New Veterans Affairs Policy Prohibits Denial of Services to Patients Using Medical Marijuana

August 5, 2010 10:03 AM

A new Veterans Health Administration directive issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) indicates that VA hospitals and clinics will not deny services to veterans participating in state medical marijuana programs in the 14 states that have legalized medical marijuana. Previous policy authorized clinics to deny pain medication to veterans who were using illegal drugs, and the new directive is intended to clarify the regulations related to patient use of medical marijuana, reports the Washington Post. The new guidance does not authorize VA doctors to provide recommendations for veterans to participate in state medical marijuana programs, and VA pharmacies will not provide marijuana to patients that present authorizations for medical marijuana. Further, the directive provides that VA doctors may reserve the right to modify the treatment plans of veterans who are participating in state medical marijuana programs.