FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2023
CONTACT:
Erin Moffet, Erin@TheLiaisonGroup.com, (276) 698-4856
NATIONAL CANNABIS ROUNDTABLE SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL VETERANS MEDICAL MARIJUANA SAFE HARBOR ACT
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) applauded the reintroduction of the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH). This bipartisan, bicameral bill would create a federal safe harbor protection for veterans being treated with medical cannabis in jurisdictions where such use is legal as well as protecting their medical providers that may recommend such treatment in compliance with state laws. The legislation would also provide direct support of clinical research regarding the treatment of veterans with medical cannabis and the relationship between state-regulated programs and reductions in opioid use and misuse among veterans. Additional original cosponsors of the Senate bill include U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
“As a veteran diagnosed with PTSD, I am all too aware of the harm caused by preventing millions of veterans from accessing cannabis through the VA even in states where our civilian neighbors can do so. Those who have served our country should have equal access to all available treatments without fear of lost benefits, rights, or other repercussions. Further, in the face of dual opioid and suicide crises impacting the veteran community at a greater rate than the general population, doctors should not have their hands tied when it comes to making recommendations to best treat the veterans under their care,” said Sean Gilfillan, former U.S. diplomat and Army Officer and current co-founder and co-CEO of American Weed Company, an NCR member. “On behalf of the National Cannabis Roundtable, we thank Senator Schatz, Congresswoman Lee, and Congressman Joyce for their commitment to breaking down barriers for veterans seeking alternative treatments and reducing the damaging impact of opioid misuse among our veteran community.”
The National Cannabis Roundtable is an alliance of cannabis companies, as well as ancillary services and solutions providers, who seek cannabis reform that nurtures the nascent domestic industry, protects consumers, and advances social equity.
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