Cannabis and the VA = Trouble

[iamhewhoisnot]

Hi everyone. I haven't been to these boards in a couple of months but I wanted to update you on a situation I just had at the VA.

I saw my primary care doctor today for my yearly physical. I've been diagnosed with PTSD years ago, and the VA is always trying to medicate me with horrible and addicting drugs. I took myself off ALL these drugs last August and began self medicating  with which has been hugely successful. Not only do I feel much better, my mind is clearer, and other people have commented on how much clearer my eyes are and that I look healthier than I have in years.

Once I started treating myself with cannabis, I vowed not to be ashamed, afraid, or to deny the fact that I smoke cannabis. I'm certainly not going to lie to my medical provider, even if it is a federal doctor, it's my health, and I assumed (wrongly) that what I told my physician was confidential. I was then given a lecture about the illegality of cannabis, and that just because a few states allow it, it's still a federal crime. Yada yada yada. He then informed me that I would be denied any and all pain medication and narcotics in the future. I proceeded  to clarify what he meant. I asked if I was admitted to the hospital for surgery for example, would I not be given medication for pain. He said most likely not. He said this is a recent thing that was just implemented this past year.

I still feel confident that being honest about cannabis use is the best policy (for me) but if there are other veterans out there, you should consider the consequences of honesty. How long before we are refused any medical treatment from the federal government if we self medicate.

Ironically, if I recall correctly, the VA was given permission this past year to use Cannabis in treatment of PTSD patients in a very limited study. 

We can send out kids to die for us, but if you use a natural plant to heal yourself, we will withhold certain medical care from you in the future. The immorality and hypocrisy of our federal government is unbelievable. There is nothing progressive about the federal governments war on patients rights in this country, especially when that war is now taken to those who fight the wars for them.

[Bob_in_PA]

Yes, it is a sad state of affairs. I think you can get away with it at the VA, IF and ONLY IF, you are in a med state, and even then, don't expect the federal doc to be handing out any recs! I'm thinking more and more that the answer for anyone who can really benifit from the medical properties of this wonderful plant should move to med states if at all feasible. Mass migrations to med states would surely send a strong message! (Wishful thinking, I know)

[iamhewhoisnot]

Yes, it is a sad state of affairs. I think you can get away with it at the VA, IF and ONLY IF, you are in a med state, and even then, don't expect the federal doc to be handing out any recs! I'm thinking more and more that the answer for anyone who can really benifit from the medical properties of this wonderful plant should move to med states if at all feasible. Mass migrations to med states would surely send a strong message! (Wishful thinking, I know)

If only I could pick up and move to a medical state. 

[mr.mike]

Yes sir, isn't the VA a wonderful place. I am 100% disabled for PTSD, 10% for diabetes, 30% for an explosion related deafness w/ tinnitus and refused care for TBI because I smoked marijuana, (got to keep reminding myself I am not a hero but a scumbag Vietnam Vet) and OH BOY the wonders of AGENT ORANGE! due to that crap I have a rare neuropathy w/movement disorder in both feet, and refused treatment in the VA pain clinic. And the drugs they want to shove down my throat is just amazing. I swear they are trying to kill us off, they will save a lot of money if we were all just dead. After 24 years of unreal chronic pain in my feet (treated by outside doctors) I have consumed more opiates than 100 full blown heroin junkies and no problem getting this garbage, I literally hate it. Up until 7 months ago I was able to smoke my marijuana as long as I didn't talk about it too much with the Doctors. 7 months ago, at my pcp's insistence I had to go to a pain specialist. These most compassionate folks made me sign a contract that I would not get any pain meds anywhere else but thru them and I would not consume any illegal drugs. Being a resident of one of the most uncommpassionate states in the country (Pennsylvania) that meant I had to quit my Marijuana. And with random pee test, I really had to stop,But the narcotics continued at even a stronger rate. I ask what is their thought process on this??? I did get busted for a hot urine and was read my rights, I asked the Dr. for permission too speak what was on my mind, so I did. I told him that taking away my Marijuana has hurt me in more way than one. Ya see they don't concern themselves with the mental/emotional side of chronic pain. And I did not volunteer to fight for my country being wounded twice and coming back only to be kicked out of the family (remember that I am  NOT a hero but a baby killing drug user) to have to suffer in pain as i do, to be forbidden the use of a medication that almost 30% of this fu*ked up country can use for a boo-boo while I have to watch those that never lifted a finger for this country have the option to use, it is just not right. But other than getting violent what else can we do? Yes sir, I am one angry Vietnam Veteran with no family, friends or any support help with a fuse that just gets shorter