Congress convened today to delve into some serious discussions regarding psychedelics and medical marijuana for veterans. You can view the stream below but for those seeking a brief rundown, we’ve got you covered.
First up was Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa, who presented the Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research, and Effectiveness (CARE) Act. This bill aimed to investigate whether cannabis could provide relief to veterans struggling with pain and PTSD. Though it seemed like a straightforward initiative, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expressed reservations, suggesting amendments to ensure the legislation’s effectiveness.
Following that was Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, who proposed a bill requiring the VA to inform Congress about any plans to explore psychedelics for veterans. The goal here was transparency, ensuring that everyone was in the loop about potential treatments. However, the VA argued that they already disclosed such information when new drugs were introduced.
Amidst the political back-and-forth, veterans’ organizations like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) advocated for streamlined access to alternative treatments. They believed it was time to cut through the red tape and provide veterans with the support they needed.
In the background, the Department of Defense considered funding psychedelic research for active-duty troops. It was an interesting development, highlighting the potential for unconventional treatments in addressing mental health issues among military personnel.
As we navigate through these discussions, it’s clear that the conversation around mental health treatment for veterans is evolving. Perhaps it’s time to explore new avenues for providing relief.
