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Medical Marijuana: Veterans Administration Says Positive Marijuana Drug Screening Will Not Void Pain Contracts for Vets with Doctors' Recommendations

Submitted by Phillip Smith on (Issue #588)
Politics & Advocacy

The Veterans Affairs watchdog group VA Watchdog reported last week that the VA will not remove veterans with medical marijuana recommendations who test positive for pot from its pain management programs. Just don't bring your medicine to a VA facility.

In recent years, vets who use marijuana medicinally have been thrown out of VA pain management programs as "drug abusers" after testing positive for marijuana. This policy shift will provide some solace, but only to those vets residing in states where medical marijuana is an option.

The VA has clarified its policy. While restating that it remains illegal to use or possess marijuana at VA facilities because of federal law, the agency will now accept medical marijuana use in states where it is legal:

"[I]t is acknowledged that testing positive for marijuana in a patient, based upon a random drug screening, will not serve as a breach of the current pain management agreement if the patient submits documentation in support of the marijuana being prescribed and dispensed in conformity with Michigan law," wrote Gabriel Perez, director of the Lutz Veterans Affairs Center in Saginaw, Michigan.

According to VA Watchdog, the policy appears to be the same in all states where medical marijuana is allowed under state law. But the VA has not released an official policy statement on the matter.

Permission to Reprint: This content is licensed under a modified Creative Commons Attribution license. Content of a purely educational nature in Drug War Chronicle appear courtesy of DRCNet Foundation, unless otherwise noted.

Comments

Dennis Maggio (not verified)

I just recently had this argument with my pain doctor at the VA. He told me that I had to pee in a cup that day and had to sign his pain agreement, They no longer say contract. I had informed them that I had to have my Lawyer take a look at the agreement. I was told to sign or I would not be helped! So I raised the question what if I have a positive test for THC and I am a medical Marijuana patient, they told me to piss in the cup and we will discuss. So I handed them a copy of the VA watchdog report from Michigan. That settled that issue, however they still violated my 4th,5th, and 10 amendment and waited for them to acknowledge in what I said. So because in my opinion the doctor didn't like being proved wrong, I now have to go see there addiction counselor before they will prescribe pain medication. From Start to finish it will be two to three months before they will write a script for me. That is along as the addiction person doesn't tell me I have to goto rehab. I am a 100% service connected vet, getting treated like I am a second class citizen. Don't let the VA push you around, file a complaint with patient advocacy, call you congressman or woman and let them know, and most of all let all the Vets know to do this.

Thanks
Dennis

Thu, 11/05/2009 - 10:52pm Permalink
Skip (not verified)

In reply to by Dennis Maggio (not verified)

I believe the main problem with the VA, is the fact that they have so many doctors who are of foreign descent, and are afraid to lose there jobs with the va, if they do not tow the line. I was assigned a new doctor, and before he ever even met me, he had me urine tested. It looks like I will have too move to California, too keep up my health.

Wed, 09/29/2010 - 7:43pm Permalink
George B. (not verified)

In reply to by Buckey 1 (not verified)

I have been through as much as I think I can stand. I have all the documents Dr. Peztel put out. 

It all depends on who you have as a doctor. The ones that have to be right all the time, we will loose.

Other VA doctors and more intelligent. 

 

I live in Tucson Az, what senator are you writing? I will write him too.

I just received the 4th letter from the VA saying last decision is made by the doctor. I told them it had to be based on a clinical reason not a political reason.

My primary doctor said  because morphine will slow down your breathing and used in conjunction with marijuana I could have breathing problems.

I wrote him back and told him there has never been a death associated to marijuana.

My next set of letters are going all over the U.S. and to the local news. Would love to send more to elected officials.

If you would like to see my papers I'm sending out as a complaint, let me know.

George B.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:02am Permalink

i live in little rock and my pain meds were taken for postive pot screen . i beleve    the only reason that the va has taken away our pain meds is because  just like when we were in the service the higher ups wanted complete control over our lives,and now its the same , but now its over money and the higher ups sit around and think up ways to cut vets services. if they can cut out 1oo,,oo to 500,00 thousand scripts for meds how much money could they get for themselves for raises. where did all that money go?pain clinics that have you do streche's on a kitchen chair!!!!!!the va in little rock arkansas put up solar lights and parking awanings that were only to be taken down to be placed  by a parking deck to be built for doctors and employes. none of the structures never worked and still to this day has never lit the first ray of light. where did the money go  and who got  part of it? a waste of millions of dollars have been ripped off from the budget of veterans that could have helped veterans. the lrvc .is to me one of the worst places to get help with my chronic pain. i have been put through hell  with the va. my wife and i are thinking about moving to colorado, to receive the only help that pot has to offer me with my pain

Tue, 08/04/2015 - 10:40am Permalink
Rodrick Butler Sr (not verified)

In reply to by Dennis Maggio (not verified)

I'm 80% service connected. My Doctors all are denies my pain meds and also not giving me pain meds I need. I'm stuck here in pain everyday. I have never been so upset with the treatment of Veterans in my life!!!!! I don't know what to do with my self. I don't think I or any Service Connected Vet should have to go through.
Mon, 12/30/2013 - 12:29pm Permalink
Disabled Comba… (not verified)

In reply to by Dennis Maggio (not verified)

The marijuana myths have been dispelled. The evil characterization of how marijuana smokers morph into some deprived dope fiend with eyes glazed over, pupils dilated, drooling at the mouth like a wild dog is our federal governments efforts to govern by fear.

Yes, marijuana has been classified by the Department of Health & Human Services as a Schedule 1 narcotic along with heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine etc. even though marijuana was once one of America's major crops. Marijuana has many uses both medicinal and utility.  Marijuana does many wonderful things to help improve one's quality of life.

I for one am sick of abiding by a false/incorrect classification of marijuana to the American people and the embarrassing hypocrisy of legalized tobacco, alcohol and so many other harmful consumables that are highly addictive, poisonous, and have killed and disabled millions of people around the world yet these substances remain legal and can be purchased just about anywhere if you are over 21.

Disabled American Veterans including myself, across America are suffering every day with PTSD and living in chronic pain from the battle wounds suffered while this veteran was putting his/her life on the line.  Now that same Veteran has to fear of losing their medical treatment (prescription pain medications) from their local VA hospital/clinic if they test positive for marijuana. Medications they have used for years and will require for the rest of their lives yet VA thinks it has the right to punish a veteran for using marijuana to treat their disabilities whether they reside in a state that has legalized medical marijuana or not.

This is a Federal law holding everything back and unless and until the HHS is ordered to amend its current classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 narcotic which we all know to be completely false along with a lot of other fear mongering tactics the military and our federal government tries to employ to scare people away from marijuana.  It is pure discrimination for the VA to allow some veterans who live in states where medical marijuana has been allowed to continue to receive their medications where other veterans are punished by the same government they went to war to protect and defend, for medicating themselves with cannabis.

It is time for the legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes.  Stop discriminating against disabled veterans now!  Wake up America!!!! It is time to delete marijuana's current classification as a narcotic that harms people to a medicine and recreational stimulant that actually helps people in many different and positive ways.

A Disabled Vietnam Veteran who didn't pay the full measure but still paid a measure that will disabled him for the rest of his life. He should have the right and freedom to use any marijuana to treat any PTSD or other disability as prescribed and/or recommend by a physician, something that will never happen until this classification is changed and Obama has the legislative power to change this by Executive Order if he wanted to.

Legalize marijuana now, help Vets help themselves without living in fear of losing his medications as punishment for using marijuana.

US Marine Corps 

Fri, 06/06/2014 - 1:03am Permalink
Sandra Rains DeBusk (not verified)

In reply to by Dennis Maggio (not verified)

Raise a stink Dennis.  Write or call your congressman, Senate.  Ask to speak to the administrator and notify him/her of what happened.  Do not lay down and let them do you that way.  Stand up for your rights cause no one will do that for you!

Wed, 06/25/2014 - 4:26pm Permalink
Rick (not verified)

It saddens me that so many hero's that have suffered from our military conflicts cannot have access to a pain medicine that works without the effects of addiction.
My company Montana Pain Management located in Missoula, Mt. strives to serve the veterans community.
We have a former OIF3 veteran who works with any Montana veteran who wish's to use medical cannabis therapy to treat their pain issues. We have called Sen. John Testers office to ask for assistance in helping those military vets access a physician as well as a full line of cannabis therapy.
Please if there is anything we can do to help with this cause please feel free to contact us at:[email protected]
With deepest respect
Rick Rosio
President
Montana Pain Management Inc.
2311 3rd Street
Missoula, Mt. 59802

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 11:44am Permalink
A mad Vet (not verified)

In reply to by Robert Nesta (not verified)

I am a disabled veteran with 40% disability, and I have cronic pain from a parachute malfunction that I had in the 82nd Airborne Division, I injured my back and knees. I recently went to see my doctor the the VA Hospital in Battle Creek, MI and the first thing my doctor said was I using marijuana and she said she could order a lab test to check. The reality I did use it, my pain goes away, I'm taking so many pills that I was diagnosed with GERD the pills screwed my stomache up bad. So, I cannot get a prescription for medicinal marijuana because I don't have private insurance, the VA will only give me pills and tell me to have a nice day. I'm mad, my state legalized medicinal marijuana but the VA is still dealing with politics. Stop screwing us vets, I'm only 33, I'm not a hippy or an adict (I don't even smoke cigarrettes) and it seems that my service to my country is not valued because they will not help me deal with my pain without chemicals. I was anti-drug until I was in so much pain that I asked a friend to try it, it works to stops or diminishes the pain.

Sun, 03/14/2010 - 9:21pm Permalink
Paul annony (not verified)

The VA will not prescribe or suggest the use of cannaboids for pain management. They will not prescribe Marinol, or Sativex for chronic pain management either. Myself, the VA thought it would be better to prescribe 90, 20mg oxycontin along with 75mcg Fentanyl patches instead. After about 1 year of treatment I found myself with a terrible addiction that I now still battle. My realization is you must choose one, if traditional pain management is failing marijuana may help you. I suggest purchasing a Vaporizor that eliminates by-products of combustion and delivers a larger potency of the cannaboids and THC without the risks associated with smoking. It is not a cure for pain, it like spinal cord stimulators, alcohol, drugs, they all end up being a pleasurable distraction from pain. At the end of the day the only true chemical distance from pain is in the form of opiods, but with my addiction I settle for vaporized marijuana in combination with antideppresants like cymbalta and traditional anti-inflamitories. If marijuana keeps you from opiods then appologise to no one, use it responsibly, and use a vaporizor. After all we served our country to preserve the rights of everyone the least the VA could do is recognise the real benifit cannaboids have on both pain and deppresion and allow the people who protected this country with at least the option to choose between opiods and cannaboids. The real issue is they dont make money off pot or the suggestion of it's use. They get you hooked on there drugs, then treat you for addiction that they caused generating profits without regard of a patients well being. 13 states recognize medical marijuana for a multitude of issues so there are legal routes to take but at the end of the day there are 22 million americans that smoke daily, if your state doesn't recognise pot as a benifit just ask your neighbor for a sack of pot he's probably got some.

Thu, 12/17/2009 - 4:00pm Permalink
gary rowell (not verified)

In reply to by Paul annony (not verified)

The VA is Alright with consuming a qt of whiskey but treat you like a criminal for THC. I have been on  pain management for 20 years after being petition to kill people that  never did a criminal act against the US causes me to be blown 20 ft in the air killing 3 and injuring two, I being one of the two injured . We also lost our dear German Sheppard also. I consumed less than a spoon full of marijuana and was told my pain management will end at the end of this month. Who can I contact for help?

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 2:51pm Permalink
Bill Gardiner (not verified)

In reply to by Paul annony (not verified)

I have been on some type of pain medications since I was wounded in Nam.  That was in 1968.  The damn VA got me hooked on Oxycodone ~ 40 & 20mg's three times a day.  They then forced me to go through a monthly pill count.  I was accused of being a drug dealer, drug seller and taking more of the pain meds than I was suppose to.  Had to start going through a monthly pee test for pot.  I lost ONE 20mg pill of the Oxycodone so the VA pharmacist decided to simply stop giving me any of the Oxycodone ~ cold turkey ~ nothing to help me.  After a week of withdrawals, I called this woman and told her I was going to drive to the clinic and she had better not be there when I arrived.  That is a THREAT to a VA employee!  Who cared, I didn't.  The day I called and said I was on my way, the pharmacist called me and said they would only supply me one 40mg Oxycodone twice daily. 

I have endured 41 service connected orthopedic surgeries (from Nam) and need to undergo three more.  However, I can't have these surgeries because the VA will not give me additional pain medications to get through the surgery pain.  All my surgeries have been in a civilian hospital for fear of being killed by some quack VA doctor.  The civilian Doctors said they would give me pain meds BUT the VA informed me that they can do a Nation wide pharmacy check to see if I am getting pain meds from other pharmacies or civilian Doctors.  If I am caught doing this, all of my meds will be immediately taken from me.

My civilian heart Doctor told me I needed to start smoking pot and would write me a prescription for it.  I live in Oregon.  He said the VA is wrecking my organs with all the pain meds they have forced on me.  I think I am just going to say the hell with the VA and get the pot.  What are they going to do, send me back to Nam?  I would enjoy the trip!!!

Wed, 03/25/2015 - 9:01pm Permalink
ender (not verified)

NORML, I sure could use some normalcy in my life right about now. For 5-6 years now I’ve been an all but silent advocate for a patient’s right to medical marijuana; careful word of mouth and the blue moon PayPal contributions (I see that is no longer an option were about the some total of my efforts. I was trying to stay under the radar, trying to avoid attracting any undo attention, for I am a military veteran with chronic pain who is ever dependent upon the Veteran’s Affairs for medical and disability payments, and I smoke for medical relief every day, several times a day and have for years. I have unmanaged constant symphonies of pain every moment, fentynal patches leave severe bouts of nausea lasting 2-6 hours while letting in an inordinate amount of pain. From 165 pounds and 5% body fat, my weight dropped to 117, no concern exhibited by my medical care givers. Neuropathic pain is a real nemesis, entirely parasitic and devoid of mercy. Then there’s spasticity, deeper than nightmares. Somehow through all of this, sometimes I struggle with maintaining a balanced perspective - emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Every medication prescribed has unintended side effects and the very real potential of causing irreversible damage to my body. Every year people die from taking the medications delivered to me by the VA Pharmacy. Anyone even remotely educated on the topic of medical marijuana would instantly recognize the many-fold potential for better management of my condition and symptoms with the simple addition of daily marijuana maintenance program. In my case, it has been the only effective treatment for nausea, I’ve gained and maintained 27 pounds of mostly lean muscle mass and I eat regularly as opposed to 2-4 day binges of eating literally nothing, pain levels in general are unchanged in intensity but there is a distance gained from the pain to where it is no longer as suffocating, neuropathic pain is moderately reduced in both frequency and intensity, spasticity responds amazingly to certain varieties, and lastly my general psyche is more balanced, resilient, stable. Two weeks ago the VA screened my urine for illicit drugs, I was only informed they were checking my fentynal levels, lo and behold, I had a lonely THC spike. Now things with the VA are uncertain with sometimes conflicting scenarios being bandied about (i.e., denial of services, retesting, treatment, etc.).

So, I find myself in need of advice on how to chart my course through this idiocy. I have Medi-care but have never used it, I would love to find a Central Arkansas doctor who is tolerant or open to a patient’s self-administered medical marijuana and who could write the prescriptions for the rest of my medications. Any suggestions or insights in how to manage the VA situation would be most welcome, too. Thanks in advance. enderstao at yahoo.com

Wed, 12/30/2009 - 4:53pm Permalink
Jim Vomacka (not verified)

I have also been told I must stop all marijuana usage to get any treatment at the Mather VA pain management clinic. I have a current doctors recommendation for the use of Medical Marijuana in California. I use it only once or twice a week for breakthrough pain. The irony of it is that the person who is in charge of the clinic is a Doctor Wilsey who has done published research on the use of marijuana and Reducing Neuropathic Pain. They concluded that marijuana is an effective pain treatment. They also have done this with at least three other veterans that I know of. When will this barbaric treatment end. They would rather we take 5 or 6 pain medications and turn us into zombies and risk death because of the numerous side effects of their medications.

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 7:36am Permalink
Anonymous251 (not verified)

I live in Mississippi, the same state where they have the Government Marijuana field, in Oxford. I too, am a Veteran who has chronic back pain (Active Duty injury) and had a regimen of TENS unit with Darvocet. The dosage they prescribed was 2 tabs 4 times a day. When you take 100mg tablets that was a bit much. I was so bombed, I could not function. I talked with my primary care provider and was allowed to use it on a much easier to handle PRN dosage. I had been using it ( along with my TENS unit ) for pain management for over 25 years. I had never abused it, and in fact, I had never needed as much as was prescribed. My refill requests were always farther apart, than what I was allowed. If I did not need it, I DID NOT TAKE IT. I did not share it with anyone and never had an addiction, even though I was informed many, many times it was a frequently abused, controlled narcotic. I also was forced to sign one of those agreements about illegal drugs in my system. The only illegal substance I have used for any length of time was marijuana, and it was beneficial to my epilepsy, migraines and lower back pain. I had informed the Hines VA (Chicago) of this fact back in the 1970's, and it has been in my records ever since then, with no effect on my health care. Then I wound up in this backwards state of Mississippi, with one of the WORST VA hospitals in the entire system. (MY OPINION, my experience, of course.) I had to go to Birmingham VA to save my life, as I am a heart patient and needed help. I had been in MS for almost 5 years and had not seen a cardiologist at any time that I can recall. I have been in two previous VA systems and have never in my life been treated this way or have seen what I have seen here. They want to cut off my pain medicine, will not even consider medical marijuana, and will let me suffer. The hyposcrisy of this is that they have the only Gov't sanctioned field for medical pot here in MS., but the state will have nothing to do with it. One bill was allowed to die without even a discussion, with nothing on the horizon. Where is the compassion for the care of veterans in this country?

Wed, 03/31/2010 - 6:59am Permalink
john york (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous251 (not verified)

i have the same problem with columbia mo va system i am 70% percent disabled and epilepsy non service connected so they say but all they want to do is send me to the lab to do a drug test which last time i threw the bottle literally across the room and left they are less worried about my depression/bi-polar disorder which is my disability and want to give me zoloft sariquel and tarazodone than worry about my real issues when i went to my cardiologist who got really upset because they all lower my blood pressure and for someone who has unbelievable low blood pressure they had to perform surgery 3 years ago to fix a hole in my heart flipped out and cancelled the zoloft atleast but its funny they would rather kill me then do anything about my medical issues and just want to piss test me funny a prior vet who use to help with leo ops ie law inforcement operations chasing drug boats in the caribean now think this is all foolishness all we ever found was marijuanna and i realize just how much of a waiste of time this was

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 6:55pm Permalink
brokeneck (not verified)

I'm a 100% service connected disabled vet. I have a broken neck, in a nut shell, and fortunately I can still walk and use my arms pretty well. I use weed occassionally and it definitely helps the chronic muscle spasms and bone pain. I don't do narcotics very well and the dr. took me off them. Then the Dr. wanted me to sign a pain agreement to up the narcotic medication. I refused to sign the pain contract or aggrement or whatever and the dr. checked for drug use anyway without consulting me. I was positive for weed. I don't want this blemish in any record (paranoid). The Dr. stated in my records "complaint of marijuana abuse"..... Can the va DR.'s do this! This damn Dr. was more concerned with marijuana use than the problems with my neck. Do I have a leg to stand on and should I get hold of the patient advocacy group? Or should I let a dead dog lie?

Sat, 05/15/2010 - 1:00pm Permalink
Mike D. (not verified)

In reply to by brokeneck (not verified)

You have to move to a state where it is legalized for medicinal uses like california. Their the VA cant stop or do any thing to you as well not treat you unfairly. You need a civilian doctor to prescribe it and why. Thus the VA their will recognize but wont prescribe but leave you alone. :) Other wise you have to wait for your state to legalize Medicinal uses only if it falls under severe pain,severe mussel spasms, and severe nerve damages. and till then be their patient like a P.O.W. in your state. Look up state laws under counties conserning uses as well V.A.'s (medical marijuana : Veterans administration says: Medical marijuana drug screening will not void pain contracts for vets with doctors. See recommendations per the county that state under the above heading. i.e. Humboldt County, California Vs: Another subject by itself : V.A.Services & providers (clinic.) in that same county. You just need to do your research as I did. I can't use it where I live I have to move back to my Birth state where its ok. Their you just need a civilian doctor that will prescribe it for the severe suffering  and they provide in that county  a list of 2 doctor's when I looked that up also. Its all about re-search. I have 14 serious severe chronic injuries service connected and welcome aboard the the new battle. I am only 55 and look 85 in a walker. Take 6 T-3's per day & i feel like a lab rat ready to die.  I could't possible tell you all done to me, But I am dying from all they done to me. I can't even keep my weight above 110 and goes down to 93. I also have two shoulders with tears. Been in a $6,000.oo wheel chair and elbow crutches and now a walker.They used Cortizone shots for countless years and left me with severe bone breakage like woman have, But I still drive myself to my appointments. And spend most of my time in bed now slowly dying.

I gotta move or else ! The sting of death like this is horrifying like being in a P.O.W. death camp when I know medical marijuana can & does work. I was on also: Fentanyl 25 Mcg/hr pain patches (liquid type.) Then about seven years latter one leaked (manufacturer reasons.) It normally kills or leaves one in coma status. Now this happened to me twice. I survived ! Now thats like jumping out with no parachute at 15,000 feet spinning out control. I tried to tell the VA docs but they didn't care ! No one was home to take call a ambulance for me and you certainly cant when this happens and after the fact as if you live and its rare you are left damaged ! They did then give me the dry patch , but now it make my nerves shake out control so I cant use it. It hurts to suffer so dearly as I do ! I wish you well from this Old Sarge and this old sufferer.

By the way ; Thank you sincerely for your service :) My salute indeed for a job well done.

Hang in their :)

Sincerely yours,

Old Sarge.

Disabled Ret, U.S.A. ,  (.P.D.R.L.),

100 % disabled vet 21 years ago. Served 1973 - 85

Americas First Family Honor Roll R.I. 1640's

Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:26pm Permalink
[email protected] (not verified)

The vast vast majority of patients who lay claim to using marijuana for the putative "health effects", whether pain or nausea is just a RUSE to continue drug habit/s you've done illegally for decades. Now you're just trying to make it legit, and that dog don't hunt!

I've served an aggregate of 29 years in the military on active duty, from Vietnam, Central America and into Iraq and Afghanistan. I too am a DAV, but I'm also a healthcare practitioner. Anyone who has gone through the Vietnam era knows FULL WELL the drug problems we had with troops then, and you people are still out there, sucking the system off. Now you're looking for a convenient=medical excuse to legitimize marijuana use. We HAVE 3rd and 4th generation alternative medicines, whether for pain or nausea, and to make a big stink over your asinine "need" for marijuana just tells me that you were the dope-smoking problem children of the Vietnam era, and little else. And BTW, I'm 80% disabled from gunshots and IED's, so don't come off with this crap about no one understanding your pitiful excuse to legitimize smoking dope. It's called dope for a reason, super trooper.

Mon, 06/07/2010 - 12:18pm Permalink
POTHEAD (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

Look hero we dont need your dd214 and acouple of things I want to get straight with you. I was in 101st LRSD and 5th Group Special Forces I come from the most respected unit in the world the best of the best. You know what those guys dont smoke marijuna at all you know why. After the third deployment to Iraq we had 7 test positive for cocaine and a whole bunch got some DUIs. You dont smoke because your happy being a drunk living in your bitterness keeping your self on a platform above everyone else. I find it almost impossibe to believe that you have been in almost every single conflict since World War 2. Being in Special Forces there are plenty of lifers and not one of them have been to Nam or Korea because most people from that era are in their sixties and if your not a General you are past the age requirements. The oldest person I met was a CSM 18d who celebrated his 52 birthday in Iraq he too was a drunk. So keep living the fanatsy of how we are all scumbags and only you can save America. You know why the smokers in Vietnam where hated because pot makes people passive which means im not getting up to go get shot in the jungle so some old guy back in thestates gets richer.

Sun, 06/20/2010 - 2:20am Permalink
slugdog (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

I'm a RN. Have been since '86. I'm also a Oz vet, USMC. I receive no disability from the VA, because I've had to work all my life, and don't have the time to deal with it. Now that they have allowed CAD related to Agent Orange, I could probably get 100%, since I've had 5 MI's. However, your statement about the medical use of weed is stupid. They {our all knowing government} do not allow studies to be done, so there is no scientific evidence to say yes or no to the use of marijuana for any medical condition. We know it is effective in glaucoma and pain control, however, people like you deny that fact because of your preconceived prejudiced remembrances of "hippies".

Tue, 06/29/2010 - 11:43pm Permalink
Saladman (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

I'm a Gulf War combat vet with a tank-load of conditions. All the so-called medicines you're pushing are screwing more vets up than you admit. I'm glad to admit that many meds do help, but the issue isn't as simple or black and white as you describe.
I'm also a mental health counselor for vets. I've seen vets come in on literally 15 different meds that are more doped up than any pot smoker I've ever seen. A great example is morphine. Isn't that addictive? Isn't it psychoactive? Wake up! The fact is that cannabis is basically the safest drug that actually provides some relief for many problems vets have. Problems like nausea, PTSD, insomnia and pain. I have nerve damage from nerve gas. PTSD, Panic Disorder and Major Depression from combat. Back pain from jumping off vehicles loaded down with 50 - 100 lbs of gear. I've seen men turned into zombies after the VA had their way with them.
Weed is safer than alcohol, yet alcohol is legal. Take a look at the book, 'Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?', written by the retired Seattle Chief of Police, Norm Stamper, describing this issue in great detail from all his years of experience.
I'm not saying there aren't drug abusers out there. But I see more OEM & OIF vets addicted to violent video games just to get their minds of sh*t than those 'addicted' to pot.
I've seen vets who've got up in the middle of the night on Ambian and tried to carry out combat missions and threaten others lives all while being "asleep" on that dope only to wake up totally disoriented and unaware of what they did.
I'd say going to war, being shot at and bombed is slightly more dangerous than marijuana, but our government has no trouble sending us out for that. Consider the REAL reasons behind cannabis prohibition and you'll see it's money and power. Vets become victims of a system that they have fought to protect. How sad that is...

Fri, 07/16/2010 - 6:08am Permalink
awWwwwwwwww (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

Booo hooowie... do you want a tissue??? ""I have done this, and that. Been in this war, and that war."  "Health Practitioner this".     "I know what's right for  you," VIETNAM ERA CHILDREN  " No smokie smoke, no takie pain awayie.  Use OPIATES OUR 3rd AND 4th GENERATION DRUGS I KNOW BEST BECAUSE I'M A "HEALTH PRACTITIONER"!!! 

 

 

AWWWwwwwwwww B.S. on your part , It's gonna happen so live with it nothing you can do about it!

 

It's INEVITABLE!!!!!!!!!

Mon, 07/26/2010 - 2:29am Permalink
Mike D. (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

Marijuana Got a demonized name along with serious drugs used by hippies known better as the flower children. The real culprit of the terror in VietNam was in the C-Rations better know As: M.S.G and top it off they issued Cigarettes too which is known to be a killer drug next to alcohol responsible for the greatest deaths! Next to that was a limited powers in warfare for the soldiers to get the Job done. It was a night mare war like S. Korea ! It was limited by fears of Nukes being used as threats on the U.S.A.( COLD WAR ERA.) And this subject is about Medicinal uses some thing you have never realized and you are in a Federal job where you are limited to deal with helping Service Members being out of pain or else you loose your Job! The VA is a good source of helping its best citizens but not in this other realm. I agree that alcohol or drugs in our uniformed services was clean. I saw what it did any realm. We didn't need soldiers falling asleep and alerted X's three. But they aloud recreational use of dangerous alcohol uses and I was injured severely by such is two of my severe service connected disabilities. They didn't test them for doing to me what they did ! That was okay to cause damages to me for the rest of my life and tax payers are paying for that too and the more for all the attention and drugs or other things when they could indeed be saving the tax payers money with simple Marijuana medicinal use ! GET IT LOUD AND CLEAR YET ??????

Loud & clear:

Medical uses only:

For severe sufferers only; Not as a recreational drug ! Whats this got to do with some whom used it in VietNam> Nothing ! Absolute nothing ! We are not talking about while serving ones country. Rather the opposite and much more you all don't want to comprehend. Your not God nor Jesus to see another's suffering's; But rather pretend to know and do things your way making us or trying to make us feel we don't have those sufferings and write it down in our medical records the way you want it to feel in your brains & hearts.

My Grandfather after serving WW I Grew it on his farm for the government uses.I was just a tadpole then. They burned the none uses of the plant & I remember just feeling happy and relaxed & I was just 5 1/2.  No it shouldn't be used in common society, But rather in one where its used as to help one eat, Sleep, and get out of suffering. You have no Idea how good medicinal Marijuana works so well. Other wise you then go with being scared along with the demonized bad dream they made it out to be.

I know far worse drugs the VA issues that do so much damages to our vets! Any way the only harm is when one is tired and driving at night one could fall asleep and hear is where all they need is do like they do with other drugs 20 times more danger to ones driving and good health. Just simply when prescribed like the others is: Warning about driving while use of the drug. Other wise I assure you this drug is not harmful like the real heavy drugs or alcohol can damage and cause death. Even mental meds are by Far dangerous the VA loves to use on ones brain to shut the Vet up and still leave them in all that pain ! They use it on the public as well . Every one these days and allot of them are dangerous to drive while using or at work.

Medicinal Marijuana should never be aloud to be in great quantity when growing for the patient in dire need. Hear is the real danger if the Grower abuses their rights and takes the chemical to another realm the drug they have been using for cancer patients dying or while they recover. This is a lab changed into a higher dangerous drug.

This is where it could be misused and thus given a evil name to the public recreation. 

But medicinal uses are not an abuse in the lower realm of the drug unchanged ! It should only be used for those suffering severe pain and I don't feel you can feel their pain any more then mine. Your not aloud to for now. Your not in that realm of severe suffering to live or else you would not be able to work. Demonizing your veterans that do suffer so severe shows your also not their to care but control like they were in uniform. (before they were injured so severely.)

READ OUR LIPS IF YOU CARE AS A CARE GIVER's: MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOES THE LEAST HARM; YET GREATIST HELP IF USED AS ONLY FOR SUCH REASONS. OR CONTINUE YOUR DEMONIZING THE VERY MEN/WOMEN WHOM WORE UNIFORM LIKE YOU but LEFT DAMAGED SEVERELY or BE LIKE THE ENEMY YOU FOUGHT IN VIETNAM.

GOD CREATED IT THE WAY IT IS FOR A GOOD REASON. IF CHANGED ; IT CAN BE DAMAGING I AGREE.

NO LESS THEN OTHER DRUGS AT HIGHER LEVELS THEY CHANGED BUT GIVE TO VETS THAT DONT GET REST FROM ALL THE OTHER SUFFERING: SLEEP, EATING SPASEM'S, MUSSEL & NERVE PAINS & THE EXTRA PAIN THESE OTHER SEVERE SUFFERING CREATE. ITS EVIDENCE YOU DO NOT LIVE IN MUCH PAIN OR ELSE YOU COULD NOT FUNCTION IN YOUR JOB; SO STOP DEMORALIZING THOSE WHO DO NEED IT; AS WELL STOP DEMONIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

SINCERELY & HONORABLY YOURS,

RET, U.S.A. (P.D.R.L.)

 & A.F.F.Honor Roll 1640's R.I.

Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:26pm Permalink
Sun Badger (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

You are very judgmental showing a profound disrespect towards others. You do not approve fine, but then to turn around and make prejudicial remarks shows a serious lack of education and respect for the democratic process. What kind of healthcare do you practice, orderly? Your grammar is atrocious and it is all to obvious that you are a liar as well. You sir belong with the Nazi horde from whom you were spawned.

Shocked

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 2:47am Permalink
dmac (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

apparently those shots and I.E.D.'s did more than you know. Learn some real facts. Than maybe you've earned the right to talk shit.. DOPES like yourself gave Marijuana that name. The drug problem in Vietnam, mostly opiates was a big problem and too deep of a conversation for your simple mind. your stuck in your own ignorant hypocriticalness.

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 11:00pm Permalink
Bill Gardiner (not verified)

In reply to by gary rowell (not verified)

I was stationed 45 miles from the DMZ and ran night patrols with five other individuals.  Like you, my men and I were too damn busy trying to stay alive than taking drugs.  However, let me say something that most veterans don't know.  During Nam and up to and including today, our Government did and still does give drugs to Navy Seals to either let them get a little sleep while on route to their mission and also gives them drugs to keep them awake and alert.  I for one damn well can justify that.  When these guys come back off of a non-sleep mission they may have been on for a few days, they need all the sleep they can get because as soon as it's wheels down, they may have to turn right around and fly out for another mission. 

Now ~ the VA implies all Nam veterans were drug users.  I say that because I was notified by a VA woman pharmacist (PhD) that the old Sec. of the VA came out with a directive that stated we all used drugs and all of us continue to use and abuse drugs.  I was told that this directive stated we still use, we abuse our drugs, we sell our drugs.  So I had to go to a monthly pill counting meeting once a month and I damn well had to account for every damn single pain pill I was issued the month before.  I also was forced, monthly to take a pee test.  One day I asked another woman pharmacist if I was the only Nam vet in our City that was being treated this way.  Thank God this woman was honest.  She informed me that I was the ONLY one being put through this.  She also told me ~ "you are not a drug abuser or selling drugs!!!  This happened in 2013 ~ the latter part. 

The more I thought about this injustice the madder I became.  This PhD saying it was a directive from the past VA secretary.  So I looked and looked on the VA's home page, under every regulation I could possible find.  There was NO directive that stated that.  So right now, I am in the process of filing out a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) and am demanding that this quack woman pharmacist produce that document/directive.  She will not be able to because there is not one. 

To further prove my point, I obtained ALL of my medical records for the past five years.  I caught her!  In my medical records she wrote that due to the amount of pain meds she was sending me, she found out if she could force me to stop taking them OR reduce them by half, it would save the VA $700.00 dollars a month.  When I refused to cave in to her any further, I informed her that I refused to continue with the monthly pill count and pee testing.  My VA quack and this man hating woman PhD then decided to completely stop all of my pain meds.  This goes against the last post I made pertaining to the CFR's that state they can not stop my meds because I have painful conditions that will never be cured.  They did stop sending the meds, I started going through withdrawals, went to our local Emergency Room and demanded to be admitted while going through withdrawals.  When the VA Doctor and woman PhD found out about this and the fact that I told our local hospital to send the bill to the VA, they started sending me just half of my monthly pain pills.  Half is better than none because they could not legally send "none."  Again, it is almost mandatory for all of us veterans to read, read and read more about the VA's regulations. 

I use to love giving a pee test.  If it was in a small bottle with no lid, I would fill it up, open the little door where you sit it so a VA employee can obtain it from a little door on the other side.  I would always tip the cup over.  OR, if it had a lid on it, tighten it just enough so it will leak all over the place when it is being picked up.  Is that being professional?  Hell no it is not.  However, when the VA can become professional in their treatment of all veterans then I will treat them in the same manner.  ASK a veteran to do something ~ don't ORDER us to do something. 

 

Sat, 03/28/2015 - 9:54pm Permalink
william jesse (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

i dont think i ever. exsperianced such an ignorant backwoods statement except from archie bunker. first of all dick,no two people (thank god)are alike. when any "legal" perscription drug is adv. on t.v., great lengths to portray happy users, followed by at least two or more side effects can result in death. choking , blood pressure changes , diarrea, constipation, addiction etc. etc. never ending. now for a list of side effects of marijuana that can cause the previously described issues.......... wait...... i need to research this fact........... hunger? ask a cancer patient, or aids victim, still looking for bad side effects..........centuries of use by indians verses manmade potions that cause acceptible % of death. pot? and the nationwide epidemic of opiate addiction, perscribed by who? our society has decimated many rainforest areas and lost countless natural cures because pharmaceutical companies want there stranglehold on the sick and infirmed. get real youdinosaur, go to your aa meeting or not, drink and drive is acceptable in your world. list the millions alone who died as a result of alcohol, or systematically were abused as a result of i t, i could go on and on.
Tue, 01/14/2014 - 8:32pm Permalink
Disabled Comba… (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

What do you know? You got a dam big mouth and I would love to fill it with my fist and foot you stupid moron.  What do you know about every Vietnam Veteran who may have smoked marijuana and you have the balls to just throw everyone in together.  Oh you are disabled from gunshots and and IED? Does that make you extra special or smart? Big fucking deal. Screw you. Ever hear of friendly fire dickhead?

You must be one of those bottle or can hugging alcoholics who shoots off his big dam mouth insulting those veterans who may use medical marijuana to treat their symptoms.  There are many more alcoholics in the military than there will ever be pot smokers.  Even though alcohol may be legal along with cigarettes and other tobacco products that kill, it is still IMO a much more addictive and dangerous drug than some pot. Stick it up your ass you fucking jagoff.

 

 

 

 

 

Fri, 06/06/2014 - 1:57am Permalink
Michael L Reidy (not verified)

In reply to by [email protected] (not verified)

I see your point Sir... there are those who just want to get High. Pls excuse my typing.... i joined the Navy in 82 and told the Navy  i had smoked MJ in the past. I was active duty in the Navy for nearly 8 yrs and spent half that time in the PI. I was not even tempted to use it. My personal convictions was that it was wrong morally and legally. I include it was morally wrong because i used it to get high as a youngster. I admit i abused it but i did not understand it.

In the early 90's after leaving the Navy i joined the Nat Guard. Never went to Army bootcamp. Was deployed to Iraq in 04 and lived out in town, at a Iraq police station for many months. After being ambushed and in another major fire fight (with "Brent R. Baldwin" ) i changed. I mean to say...i felt the hand of death over me...and it stirred my butt to fight like a madman......i came home a different person and was fired from my state police job..I was told i was damaged goods. Returned to Iraq and Afghanistan as a civ...for Eight more yrs and held more... dead and injured but i was were I was supposed to be.

As i look back and as i now understand it, PTSD drove me...drove my mind...which drove my body; but i did not care. I received a Superior Civ Service award fm Gen John Cambell in 2010...but i was a wreck emotionally and physically. In all, I had waited 3000 plus days in Iraq and Afghan...before i got help. I did not smoke while on duty. I smoked while on R&R...and i began to learn some things about myself. I did not want to go home again.....to the people who did not understand me. In 2013, i could no longer physically continue. I came home and made my first visit ever to the VA.  By then, My wife had left me...my kids had all grown up and left...even my dogs had died, neighbors had died. It was too much for me. The VA had no idea what was all wrong with me. I went in with tears rolling down my face...They soon saw that i had a bad cervical cord impingement (myelopathy), worn out SI joints, Torn-up shoulder and feet issues but It still took nearly 2 years for the VA to get me to a nero Dr. Meanwhile, MJ gave me hope. I was 100% honest to the VA. I had nothing left to lose. Mental heath Phd's were for the most part a complete disappointment. All they had to offer were pills and conjecture. They treated me like i was a stupid..becasue i told them i was using MJ to cope with pain.

I have had a couple of surgeries this yr and now rated at 80% on initial claim. I pissed off the Mental Health Phd's so much that they refused to say i had PTSD... and so i got nothing for PTSD. Yet all throughout my file they made damm sure I am called a drug abuser because i used MJ to ease my pain. LOL.

I was 100% honest....I have little regrets being so honest. These days i have long stopped using MJ because it is illegal; and i i knew i would have quickly hanged myself if sent to jail for smoking MJ

VA now has me on a strong pain pill (narcotic) I refused to take for as long i could but going to the ER for pain quickly changed my mind. Still i feel i am killing my organs and i have no drive to do much now. I miss the positive effects of MJ. It helped me create my own balance. How do i explain?  Lets  see. I did not smoke to escape pain... I smoked to ease pain sure but there was another element. When a balanced of low THC/CBD is used it promotes healthy thoughts, thus A healthy Mind, Will and Emotions....and then a healthy body. It may be a body in pain...but it's happy for the most part because all the other Parts are talking.

MJ is a tool.A long term pain tool; if used correctly, it will help me. If used incorrectly, like any other substance, it can and probably will do more harm than good. It's that simple...to me anyway. Pain pills do not enhance this inner communication. They just kill pain...but the long term side effects are repulsive...destroying the liver and kidneys, ect. thus the end result is a premature exit. 

 Look at Prohibition...it's authors had good intentions...but in the end (a decade later) it was obvious they were wrong about one thing; that BOOZE should be outlawed because "we" believe it's Gods will or our will.

.Thank you for listening.

Wed, 10/21/2015 - 7:07am Permalink
uhohoops (not verified)

I just pissed hot at the ER at the va....they gave me a script for clonazepam and made a bunch of appointments for me? am i in for a rude awakening?

Mon, 06/21/2010 - 7:26pm Permalink
John W Allen (not verified)

I live in WV where marijuana is not legal.  After 7 years of continous care from the VA, I finally tested positive for marijuana use.  I have degenerative spinal disease along with being bi-polar and OCD.  The doctor seemed confused as what to do.  He simply stated that I tested positive for marijuana.  Nothing else? 

Now I recieve a host of medications from the VA...  Lortab,clonazepam, and seroquil to name a few.  The doctor wrote a new prescription for the Lortab right after explaining to me that I tested positive for marijuana (mental health writes the prescriptions for the others).

What am I to expect?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your time, consideration, and patriotism.

 

Sincerely,

John W Allen

[email protected]

 

Thu, 06/23/2011 - 4:40pm Permalink
tempname_54022 (not verified)

In reply to by John W Allen (not verified)

I received a letter today that all veterans who are on pain medicines will be taken off of them from here on out. If you doubt the letter just let me know and I will be happy to get you a copy of the letter. It specifically says that the only veterans that will allowed to remain on pain meds are those who have surgery or acute injuries and no longer than 4-6 weeks. THIS is what the letter said. The patient advocates two of them, said they got news of that it is everywhere. According to them. I have a spine disease with no unaffected discs left and have taken pain meds for years. The same doctor who has given me pain meds for over 3 years all of a sudden decides the pain meds are for only those who have acute injuries and only for 4-6weeks. So according to the letter all across America veterans who have fought for liberty and suffer due to injury and disease caused by their service, are now to just go off and deal with the agonizing pain. They also inform the public that there is such a high amount of veteran suicides. All over every hospital there are pamplets and magnets and cards and flyers where to call if your suicidal and urging vets to ask for help. YET how many more will now kill themselves because they are abandoned even more to be left with pain not even gettign symptoms treated anymore which is about all they have ever got. treating vets like they are just a bunch of whiny junkies with no real medical problems. On a side note, has no one noticed that the average percent of foreign doctors are 80% foreign? Only 20 percent of doctors are american. Most are from countries who do not agree with our culture and always minimize veterans problems. I have talked to many people who have been pooped on by such doctors. One guy had blood in his urine and his doc said it was in his head. He went to private doc and he had cancer. THAT is what American vets deal with. What urks me more is that lawyers across the country will hardly take on the VA . Well I hope Lawyers are batting up to the plate on this one if they care anything about vets at least let them have pain meds for pain. REALLY..how retarded is a doctor who has given pain meds for years to say "all of a sudden" " oh I have given you pain meds for years but you know what? I should not have as it is only for people to be on for 4-6 weeks." Dont even bother to discuss it in person just send some creepy stale letter saying your cut off. WOW. NEVER a problem with taking them in any wrong way or anything just out of the blue every american vet is cut off. Tapering one dose per month. If you take 4 pills you suddenly get three then next month 2 and so on till nothing. ALL the pain you have had? well IT wont disappear! Well I am getting my suit ready. Hope to see some class actions on this one. I am also going to be monitoring the suicide rate from what it is now and months form now after they leave poor vets in pain all across our land and the public just does nothing to speak up for the vets nor lawyers. Your welcome for your service VA.

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 8:58pm Permalink
Bill Gardiner (not verified)

In reply to by tempname_54022 (not verified)

Just read your article on how the VA is going to stop giving out pain medications.  First, I am not an expert on VA regulations.  However, for the past 29 years I have been assisting Vets and their families in filing claims against the VA for service connected disabilities.  I pride myself with never having lost a claim for any vet!!!!

I can't quote the specific Code Of Federal Regulation (CFR's) but if need be, I can look it up just as you could, on the VA's homepage.  It states, in part:  Once the VA (Doctors) start treating "any" vet for "any" problem - disease, injury, etc, they CAN NOT stop that treatment until you are cured!!  Within the midst of that CFR, it also pertains to the VA starting you on pain medication/s and they "can not" stop giving you those pain meds until your pain level allows you to live a normal life or your condition/s are cured. 

I have been on pain meds since 1968 when wounded in Nam.  The VA did cut the amount of meds I was taking, in half.  However, they did not stop giving them to me because of the current CFR.  The did it in order for them to save money on my meds!

Due to the various meds I have taken since 1968, they have messed with every organ in my body.  Finally, five months ago, my heart Doctor just came out and told me he would write me a RX for pot.  This is from a "Civilian" heart Doctor.  IF the VA detects pot in my urine, they will attempt to take me off my current pain meds.  I told them to give it their best shot because they would be in violation of the mentioned CFR

Right now, I am contemplating taking up the Heart Doctor's recommendation.

At this time I can not dispute the letter you are making reference to.  However, yes, I would like to see a copy of it.  Most veterans are under the assumption that once enrolled within the VA health care, you have to keep seeing their Doctor's.  NOT TRUE ~ well one exception.  You have to see them ONE time a year for a physical.  You do not have to keep taking any medications they keep giving you if you can afford to purchase them through the civilian pharmacies and a civilian Doctor will write the RX's for you.  The major problem with vets enrolled in the VA's health care system (if you want to call it that) is for the most part, these vets do not take time to go online and read the VA's CFR's and read them thoroughly.  Print off the ones that pertain to you and show the VA if they are doing something wrong to you.  Read up on the VA's Board Of Veterans Appeals claims.  Read the Federal Court cases filed by vets.  Nobody is going to assist you, not even your Power Of Attorney, not the VA's OIG ~ nobody.  It is up to US to educate ourselves on what the VA can and can not do to us and fight for what is right, what is wrong.

Currently, I am fighting the VA for MY RIGHTS to tape record every conversation I have with every VA employee.  Most vets don't know this but when you enter your VA Doctors office, he immediately will turn on a tape recorder and tape your entire conversation he is having with you.  Most of the buttons that turn them on are under their desks.  There is also a button they can push (panic button) that will immediately notify the Clinic's "Federal Police" and they do not treat you lightly.  The VA was started years ago to be an advocate for all veterans.  However, over the years they have now become an adversary.  Don't let them push you around.  Don't threaten any employee, just take notes when you hear something wrong, go home, read the VA's homepage and sooner or later ~ usually later do to their screwed up homepage) you will find the correct answers.  I took orders for 13 1/2 years while in the military until medically discharged.  I absolutely refuse to be ordered around any more by simple minded Federal employees.  The fight against the VA should continue until the last Veteran is standing.!!!!!!

 

Sat, 03/28/2015 - 9:23pm Permalink
Missi (not verified)

I received a letter today that all veterans who are on pain medicines will be taken off of them from here on out. If you doubt the letter just let me know and I will be happy to get you a copy of the letter. It specifically says that the only veterans that will allowed to remain on pain meds are those who have surgery or acute injuries and no longer than 4-6 weeks. THIS is what the letter said. The patient advocates two of them, said they got news of that it is everywhere. According to them. I have a spine disease with no unaffected discs left and have taken pain meds for years. The same doctor who has given me pain meds for over 3 years all of a sudden decides the pain meds are for only those who have acute injuries and only for 4-6weeks.

 

 So according to the letter all across America veterans who have fought for liberty and suffer due to injury and disease caused by their service, are now to just go off and deal with the agonizing pain. They also inlets and magnets and cards and flyers where to call if your suicidal and urging vets to ask for help. YET how many form the public that there is such a high amount of veteran suicides. All over every hospital there are pamphlets more will now kill themselves because they are abandoned even more to be left with pain not even getting symptoms treated anymore which is about all they have ever got. treating vets like they are just a bunch of whiny junkies with no real medical problems. On a side note, has no one noticed that the average percent of foreign doctors are 80% foreign? Only 20 percent of doctors are american. Most are from countries who do not agree with our culture and always minimize veterans problems. I have talked to many people who have been pooped on by such doctors. One guy had blood in his urine and his doc said it was in his head. He went to private doc and he had cancer. THAT is what American vets deal with. What urks me more is that lawyers across the country will hardly take on the VA .

  Well I hope Lawyers are batting up to the plate on this one if they care anything about vets at least let them have pain meds for pain. REALLY..how retarded is a doctor who has given pain meds for years to say "all of a sudden" " oh I have given you pain meds for years but you know what? I should not have as it is only for people to be on for 4-6 weeks." Dont even bother to discuss it in person just send some creepy stale letter saying your cut off. WOW.  NEVER a problem with taking them in any wrong way or anything just out of the blue every american vet is cut off. Tapering one dose per month. If you take 4 pills you suddenly get three then next month 2 and so on till nothing. ALL the pain you have had? well IT wont disappear! Well I am getting my suit ready. Hope to see some class actions on this one. I am also going to be monitoring the suicide rate from what it is now and months form now after they leave poor vets in pain all across our land and the public just does nothing to speak up for the vets nor lawyers. Your welcome for your service VA.

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 8:46pm Permalink
Robert Stackhouse (not verified)

I am four years retired (after 24 plus years of service) and recently rated disabled at 30%.  My question is, if a Vet is retired or otherwise out of active duty or reserve duty, WHY would the V.A. even screen for marijuana?  I don't see where they would have the reason or authority to do so unless the vet is employed by the V.A. Which leads to other questions, how does the V.A. screen drugs for it's own employees? Does anybody know? It'd be interesting to see.

Thanks

RS

Sat, 10/29/2011 - 2:23pm Permalink
Marine Dude (not verified)

They are now experiment testing groups in Bethesna MD for Marinol.

The onl way to pss a THC test on lower grade- mid grade testing.

Drink losts of water, a B-complex with nacin suppliment liquid from GNC 3x's a day. and 8 days before your test take 6 asprin throughout the day. Piss 3 times before your next piss test. Use B-complex sparingly 7 days before. Eat lots of fiber or juiced spinach with carrots and oranges.

If you are in the COSAT program, you now go for 6 weeks and are on color code piss tests for anything including alcohol each week.

 

Then you are tested twice each year. Careful out there.

Thu, 01/26/2012 - 10:12pm Permalink
Re-elect Noone (not verified)

In reply to by Marine Dude (not verified)

When you are clean except for the meds the VA doc wants to see in the urine, like prescribed meds.

Freeze your urine. It will last for a year or so. Make sure it is closed well in the freezer. Thaw it out in warm water and give this to the VA. It has worked 3 times for me.

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 5:26pm Permalink
sky (not verified)

 

 

 The solution for me was to Keep firing doctors until I got one who would prescribe adaquate relief, DO NOT accept a foreign doctor - they do not like to prescribe narcs. I fired SEVEN before they got the message and always get all your records - I have mine from day one. I am now on Medicaid - The VA here sucks - If i had to go back i will fire my present doctor. Me and my Medicaid doctor have open discussions about MMJ - It's legal here on the state level and i have written the ACLU -= they will help - they are are already working on it. Anybody who does not like the ACLU  can Kiss my A--.

 

Skypilot

Sun, 07/29/2012 - 8:35pm Permalink
late (not verified)

      I don't know if my experience is normal or not seeing as the last post was 9 months ago, but here you go.  I'm in the San Diego VA system and visit a smaller center for my treatment (not going to name them for their sake).  I outright asked my primary care doctor what would happen if I'm drug tested and caught vaporizing marijuana for pain, I admitted using.  While I couldn't get him to give me his personal opinion [federal agency] (though his explanation made him sound on our side), he told me roughly this "The VA doesn't care about Marijuana.  I don't care about it.  You won't be drug tested here, and if you are elsewhere in San Diego it doesn't matter if you come up positive.  We are even disregarding veterans who who have tested positive for heroin and meth."  From this point forward he would still prescribe me narcotics when I had pain, though I didn't really take them unless I was over the top.  And were talking 120 tablets (3 refills) at a time without even asking.

       Shortly after I saw my VA psychiatrist (used to be a general care doctor).  I asked him the same question and again admitted using.  He also told me that the VA doesn't care and that as long as it wasn't an addiction neither did he.  He also would not give me his opinion, but, he did say, "I can't tell you if you should or shouldn't use marijuana.  I can't tell you my personal opinion, but I will say this... In trying to relieve your pain and sleep I think Alcohol and narcotics are bad for you, especially alcohol...., especially alcohol."  he then coughed suggestively  and said  "again, I'm not giving you my opinion but as a doctor I don't care if you use marijuana for pain and sleep.  But I do not want us using alcohol and long term sleeping pills and narcotics..., take that for what you will."

      I hope the rest of you are starting to see this as well.  The VA is finally beginning to accept us thanks to strong public pressure and strong willed outspoken veterans.  Good job everyone!  Next goal is to get the VA to openly allow marijuana, regardless of your state's legal status or if you have a marijuana card or not (paranoid).

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 3:25am Permalink
NoNotMe (not verified)

What's scary is the lack of across-the-board procedures from one VA to the other.  The doctors are pretty much individually deciding what they want and not what the VA should be dictating as policy in pain management.  If you have a doctor who maintains liberal views of medical marijuana use, they opt to disregard marijuana use.  On the other hand, one with more conservative views could deny opiate or other pain medication management, stop prescriptions, and provide a referral for drug counseling.

In the case of testing, a policy should also be established which should be used by all VA care clinics providing pain management.  Things to consider....random or once a year testing with established guidelines for testing , if a person is on opiods etc to NOT tag them with a positive opiod test in the case of prescribed medication, pre-pain management counseling regarding use/abuse/non-use of prescribed pain meds, to NOT test for alcohol or ethanol or metabolic facets thereof, to temporarily issue a mandate to NOT test for marijuana use in any patients at any VA facilities, to NOT recommend a referral for drug treatment for marijuana use unless it is deemed the use caused a medical emergency or the veteran is requesting treatment.

Veterans should be able to expect standardized procedures when obtaining pain management medications....and NOT have to be treated like a second class citizen who is likely suspected of illegal drug use until cleared by a detailed urine drug test.

Until standard procedures are established, all drug testing should be ceased and any records in veterans medical files expunged until approved standards are established.

 

 

 

 

 

Mon, 06/03/2013 - 12:57pm Permalink

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