The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been urged to enable access to medical cannabis for veterans as well as to investigate medical psychedelics.
In the 2024 Fiscal Year bill, which provides funding for the VA, a provision is included that would prohibit “the use of funds to interfere with the ability of veterans to participate in State-approved medicinal cannabis programs or deny service to such veterans.”
It notes: “In implementing VHA Directive 1315, Access to VHA Clinical Programs for Veterans Participating in State-Approved Marijuana Programs, the Committee directs the Department to make appropriate recommendations, complete forms, or take other actions to facilitate a veteran’s decision to participate in such programs approved by a State and document it appropriately, to the extent allowable under Federal law.”
READ MORE: Cookies Seeds Now Available Wholesale in US
The bill also recognises the recent rise in psychedelic clinical research showing the compounds as potentially innovative treatments for a number of mental health conditions, encouraging the VA to investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for veterans.
The report notes: “The Committee recognises the increased interest in studying psychedelic therapies and their potential therapeutic effects for veterans. The Committee encourages VA to explore opportunities to assist with privately-funded research programs to evaluate the efficacy of psychedelic therapies in treating PTSD, major depressive disorder, and other serious mental health conditions.”
