What are your thoughts on the Senate Approving Medical Cannabis Use?

2015-11-17T22:19:41-05:00

http://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/235208-senate-bill-gives-military-veterans-access-to-medical-marijuana
........ Recently, the Senate approved a Bill that would allow the VA to prescribe Cannabis use for PTSD, and other Ailments, such as pain management. The only issue I have, is that I believe that Cannabis itself being blindly prescribed is a bit of an issue. The science behind it all is that specific chemical compounds, within the plant, cure what ails you. That's what should be getting the attention. Only because there is such a stigmatism on the plant itself, from the old guard. The "Reefer Madness" Days. And we should all be educating the masses on this. I outlined this in a Command Post Article I contributed a few months back pertaining to CBD and PTSD.
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/ptsd-help-for-the-returning-veteran
..........Other Chemicals pertain to Pain Management, Cancer curing, Brain Cell Revitalization, Tumor Shrinking, and many other medicinal cures.

Senate bill would give military vets access to medical marijuana

Sen. Booker says proposal would "right decades of wrong."

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-11-17T23:17:14-05:00

What ever helps the wounded.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 17 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-11-17T23:23:47-05:00

Cpl Robert Masi If there is a true clinical benefit that can't be accomplished via something else then the medical use of Cannabis under a Doctor's care makes sense to me. I am not a fan of total legalization, but I would like to see the laws target dealers/large quantities verses individual use.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Nov 17 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-11-17T23:54:18-05:00

I want to try it and see if it will help with the pain when I have migraines.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 18 at 2015 12:07 AM

2015-11-18T00:07:44-05:00

Sounds to me like a solution looking for a problem.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-11-18T00:24:23-05:00

I would like to see it done small and conservative until we know more about how and if weed will help our vets. I hope it works for our vets but I trust the VA to mess it up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 2:03 AM

2015-11-18T02:03:15-05:00

I think a vast majority would like to see the military at least humor the idea of experimenting with cannabis.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 18 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-11-18T02:06:24-05:00

If weed can do the same or better job as narcotics, I'm all for it. No one has ever overdosed on MJ, yet people die all the time from abusing prescription medications. Especially narcotics!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 2:49 AM

2015-11-18T02:49:30-05:00

It never, NEVER helped me with pain. It just made me Sleepy and sick

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 18 at 2015 6:26 AM

2015-11-18T06:26:57-05:00

Ah! Let me see my thoughts...don't care? Yep, it's "Don't care". Air Planes are being blown out of the sky, our allies are being killed in droves and congress wants to talk about weed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 7:33 AM

2015-11-18T07:33:23-05:00

I strongly support medicalization of marijuana, especially for Veterans. There are so many ways this is better than narcotics, which the VA pushes to hard on veterans.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 18 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-11-18T09:38:38-05:00

I see it like this, most people that use, do it illegally and so if it's going to become legal to benefit those that honestly need it go for it!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Nov 18 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-11-18T11:21:28-05:00

I would be willing to try Cannabis in it natural form, meaning grown in my back yard for the purpose of TBI and PTSD treatment as an alternative to the other meds I take to sleep and pain management whose side effects add to my dizzy spells.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 18 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-11-18T11:29:56-05:00

If the Federal laws are changed to permit the use of marijuana, I have no problem with it as long as the substance is controlled just like any other mind altering substance.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 18 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-11-18T12:05:11-05:00

If it helps where other treatments do not it should be up to the individual.
I will never touch the stuff because it is not worth jeopardizing/losing my pilots license or mechanic's certificates over.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 18 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-11-18T12:06:40-05:00

It's good to go. Veterans are asking to inject Herion; its pot. Who has died from smoking pot? Who has died from an alcohol overdose? It doesn't make sense.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 18 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-11-18T12:14:17-05:00

First, I actually have no problem with an adult, aware of the negative effect, using cannabis, but they also need to be hammered when their use effects the safety of others and they should not qualify for Government assistance of any type. Additionally, I think if it is used for valid medical purposes, more power to those using it BUT I think anyone abusing the DRUG or intentionally mis-prescribing it should be made an example to keep others honest. For the record, made an example does not include incarceration but the loss of their license to practice medicine...unless their misuse crosses a line into additional violations of the law.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 18 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-11-18T13:24:21-05:00

My personal medical opinion (as a NURSE...I am not an MD...)....: 1. Medical Marijuana is often given in the form of tablets, oils, and such...these have been processed in such a way as to have LESS of the THC (stuff that gets you high). I have read reports that this will help decrease seizure activity and provides a large number of other benefits. You WILL still piss hot if doing a drug screening, but you will not get high like smoking the weed you buy at the local head shop or on the corner down the street. Due to the fact that it has been identified as "illegal" for so many years, we don't have large amounts of data supporting or refuting the Medical use, but I suspect that we could start to get some feedback over the coming years. I think that there should be caution in using it, just as there should be caution in using ANY medication. Over use or incorrect use/abuse should not be tolerated. I have no problems with the VA being allowed to use it. In fact, I encourage it, as long as good documentation takes place that data can be mined later to help show benefit/drawback.
2. Recreational use Marijuana, I really don't care about either, but I want 2 or 3 things FIRST.... Field sobriety testing that will tell if a person is under the influence NOW (like alcohol) due to the fact that MJ is fat soluble, you will test positive for up to a month, but that does not mean you are actively under the influence/high. The other thing I would want is the opportunity for business owners to set the standards that they find acceptable for their business about on and off timeclock use, testing/random testing, if for no other reason than to protect the business/business owners and managers. Goes back to having a test that can identify active intoxication vs. just using it a week ago...

Response by SGT Cody Skinner made Nov 18 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-11-18T14:17:12-05:00

I think it's the first step forward in finding a Prescription that will help with a Veteran's problems. It's not a perfect science, but it is a million times safer than the pills the VA currently prescribes. No one have ever over dosed on Cannabis.
Unfortunately I live in a State that has not legalized Medical or Recreational Use yet. So I can not talk from experiences. I do have a few Battle Buddies who live in States where it is legal and from their experience it has helped more than most pills the VA prescribes. Most of the time the pills make them feel like Zombies, basically not caring about anything. Now are least they can function.
Unfortunately until we remove the negative stigma given to the plant in the "Reefer Madness" Days other Veterans won't be able to get the help they need. That is unless you want to risk the consequences of getting it by less than legal means.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-11-18T16:35:14-05:00

I've said this time and time again in different discussions abroad. If it is medically proven to help patients with their illnesses, then it should be used to help people who are medically needing it. Should the drug be legalized, NO! The problem is we live in a society today that takes minimal responsibility and accountability for their actions! The immaturity of people throughout the US, cannot handle a drug that potentially leads to harsher drugs. Not much different than alcohol and it is legal to purchase at the store, it contributes to a lot of negative in abusers lives daily. No way we need another enabler that will do the same. That is my opinion! Not going to lie, if I was sick and Mary Jane could help, I would use it!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Nov 18 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-11-18T17:55:51-05:00

This is a great bill. My PCP has just offered me a prescription to fight my constant nausea created by my implanted pain pump. I had pancreatic cancer but I beat it. The nausea is horrible and if the oil they prescribe helps without terrible side effects.it will be great.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Nov 18 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-11-18T20:45:08-05:00

It's a free country ain't it.

Response by SFC Brian Ewing made Nov 19 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-11-19T12:15:11-05:00

I think it is a bad move but I guess the objective is to be able to control the substance so maybe it isn't bad because we know that there will always be a demand. The only negative connotation it sends out to kids is that the Government is condoning the use of marijuana and it's ok as long as the Government says it's ok. They did it with lifting prohibition now they're doing it with weed, what next, approval of medicinal Cocaine (I'm being facetious,lol).

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Nov 20 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-11-20T11:11:26-05:00

My thought is that this should never have become an issue because drugs should never have been banned in the first place.
This nation was founded on Natural Rights philosophy, which is concisely summed up in the 2nd paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. We're all equally endowed with Natural Rights, the fundamental of which are Life, Liberty, and Property which also form the basis of others such as Association, Privacy, Movement, Trade, and Self-Defense and the purpose of government is to protect these rights with its legitimate authority deriving from the voluntary consent of the governed. When talking about any law, which is the threat or application of force via the government in our names, the key question to consider is whether or not that which is legislated violates the rights of anybody else IN AND OF ITSELF. In the case of marijuana use, the answer is no. As such, laws prohibiting this are an illegitimate abuse of government power that violates the Natural Rights of Liberty, Property, Association, Privacy and Trade and should be repealed.

Just as drug prohibition fails in Principle, so too does it fail in Practice. Anybody who’s been around any other people for more than 5 minutes knows that simply making something illegal won't stop people from doing it and anybody who paid attention for the first 5 minutes of a basic economics class knows that where demand exists, suppliers will emerge whether what's demanded is legal or not. This applies even more to drugs. Since drug use violates nobody else's rights, laws against them lack the same moral force as laws against things like murder, thievery, rape etc.

In summary, all we've done with the drug war is given a monopoly on a huge business to criminals. This has led to even more crime as gangs finance their nefarious activities with drug money and fight for turf on which to sell it. We're losing billions every year trying to enforce this law, billions more in tax revenue, billions more in ‘aid’ to drug producing countries, billions more on useless farm subsidies that wouldn't be needed were the prohibitions listed and this whole time, the drug war's become a pretext to violate even more of our rights.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-11-20T11:15:28-05:00

Well ... let them do their job ...

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Nov 20 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-11-20T14:25:09-05:00

I defer to the medical community. If more research is needed on the topic, let it happen. Thus far, cannabis has shown promise in combating side effects of chemotherapy. There may be other valid applications.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Nov 21 at 2015 3:42 AM

2015-11-21T03:42:52-05:00

What took them so long? There are more benefits to medical marijuana for multiple medical issues than there are side effects of most prescription medications. If you don't believe me do the research!

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 21 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-11-21T11:05:30-05:00

This proves that everything serves a purpose in the Grand Design. Just use it responsibly. Coffee helps in the morning, but don't be like my former XO who drank 15 cups a day!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-11-21T19:45:57-05:00

I am looking for my ACDC and RUSH records.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Apr 17 at 2023 2:00 PM

2023-04-17T14:00:35-04:00

Good afternoon Cpl Robert Masi. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 17 at 2023 2:24 PM

2023-04-17T14:24:56-04:00

We cannot win the "sins" wars. All we do is present organized crime with huge profit margins justified by risks. If people want to engage in recreational activities that make them less productive, less competitive, let them.

On the other hand, with greater responsibility comes greater accountability. If you are intoxicated from ANY recreational intoxicant, and that intoxication leads to death or injury, the penalties should be draconian, life ruining. In addition, the use of recreational intoxicants should preclude any government subsidies or entitlements from people who become addicted to the level that they are no longer capable of holding gainful employment.

Response by PO2 Richard Worden made Apr 17 at 2023 5:46 PM

2023-04-17T17:46:55-04:00

I wish I could get etables to help with pain. I have been asking for years to get it.

Response by TSgt Leigh Nichols made Apr 19 at 2023 1:09 AM

2023-04-19T01:09:20-04:00

I'm not in the state and where it is legalized, nor do I give a shit. I took the va's medication for my PTSD anxiety and depression for 6 years!!! Their pills and medication made me worse, my anger got worse, ruined marriage because their pills made me suicidal and had a gun to my head and I was ready to pull the trigger!!!!! For the past 3 years I have been off their medication and I have responsibly used edibles to help me sleep or when all of my issues arise and my demons wake up I will do one during the day.... Cannabis, hemp, weed, marijuana, whatever the hell you want to call it God created it and I'm going to choose a big pharma medication over what God planted on this Earth??? I don't think so!!! And I see a lot of officers and a lot of first sergeants and a lot of high ranking people against this, nice to know things haven't changed cuz they're higher ranks never gave a crap about their lower ranking people who were in the trenches ruining their minds and bodies for the mission!

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 26 at 2023 6:00 PM

2023-07-26T18:00:46-04:00

It's a joke. The intent is to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The fact is wars on sin cannot be won and they merely enrich the criminal element. Legalize it all. Then hold people accountable for their actions or inactions caused by their abuse.

No one has died from marijuana use, but I can name a dozen or so 20-somethings in my rural community, kids with high intelligence and drive who now are content to live paycheck at low-skill, low-pay jobs, have babies they cannot support, and spend most of their free time vaping marijuana and playing video games.

Response by SGT Richard Jones made Jul 26 at 2023 8:40 PM

2023-07-26T20:40:05-04:00

Been utilizing the stuff all along so...I'm all in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 10:16 PM

2023-07-26T22:16:15-04:00

Are they going to let all the incarcerated "Users" out...

Response by Sgt Kerry Thurlow made Jul 27 at 2023 6:44 AM

2023-07-27T06:44:06-04:00

I live in a state where Cannabis is legal-- medically legal and recreationally legal. What do I think about the VA using this as a tool to treat veterans? OUTSTANDING! Knowing that my chronic pain treatment won't be discontinued because I have THC or CBD in my system makes me happy--- beyond happy.

To me, it's like any other treatment or medication...a private decision between provider and patient.

Response by SR DiLynn Stephens made Jul 27 at 2023 5:25 PM

2023-07-27T17:25:54-04:00

Considering how much better my own quality of life is because of it, I am completely in favor.

Response by SPC Collyn Lorimer made Jul 28 at 2023 12:18 PM

2023-07-28T12:18:27-04:00

Just like people that don't know anything about guns you shouldn't demonize something if you've never tried it. In over 10,000 years of use of marijuana no one has ever died from it. I personally don't know anybody that's ever had a psychotic episode from smoking marijuana but I know several people that have had psychotic episodes from the mixture of drugs that the VA loves to give you.

Response by SGT John Shatesky made Aug 20 at 2023 10:53 AM

2023-08-20T10:53:57-04:00

For medical use only with strict guidance from primary doctors. Not just a nurse, the doctor. Close accountability of use.