VA Allows Use of Marijuana

VA has issued a department directive allowing veterans to use marijuana in those states that have legalized the drug for medicinal purposes. The policy will not permit VA doctors to prescribe marijuana, but it will address the concern of many patients who use the drug that they could lose access to their prescription pain medication if caught in a drug screen. Under department rules, veterans can be denied pain medications if they are found to be using illegal drugs. We have watched the legalization of marijuana process in Michigan and can tell you that many unforeseen circumstances will arise with the VA's new rule. You can expect problems between different VA medical centers and VAROs. To read more about the new policy, click here.