Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Lawmakers Want VA To Consider Marijuana As Alternative To Opioids For Treating Pain, PTSD
The Washington Post: ‘We Should See If It Works’: Lawmakers Want Veterans Affairs To Study Whether Pot Is Safer Than Painkillers
A bipartisan measure introduced this week in the House would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to research whether marijuana is a viable substitute for highly addictive opioids in treating former military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress and chronic pain. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018 would initiate a five-year study to examine the drug’s safety and efficacy, and require VA researchers to compile annual status reports for Congress. The bill was introduced by Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), the ranking minority-party member of the committee, along with 35 co-sponsors — including seven Republicans. Companion legislation is under review by leaders of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. (Wax-Thibodeaux, 4/18)
In other news —
The Associated Press: Ahead Of 420, Advocates And Critics Reflect On Pot In The US
America's marijuana supporters have a lot to celebrate on this 420 holiday: Thirty states have legalized some form of medical marijuana, according to a national advocacy group. Nine of those states and Washington, D.C., also have broad legalization where adults 21 and older can use pot for any reason. Michigan could become the 10th state with its ballot initiative this year. Yet cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and it still has many opponents. (4/19)
