New hope for Veterans considering MMJ

Veterans in this country come in all ages but a common thread amongst them after returning home from duty, is the daily battle with PTSD and physical pain. It should be our duty to serve them as proudly and fully as they have served us. So why have opiates been the go-to prescription for VA doctors when hundreds of soldiers have praised the efficacy of Medical Marijuana? The hangup stems from federal laws and the stubbornness of the DEA to authorize studies into potential benefits. The good news is, they are starting to march in the right direction.

Last week, both the House and Senate approved bills that lifts restrictions on VA doctors from talking about or recommending Medical Marijuana. This only applies to VA doctors in states where Cannabis is legal, but it is a positive sign. Now veterans can be presented a choice between opiates and this natural plant, once the bills are reconciled and signed into law.

"The death rate from opioids among VA health care is nearly double the national average," Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore; said in debate over his amendment. "From what I hear from veterans is that medical marijuana has helped them deal with pain and PTSD, particularly as an alternative to opioids."

"Today’s Senate and House passage is an encouraging step forward. Bottom-line - when veterans walk into a VA facility and talk with their doctor they should be able to discuss all options available to them," Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.; told the Military Times blog.

While the measure allows VA doctors to discuss marijuana and complete the needed paperwork for state-sponsored medical marijuana programs, it doesn't allow the VA to provide medical marijuana or cover prescription cost. Its a start and availability shouldn't be an issue in states with legalization.

Unfortunately, it was not a unanimous vote and some lawmakers against the idea said, Congress should not weigh in on the issue without input from the medical community and Food and Drug Administration. This is the catch-22 that Medical Marijuana has always been in. They won't believe the mountain of anecdotal evidence until they see science behind it, but the DEA blocks all of the studies meant to explore potential benefits. Except for a recently approved study.

In April, the DEA authorized a study which will include 76 veterans who have treatment-resistant PTSD. The study will use a variety of strains and potency for comparison purposes. The DEA's approval gives researchers the legal authority to purchase Marijuana from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to be used in the study. It is the first randomized, controlled research in the U.S. for PTSD that will use the actual plant instead of oils or synthesized cannabis. Marcel Bonn-Miller with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is now overseeing the project. Dr. Sue Sisley is conducting half of the study in Arizona and Ryan Vandrey is overseeing the other half at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Work also will be conducted at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Advocates say the research will fill a much-needed gap in US medical literature. Studies have been conducted in other countries, such as Israel and Spain but US lawmakers are adamant on ignoring those studies.

"This is a critical step in moving our botanical drug development program forward at the federal level to gather information on the dosing, risks, and benefits of smoked marijuana for PTSD symptoms," said Amy Emerson, director of clinical research for the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation.

On this Memorial day, we honor our heroes and work hard to make sure they are offered the best care possible. Thank you for reading and please share this with a friend. Medical Marijuana for veterans shouldn't be denied and the science behind it should be explored.

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