CITATIONS:
1. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/2108
2. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/medical-marijuana.asp
3. https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2362.
4. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/co-occurring/marijuana_use_ptsd_veterans.asp
5. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/03/13/government-marijuana-looks-nothing-like-the-real-stuff-see-for-yourself/?utm_term=.5dbeafa43ff9
6. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1820
7. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2920
8. https://www.marijuana.com/news/2017/05/the-american-legion-appeals-to-trump-reclassify-cannabis/
Second, we want better medical cannabis to be tested. Government oversight groups must question the University of Mississippi’s less-than-dismal job of growing medical cannabis for research. Advancements in medical cannabis cultivation have far surpassed whatever antiquated techniques the Mississippi-based institution of higher learning may or may not be using. Even the most basic agricultural methods could significantly improve the quality of the University’s medical cannabis. Grant money provided by taxpayers must be put to the best and most efficient use, and clearly the University of Mississippi is not meeting its’ professional responsibility with respect to medical cannabis cultivation.
Finally, we want to be on the forefront of research and the advancement of scientific understanding of PTSD. The American Legion’s 2 million members recently encouraged congress to reclassify medical cannabis (as the CARERS Act does that I mentioned above). Veterans are more eager than anyone to fully understand how PTSD can be effectively treated without the typical side effects from dangerous anti-psychotic and opioid-based synthetic drugs. It only makes sense to allow veterans the freedom of choice in treatment options and to give them the ability to discuss those choices without fear of continued stigmatization from their very own healthcare providers.