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

Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
News

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

What is Moon Rocks Weed? - The Bluntness
Strains

Moon Rock Weed: Out of This World

What's Unique about the Girl Scout Cookie Weed (GSC) Strain? - The Bluntness
Strains

Discover GSC: A Unique Weed Strain

More For You

Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness
Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness
Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist on Unsplash

Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness

Kanye West, aka Ye, isn’t just trending—he’s unraveling in real time. And instead of intervention, we get viral clips, condemnation, and an audience watching a man self-destruct. His latest stunt? Airing a Super Bowl ad promoting a swastika-emblazoned Yeezy shirt on his site—a move so blatantly antisemitic that even the most die-hard supporters had to step back. This act garnered significant media coverage, leading to brands cutting ties and agents dropping him. His social media account faced scrutiny and was ultimately deleted after a history of controversial postings. But here’s the problem: canceling Kanye doesn’t fix Kanye.

At this point, the question isn’t whether his actions are inexcusable (they are). The question is, what happens when one of the world’s most influential figures is also one of the most untreated cases of mental illness in pop culture history?

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
Government's Indifference to Cannabis and Psychedelics Continues to Hinder Healing
Government's Indifference to Cannabis and Psychedelics Continues to Hinder Healing

Veterans Denied: Government's Indifference to Cannabis and Psychedelics Continues to Hinder Healing

As the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) takes center stage in shaping the future of the United States Department of Defense, Congress missed a crucial opportunity to prioritize the well-being of our nation's veterans. 

Amendments that would have expanded access to cannabis and psychedelics for medical purposes were recently rejected in a Rules Committee vote, leaving veterans stranded in their ongoing battle against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other ailments.

Keep ReadingShow less
On The Revel's Buyers Club Electrifies New York's Cannabis Industry - The Bluntness
On The Revel's Buyers Club Electrifies New York's Cannabis Industry - The Bluntness

Revelry Buyers' Club Electrifies New York's Cannabis Industry

The iconic Basilica Hudson was buzzing with energy and excitement on Thursday as hundreds, (maybe even thousands?) of cannabis industry leaders, retailers, growers, producers, and top brands from across the state converged for the third annual Revelry Buyers' Club. The exclusive Buyers Club, organized by On The Revel, has become a centerpiece event for New York's rapidly expanding legal cannabis market.

For all of New York's trials and tribulations in its legalization journey, an atmosphere of conviviality and entrepreneurial spirit filled the air as attendees connected over the latest products, forged new partnerships, and shared insights about the industry's challenges, opportunities and evolution. The diversity and dynamism of the crowd reflected the vibrant spectrum of New York's cannabis community itself.

Keep ReadingShow less
Allegations of Retaliation and Fear in NY's Cannabis Industry
Allegations of Retaliation and Fear in NY's Cannabis Industry

Allegations of Retaliation and Fear in NY's Cannabis Industry

New York's fledgling cannabis industry, born from the promise of equity and economic prosperity, finds itself embroiled in controversy. Allegations of hostility and retaliation have surfaced against the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the regulatory body overseeing the state's legal marijuana market. Stakeholders within the industry are speaking out, accusing the OCM of using enforcement powers to silence dissent and punish those who criticize its handling of the market rollout.

The concerns about the OCM's conduct have been brewing for over a year, but recent events have brought them to the forefront. Industry insiders, including business owners and entrepreneurs like Ruben Lindo of Blak Mar Farms, express fear of reprisal if they speak out against perceived injustices. They cite instances of selective enforcement and a culture of intimidation within the agency.

Keep ReadingShow less