Posted on Sep 10, 2015
Should a Vietnam veteran be denied pain pills after testing positive for marijuana?
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Should a Vietnam veteran be denied pain pills after testing positive for marijuana?
Another great article from Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM!
What do you say RP Members about this? What's your opinion? This is definitely a very touchy subject in the country right now with Veterans who are suffering from PTSD. Here are some additional articles in reference to the use of Marijuana for the treatment of PTSD:
http://www.leafscience.com/2013/11/11/dr-sue-sisley-explains-hope-marijuana-ptsd-video/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/10/why-did-america-s-only-pot-researcher-suddenly-get-fired.html
http://naturalsociety.com/marijuana-backed-studies-fda-approved-pharma-drugs/
http://www.infowars.com/marijuana-kills-cancer-says-national-cancer-institute/
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/07/25/u-s-government-patent-marijuana/
http://ksn.com/2015/09/09/vietnam-veteran-denied-pain-pills-after-testing-positive-for-marijuana/
Another great article from Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM!
What do you say RP Members about this? What's your opinion? This is definitely a very touchy subject in the country right now with Veterans who are suffering from PTSD. Here are some additional articles in reference to the use of Marijuana for the treatment of PTSD:
http://www.leafscience.com/2013/11/11/dr-sue-sisley-explains-hope-marijuana-ptsd-video/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/10/why-did-america-s-only-pot-researcher-suddenly-get-fired.html
http://naturalsociety.com/marijuana-backed-studies-fda-approved-pharma-drugs/
http://www.infowars.com/marijuana-kills-cancer-says-national-cancer-institute/
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/07/25/u-s-government-patent-marijuana/
http://ksn.com/2015/09/09/vietnam-veteran-denied-pain-pills-after-testing-positive-for-marijuana/
Marijuana
Health
What Would You Do
Disabled Veteran
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 57
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Sir, I honestly feel for this man. He shouldn't have to suffer, but when I went through IDES and met with the VA in the C&P process, I asked about smoking weed for PTSD and was told directly I could provided I was willing to give up everything I earned in my disability proceedings. Weed is still illegal by the Federal government, and that trumps the state laws and VA is regulated by the feds. I'm met many vets some who were in therapy with me, and they smoke and they say it takes the edge off and the memories are more manageable. I kind of wish I tried it, but am not willing to sacrifice my disability care for a puff of anything. Ad insult to injury I intern for the federal government and I plan on working for this entity when this is over. I won't jeopardize my future career for a puff of anything. That said maybe the feds needs to take a stronger look at the effects of weed on the body beyond the party line that's been shown for the last 50 years.
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The "court of public opinion" should never replace the clinical judgment of a licensed provider. Signing a narcotics agreement acknowledges the implications of substance use/abuse. I would not risk my license, and therefore my ability to care for other patients, for the willful disregard of controlled substance agreement. Period. On the other hand, if a patient came to me with concerns of substance addiction, I would move a mountain to get them help.
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MSG Brad Sand
LTC (Join to see)
Hey Sir, what is the current medical opinion on smoking while suffering from Stage IV Lung Cancer? I would think that is a bad idea too?
Hey Sir, what is the current medical opinion on smoking while suffering from Stage IV Lung Cancer? I would think that is a bad idea too?
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs this is a challenging question to answer. Since there may be mitigating factors.
1. If the veteran has been prescribed medical marijuana for pain, there can be complications between some of the chemicals in marijuana and other pain medications.
2. Some cancers generate little pain while others can be excruciating. The level of pain the veteran is experiencing is an important factor - whether it is constant, intermittent, exacerbated by activity or reduced by activity, etc.
3. Did the veteran have prior drug abuse problems? Some drugs lend themselves to abuse more than others.
4. Is marijuana legal in the state where this occurs?
5. What was the level of marijuana chemicals in the veteran when he was tested? Is he a casual marijuana user, a medical marijuana user [less THC], or is he somebody who "parties" a lot.
1. If the veteran has been prescribed medical marijuana for pain, there can be complications between some of the chemicals in marijuana and other pain medications.
2. Some cancers generate little pain while others can be excruciating. The level of pain the veteran is experiencing is an important factor - whether it is constant, intermittent, exacerbated by activity or reduced by activity, etc.
3. Did the veteran have prior drug abuse problems? Some drugs lend themselves to abuse more than others.
4. Is marijuana legal in the state where this occurs?
5. What was the level of marijuana chemicals in the veteran when he was tested? Is he a casual marijuana user, a medical marijuana user [less THC], or is he somebody who "parties" a lot.
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LTC Stephen F.
MSG Brad Sand - I wasn't focused on the particular veteran. I wanted to make it a more general discussion which would apply to veterans in general.
I was trying to lay out some basic considerations in general in my original response. Then i did a did a little digging and learned that 23 states have legalized medical cannabis; the Federal government still considers it a class 1 drug; and the Senate appropriates committee voted to approve an amendment that would allow doctors in the Department of Veteran Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to veterans.
I think at a national level there will be a collision between the DEEA and those wanting to maintain cannabis as a class 1 drug and those in Congress [plus the President most likely] and much of the ;populace who seem to want to make medical marijuana legal.
I was trying to lay out some basic considerations in general in my original response. Then i did a did a little digging and learned that 23 states have legalized medical cannabis; the Federal government still considers it a class 1 drug; and the Senate appropriates committee voted to approve an amendment that would allow doctors in the Department of Veteran Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to veterans.
I think at a national level there will be a collision between the DEEA and those wanting to maintain cannabis as a class 1 drug and those in Congress [plus the President most likely] and much of the ;populace who seem to want to make medical marijuana legal.
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MSG Brad Sand
LTC Stephen F.
Sorry Sir, missed that. This guy is a bad poster child for bigger question. In the bigger question, I would remain silent...maybe...other than to remind people this is still a drug. I might also comment on the level of stupidity it takes for a person suffering from lung cancer to continue to smoke?
Sorry Sir, missed that. This guy is a bad poster child for bigger question. In the bigger question, I would remain silent...maybe...other than to remind people this is still a drug. I might also comment on the level of stupidity it takes for a person suffering from lung cancer to continue to smoke?
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LTC Stephen F.
MSG Brad Sand - I concur about "level of stupidity it takes for a person suffering from lung cancer to continue to smoke." While they are graphic I like the anti-smoking commercials where one man is cleaning out the hole in his throat from throat cancer and a few of the other ones which hopefully get the message across.
I remember being encouraged to smoke in the 1970's with c-ration cigarettes, breaks only for smokers, etc. I finally quit smoking in 1987 and I am glad I did.
I remember being encouraged to smoke in the 1970's with c-ration cigarettes, breaks only for smokers, etc. I finally quit smoking in 1987 and I am glad I did.
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Maj Kim Patterson
LTC Stephen F. - there exist cannabis oil to help the pain and assorted symptoms from lung cancer and other cancers. No smoking necessary.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
My initial thoughts were to support the veteran, until I listen to the story and realize he is mixing drugs and not following the doctor's directions.
You have lung cancer and you are smoking? ANYONE? Bueller? Anyone?
In this one, I have to side with the doctors and the VA.
My initial thoughts were to support the veteran, until I listen to the story and realize he is mixing drugs and not following the doctor's directions.
You have lung cancer and you are smoking? ANYONE? Bueller? Anyone?
In this one, I have to side with the doctors and the VA.
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Maj Kim Patterson
Cannabis oil and a pill form are available for medical mj and require no smoking. This man is at the end stage of his life. I worked as a hospice nurse during my nursing career and we kept patients as comfortable as possible with morphine pumps and boluses. Is this really a safer solutions? At this point he is at the end stage, let's do the humanitarian thing; let's make him and all the other end stage or chronic justified need for pot conditions comfortable during their final days. Quitting smoking is not going to change the outcome at this point. And as an aside, let's look at our aging cardiac patients as well as our diabetics. Their life choices have created potentially deadly (at any time) health conditions. Should we deny them insulin, or any of the many cardiac drugs?
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MSG Brad Sand
Maj Kim Patterson
I hear everything you are saying but after watching the news report with this story, this Veteran is not looking at what is medically correct and only concerned with what he wants. I am not saying the diabetic should be denied insulin BUT I am saying the diabetic should not be drinking a gallon of Mountain Dew and then blaming the doctors for the insulin not helping?
For some reason people think that marijuana is not a drug, but that is the reason people use it...abuse it.
I hear everything you are saying but after watching the news report with this story, this Veteran is not looking at what is medically correct and only concerned with what he wants. I am not saying the diabetic should be denied insulin BUT I am saying the diabetic should not be drinking a gallon of Mountain Dew and then blaming the doctors for the insulin not helping?
For some reason people think that marijuana is not a drug, but that is the reason people use it...abuse it.
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Yes. Perhaps a retest in a week or two. I was in pain management After I screwed my spine up and a month with nothing for pain will drive you crazy.
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I am assuming that the Vietnam veteran was smoking marijuana to help with the extreme pain he was feeling.
However if he was smoking the marijuana to excess; he should not be allowed to take pain pills.
But Someone should have compassion for this veteran; who is either a medical professional, or a legal professional; to help him with his extreme pain. He decidedly should not have to endure his pain.
However if he was smoking the marijuana to excess; he should not be allowed to take pain pills.
But Someone should have compassion for this veteran; who is either a medical professional, or a legal professional; to help him with his extreme pain. He decidedly should not have to endure his pain.
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MSG Brad Sand
According to the story, he was smoking since 1972...and now he has lung cancer. Smoking since 1972. You have lung cancer and refuse to stop smoking. This is not something the VA is the bad guy in. You cannot protect an idiot from themselves...they are around themselves too much of the time.
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
MSG Brad Sand
"... You cannot protect an idiot from themselves...they are around themselves too much of the time."
Hahahaha, freaking the best sentence I have read on the internet, EVER!
"... You cannot protect an idiot from themselves...they are around themselves too much of the time."
Hahahaha, freaking the best sentence I have read on the internet, EVER!
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MSG Brad Sand
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
I am happy that I was able to brighten your day. Not sure if that was my best line ever...are you new to the internet?
I am happy that I was able to brighten your day. Not sure if that was my best line ever...are you new to the internet?
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It appears that Mr. Dixon was trying to get a some sprinkles for his pot cake. C'mon.. really? Did this veteran believe that everything would be ok, and his pill wish would be granted? I have much love for my Vietnam veteran brothers and sisters, but how many more times can they mention "Vietnam" in that post?
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MSG Brad Sand
SSG (Join to see)
I was shocked to hear someone that has been smoking for 40 plus years had lung cancer? Of course, it was the Agent Orange and not four decades of smoking that was the cause of the lung cancer?
I was shocked to hear someone that has been smoking for 40 plus years had lung cancer? Of course, it was the Agent Orange and not four decades of smoking that was the cause of the lung cancer?
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SGT Jerrold Pesz
Although I am from that time the repeated mention of Vietnam makes me less likely to support someone. As horrible as this may sound when someone says "Vietnam Vet" the first picture that comes to my mind is of a drunken bum begging for money. I know that those are the minority but they are usually the only ones that mention it.
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SSG (Join to see)
I totally agree SGT Pesz! I wonder if they mentioned Vietnam as emphasis, or to make people think of someone like you described?
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I don't think so hell they are making it available to vets in Washington state and with the laws about pain meds its forcing vets to seek out alternative means to deal with pain.
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