Veterans Equal Access Act

Bill 119 hr 1384, also known as the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2019, aims to allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care providers to discuss and recommend medical marijuana to veterans who are participating in state marijuana programs. Currently, VA doctors are prohibited from discussing or recommending medical marijuana to their patients, even in states where it is legal.

The bill would not only allow VA health care providers to have open discussions with veterans about the potential benefits of medical marijuana, but it would also require the VA to conduct research on the effects of medical marijuana on veterans with conditions such as chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other service-related injuries.

Supporters of the bill argue that medical marijuana can be a safer and more effective alternative to opioids for managing pain and other symptoms, and that veterans should have access to all possible treatment options. However, opponents are concerned about the lack of scientific research on the long-term effects of medical marijuana, as well as the potential for abuse. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1384 seeks to give veterans more control over their own health care decisions and provide them with access to potentially beneficial treatments. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on veterans' health care options in the future.