Marijuana and controlled substances

[Anthony333777]

IF my state legalizes medical marijuana, would the VA still prescribe Adderall and Tramadol?

[JR Reihs]

14 hours ago, Tbird said:

From VA source: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/marijuana.asp

VA and Marijuana – What Veterans need to know

Several states in the U.S. have approved the use of marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. Veterans should know that federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule One Controlled Substance. This makes it illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is required to follow all federal laws including those regarding marijuana. As long as the Food and Drug Administration classifies marijuana as Schedule I VA health care providers may not recommend it or assist Veterans to obtain it.

Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services. VA providers can and do discuss marijuana use with Veterans as part of comprehensive care planning, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Some things Veteran need to know about marijuana and the VA:

• Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana use.
• Veterans are encouraged to discuss marijuana use with their VA providers.
• VA health care providers will record marijuana use in the Veteran's VA medical record in order to have the information available in treatment planning. As with all clinical information, this is part of the confidential medical record and protected under patient privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
• VA clinicians may not recommend medical marijuana.
• VA clinicians may only prescribe medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. At present most products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids are not approved for this purpose by the FDA.
• VA clinicians may not complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs.
• VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for medical marijuana.
• VA will not pay for medical marijuana prescriptions from any source.
• VA scientists may conduct research on marijuana benefits and risks, and potential for abuse, under regulatory approval.
• The use or possession of marijuana is prohibited at all VA medical centers, locations and grounds. When you are on VA grounds it is federal law that is in force, not the laws of the state.
• Veterans who are VA employees are subject to drug testing under the terms of employment.

View the full directive ”Access to VHA Clinical Programs for Veterans Participating in State-Approved Marijuana Programs (73 KB, PDF).” (VHA Directive 1315)

This was published in 2017, which it is still on the books, but make no mistake MMJ is now being used by the VA in the study of TBI and PTSD according to the DAV. They were forced into this by the Returning Vets from Iraq and Afghanistan, due to the self medicating that those Vets found MMJ or street weed was the only thing that helped them cope with life after war, replacing bags of big pharma meds that did nothing for these Vets........So we wait, and wait, and wait some more.

[Dot09]

I would imagine sometime in my life the federal government will loosen up on marijuana as a therapeutic drug. Heck we had a prohibition on alcohol back in the day. The government is slow to change but I see that changing as states adopt marijuana for recreational use to medical use.

[Sparklinger]

I’ve actually thought about this a lot. I know the VA is strict because of federal laws, but I’ve found some alternatives that help without needing a prescription.

[Rattler]

On 10/31/2023 at 11:09 PM, Dot09 said:

I would imagine sometime in my life the federal government will loosen up on marijuana as a therapeutic drug. Heck we had a prohibition on alcohol back in the day. The government is slow to change but I see that changing as states adopt marijuana for recreational use to medical use.

From your lips to GOD's ears Dot09. As I know right now the VA doesn't test you for MJ. And it's kind of don't ask don't tell.

[pacmanx1]

2 minutes ago, Rattler said:

As I know right now the VA doesn't test you for MJ. And it's kind of don't ask don't tell.

I am not sure if this is true, but prior to refilling my prescription, I have to do either a urine or blood test. Unfortunately, I can't always do a urine test when I am scheduled to go in and I have been told that if I can't do a urine test, I have to do a blood test before my PCP will renew my prescription.   

[Rattler]

5 minutes ago, pacmanx1 said:

I am not sure if this is true, but prior to refilling my prescription, I have to do either a urine or blood test. Unfortunately, I can't always do a urine test when I am scheduled to go in and I have been told that if I can't do a urine test, I have to do a blood test before my PCP will renew my prescription.   

I know from experience that the reason they do the urine/blood test is to see if you are taking the meds they are prescribing you. I know some vets that don't take the meds and sell or flush them.