Weed Feed: Federal Government May Allow VA Health Care Providers to Give Medical Marijuana to Veterans if Legalized, VA Secretary Says

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WEED FEED / John Ross Ferrara / Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 @ 10:20 a.m.

Weed Feed: Federal Government May Allow VA Health Care Providers to Give Medical Marijuana to Veterans if Legalized, VA Secretary Says

VA Secretary Robert Willkie with President Trump. | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs may allow veterans to receive medical marijuana prescriptions at VA health clinics if the drug is legalized at the federal level.

VA Secretary Robert Willkie told reporters at a National Press Club forum on Friday, that he’s open to the idea.

“Marijuana is against federal law,” Willkie said. “If it changes and we find medical proof that it helps — I will look at any — of course we’d look at that. But the law is pretty clear at the federal level.”

Rumors have circulated in the past few weeks, that president Trump could make a push for legalizing marijuana at the federal level following the November elections — rumors that seem all the more likely, now that former Attorney General and avid marijuana opposer Jeff Sessions resigned last week.

The VA’s website states that its health care providers are not allowed to recommend or assist veterans with obtaining medical marijuana as long as the Food and Drug Administration classifies it as Schedule One Drug.

The FDA also seems to be lightening its stance on marijuana these days, as it approved a marijuana-based drug for the first time ever in July.

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