Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

VA Rejects New Cannabis Research Bill For Veterans, Calls It 'Redundant'

Does the VA know what its doing on cannabis policy?
Does the VA know what its doing on cannabis policy?
Photo by Jessica Radanavong on Unsplash
Bluntness Editorial
By Bluntness EditorialJun 29, 2021
Bluntness Editorial
The Bluntness Editorial Staff is dedicated to bring you the many stories of cannabis culture - stories that speak to the enthusiast and expert in an unfiltered but factual manner. Everyday, our writers brings you deeply insightful and honest perspectives from all corners of the cannabis world, including some you may not expect.
See Full Bio
Follow:

This article was originally published by Nina Zdinjak on Benzinga and appears here with permission.

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee reviewed a bill that would ask the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to run clinical trials on the potential benefits of cannabis for the treatment of military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. 

The measure, sponsored by chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), was discussed along with another 20 veteran-related bills although only the cannabis measure was not openly discussed but rather received written testimony opposing it, reported Marijuana Moment. 

Is The VA Against Cannabis Research For Veterans? 

Although VA Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Health for Community Care Mark Upton said the agency does not support this proposed legislation, it is not against cannabis research for veterans in general. 

Nevertheless, the VA seems to find the new legislation to be redundant and therefore unnecessary. 

As stated in testimony: “The proposed legislation is redundant to the extent that VA is already examining risks and benefits of cannabis in treating PTSD and chronic pain. For these reasons, VA does not support this proposed legislation.”

The agency also specifically argued against the provision that would require it to study “at least seven types of cannabis,” a task the VA finds inconsistent with "the current state of scientific evidence, which suggests that smaller, early phase, controlled clinical trials with a focused set of specific aims are optimal to determine proof of concept for use of cannabis in treating specific conditions.”

Upton wrote that the VA continues to research existing clinical evidence on the medical benefits of cannabis and acknowledges that more research is necessary.

 “VA has utilized the scientific peer review system and is currently supporting a clinical trial of CBD to treat PTSD where CBD is used as an add-on treatment to standard of care psychotherapy. The results from this study should be available next year,” Upton wrote.

Need a little more Bluntness in your life? Check out our YouTube page! 

The Latest

gif of Aubrey Plaza smelling a newly cut stalk of fresh cannabis
Wellness

Rise of the Ganjier

image of a circle of doctors and surgeons standing over and looking at a patient on operating room table
News

Cannabis & Cancer: The Evidence Is In—So Why Is the Medical Establishment Still Dragging Its Feet?

Image of the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign in Las Vegas, NV
News

Nevada’s First Cannabis Lounge Closes—And It’s a Symptom of a Bigger Problem

map of medical and recreational cannabis retailers in state of New York
News

Legal Weed, Legit?

More For You

Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Giphy

Aging & Cannabis: New Findings

For decades, cannabis has been widely regarded as a substance with potential cognitive risks, particularly when used over long periods. Governments across the globe have classified it as a controlled substance, citing concerns about the effects of marijuana use, including memory loss, diminished executive function, and long-term neurological impact. But new research is challenging this long-standing assumption, suggesting that cannabis use may not be linked to age-related cognitive decline—and might even be associated with better cognitive preservation over time.

A recent study published in PubMed (NIH, 2024) followed over 5,000 men for more than four decades to analyze the long-term cognitive effects of cannabis use. The results? Men with a history of cannabis use experienced less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to those who never used cannabis.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lights, Camera, Cannabis: The New Theater Experience
Cigar smoking in a bar....
Giphy

NY Movie Theaters: High on Cannabis Lounges

In the dimly lit ambiance of New York City's historic movie theaters, the scent of buttered popcorn has long been the olfactory hallmark. However, as cannabis legalization sweeps across the state, a provocative question emerges: Could the future of cinema include the aroma of cannabis alongside the traditional concessions?

The Current Landscape of Cannabis Consumption Lounges

New York State’s Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) casts a long shadow over this budding idea. Enacted to safeguard public health, the CIAA prohibits smoking and vaping in most indoor workplaces, encompassing bars, restaurants, and, notably, movie theaters. The act defines smoking expansively, including the burning of tobacco, cannabis, or cannabinoid-hemp products. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 for each infraction, underscoring the state’s commitment to maintaining smoke-free public spaces.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash

Are You Ready to Master Cannabis Lingo? Explore Essential Terms Now

This glossary covers key cannabis-related terms that can help consumers better understand the cannabis industry, products, and their effects. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to deepen your knowledge, these definitions offer clarity on common terms you might encounter.

Cannabis Basics: What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a fascinating plant species that includes three main types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each of these species has unique characteristics and effects. The cannabis plant is a complex organism, rich in various compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to the plant’s diverse range of effects and therapeutic benefits. Cannabis plants are cultivated for both medicinal and recreational purposes, and they can be consumed in multiple forms, including dried flower, extracts, and edibles. Whether you’re interested in the energizing effects of Cannabis sativa, the relaxing properties of Cannabis indica, or the unique traits of Cannabis ruderalis, there’s a cannabis plant to suit every need.

Cannabis Products: Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis extracts are highly potent products derived from the cannabis plant using various extraction methods, such as solvents or CO2. These extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that can be used in several ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, or as ingredients in edibles and topicals. There are several types of cannabis extracts, each with its own texture and potency, including wax, shatter, oil, and crumble. These products are often favored for their high cannabinoid content and are commonly used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief and anxiety management. Whether you’re looking for a powerful dabbing experience or a potent ingredient for your homemade edibles, cannabis extracts offer a versatile and effective option.

Keep ReadingShow less
Talking Joints Memo - Chris Faraone
Talking Joints Memo - Chris Faraone

Massachusetts State Lawmakers Release Scathing Critique of MA's Cannabis Control Commission

By Chris Faraone, Talking Joints Memo. Reprinted with permission from Talking Joints Memo. .

“The public deserves some accountability on why these issues have proven so hard to stamp out, and what long-term changes the agency is making to get its work done with more transparency and efficiency.”

There has been endless drama around the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission over the past few months, all of which is only heightening in the wake of state Treasurer Deb Goldberg suspending the agency’s chairwoman last week.

Keep ReadingShow less
What's Going on With New York's Legal Cannabis Rollout
What's Going on With New York's Legal Cannabis Rollout

What’s Going on with New York’s Legal Cannabis Roll Out? 

The New York cannabis industry is facing a complex and challenging landscape as it transitions from a medical marijuana program to a fully legal recreational market. Despite the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis in the state, there are still many issues to be addressed, including regulatory compliance, licensing, distribution, capital and equity concerns, and of course, litigation.

Recently, several lawsuits have been filed against the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which are the agencies responsible for overseeing the state's cannabis industry.

Keep ReadingShow less