Congress Approves Medical Marijuana for Veterans

In a historic move, the United States House of Representatives passed an amendment today that allows Veterans Administration doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in states that have medical marijuana programs. The amendment passed with bi-partisan support by a vote of 233 to 189. The amendment passed the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year.

This is a historic day since this same amendment, known as the Veterans Equal Access Amendment, failed to pass the U.S. House of Representatives last year by 3 votes, and was later removed during conferencing. With this amendment tied to the Military Construction and VA Funding bill, it will be in the final budget later this year.

Once Congress passes the budget and President Obama signs it into law, the Veterans Administration will finally be able to provide Cannabis therapy as a treatment option to our brave men and women who have served our armed forces.

By: Christopher Cano