Ohio Medical Marijuana And Military Veterans
For years, veterans advocates have been pushing Veterans Affairs officials to more aggressively explore research into medical marijuana's possible health benefits. An American Legion poll released in November 2017 found that more than 90% of veterans support expanding research into medical marijuana, and over 80% back allowing federal doctors to prescribe it to veterans.
Alas, department officials have insisted that the federal law restricts their ability to conduct most medical marijuana testing, and have refused those requests for expansion. Frustrated lawmakers have been sponsoring new legislation to finally allow the VA to perform research on medical marijuana.
In the meantime, veterans in Ohio have access to medical marijuana through a recommendation from a certified medical marijuana doctor. We at Ohio Marijuana Card pride ourselves in connecting veterans with the medical marijuana doctors so patients can receive the care they need as quickly and as easily as possible.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help Veterans in Ohio?
It is estimated that 20 percent of the 2.7 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will come home suffering from a mild or severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Because the VA cannot properly handle this intense influx of suffering veterans, many seek out alternatives to ease their emotional and physical pain. Sadly, because there’s so little help for these veterans, many wind up addicted to powerful prescription medications that not only threaten their life, but may not even provide the relief they so desperately seek.
And as veterans get older, many also succumb to arthritis, cancers and other painful conditions that greatly diminish their quality of life. Medical marijuana is known to ease or benefit many of these conditions, from topical creams to tinctures.
Ohio has approved 22 qualifying medical conditions for use with medical marijuana, including chronic pain, cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. Our doctors at Ohio Marijuana Card work with veterans to create an action plan for tackling their medical condition safety and holistically.
Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services, either. VA providers can and do discuss marijuana use with Veterans as part of comprehensive care planning, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
What Ohio Veterans Should Know About Medical Marijuana
Some things Veteran need to know about marijuana and the VA:
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Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana use.
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Veterans are encouraged to discuss marijuana use with their VA providers.
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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.
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VA clinicians may not recommend medical marijuana.
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VA clinicians may not prescribe products containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), or any other cannabinoids.
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VA clinicians may not complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs.
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VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for medical marijuana.
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VA will not pay for medical marijuana prescriptions from any source.
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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.
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Veterans who are VA employees are subject to drug testing under the terms of their employment.
Veteran Pricing Options For Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
Ohio Marijuana Card has already connected thousands of veterans with medical marijuana doctors. According to the most recent Patient Registry numbers, nearly 3 out of 4 veterans with an active card have come through Ohio Marijuana Card! We understand that receiving a medical marijuana card is deeply important to our veterans, but we don’t want you to break the bank just to receive the medicine and care you seek. That’s why Ohio Marijuana Card provides a discount to our veterans, just make sure to mention when scheduling your appointment so that we can apply the discount.
Scheduling A Medical Marijuana Evaluation for a Veteran in Ohio
Be sure to call us at 866-457-5559 and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed medical marijuana doctors. Our compassionate staff will walk you through the whole process of obtaining your medical marijuana card, from gathering your medical records, to veteran discounts and follow-up appointments. Your path to finding relief, healing and peace of mind is here!