Another Small Step Toward Federal Recognition

A small victory in the battle of Federal recognition, and potential acceptance was achieved recently. The battleground--the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Until recently, veterans receiving treatment at VA hospitals and clinics in their areas could have access to prescription pain medication denied, if found to be using Medical Marijuana. As cannabis is still federally illegal, patients were at the whim of their treating physicians and would often have to hide their extracurricular pain management practices.

In a move that alleviated much mental weight from veterans who rely on the government funded hospitals and clinics for free or reduced cost prescriptions, the Department of Veteran Affairs decided to tolerate Medical Marijuana uses from its patients--in the states which allow Medical Marijuana. VA physicians are still not authorized to recommend Medical Marijuana to their patients, but patients can be open and honest with their physicians about consumption without fear.

Does this signal a shift in federal viewpoint, and an eventual federal acceptance or Medical Marijuana? Only time will tell--however, at least veterans can breathe a little easier and not have to make the unfair decision between medicating naturally via Medical Marijuana, or overall medical treatment.