The VA Montana Health Care System in Fort Harrison, Montana. Photo from Facebook

An appropriations bill making its way through the Senate allows Veterans Affairs hospitals to discuss marijuana in states where it is already legal for medical purposes.

The provision in H.R.2029, the fiscal year 2016 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, does not change federal laws that prevent the possession or distribution of marijuana at VA facilities. But it will allow doctors to discuss the drug with veterans who might be able to use it to address post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

“I don’t believe we should discriminate against veterans just because they are in the care of the VA," Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), who introduced the provision, told The Washington Post.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill last Thursday. The marijuana provision, which does not affect the Indian Health Service, is found in Section 246.

The House passed the bill on April 30 without the marijuana provision. The difference would have to be resolved in joint House-Senate conference committee.

Get the Story:
Senate committee backs measure to allow VA to recommend medical pot (The Washington Post 5/26)

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