has not been accepted and that it is a crime to produce, distribute, or possess it. For many years, Veterans have faced issues in receiving VA care
when a private physician had prescribed medical marijuana. Additionally, some Veterans wanted to know whether VA doctors in one of the states with a medical
marijuana program could prescribe it or recommend participation in the program.
The directive specifies that Veterans who use medical marijuana are not prohibited from participation in VHA substance abuse programs, pain control programs, or
other clinical programs. However, the directive advises that changes to treatment plans might be necessary for those in a state medical marijuana program – for
instance, what other pain prescriptions are provided when medical marijuana is being used.
The directive also clarified what is NOT allowed,
including:
• VA medical providers may not provide
recommendations or opinions regarding a Veteran’s
participation in a state medical marijuana program;
• VA will not provide marijuana;
• VA will not pay for a marijuana prescription to
be provided by an outside source; and
• Veterans may not possess medical marijuana
on VA property and may be prosecuted if found to be in
possession.
