April 17, 2018

Rep. Correa Finds Strong Support For Medical Cannabis Research Amongst Veteran Affairs Committee / Veterans Organizations

Washington, DC—Today, the House Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing on Congressman Lou Correa’s newly introduced bill, H.R. 5520, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018.

Rep. Correa said, “I was pleasantly surprised to hear so much support and encouragement from many of my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, at today’s hearing. For years, veterans have shared how beneficial medical cannabis can be in treating the various ailments they face.”

The legislative hearing was held to listen to stakeholder’s views of Rep. Correa, Ranking Member Walz, and Chairman Roe’s legislation.

Rep. Correa said, “Hearings like this one are critical because we get to hear from the people who will be affected by our work. Today, numerous organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, shared their support for medical cannabis research. Late last year, the American Legion released a poll that found 92 percent of veterans support research of medical cannabis. With their support and advocacy, I am hopeful we can turn this legislation into reality.”

Rep. Correa’s bill, H.R. 5520, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018, authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to advance scientific and medical research into the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis usage by veterans with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. The bill directs VA to provide Congress with a report dictating their plan to conduct research. As of introduction, the legislation was co-sponsored by 28 Democrats and 7 Republicans.