Yesterday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted to advance the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, a bipartisan bill to promote marijuana research for military veterans.
The legislation, sponsored by panel Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), is intended to mandate studies by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. A House companion version was also filed by Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI) just three days ago.
This historic moment represents the first time a piece of standalone cannabis legislation has made it through a committee in the Senate chamber, and is a clear sign that the voices of voters and advocates are being heard on Capitol Hill.
We are encouraged by the opportunity presented by this legislation to improve the federal government’s understanding of the health benefits of medical cannabis treatment, and the promise that access to medical cannabis has for helping veterans heal from their mental and physical wounds. We are also excited by the impact that this legislation can have on building further momentum for comprehensive federal cannabis reform.