Most Military Veterans Support Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational And Medical Use, Poll Shows

A strong majority of military veterans support legalizing marijuana and other cannabis-related reforms, according to a new survey conducted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

IAVA’s survey of 47o of its members found that 61 percent want to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes and 87 percent want to allow medical use.

Nearly three out of four military veteran respondents said they were aware of the federal rescheduling of medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and 69 percent are in support of the reform.

The poll also showed that 91 percent believe that cannabis should be researched for its medical potential, and 88 percent want the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) itself to allow research into marijuana as a treatment option.

The survey additionally found that while 70 percent of respondents said they would be comfortable discussing medical cannabis with their primary care doctor, only 29 percent have actually done so.

IAVA’s analysis of the polling results says that the findings “show a consistent pattern,” which is that “respondents were particularly supportive of research and medical applications, and there may be unmet need for clearer information, stronger evidence, and more comfortable provider conversations.”

The group said Congress should focus on passing legislation to “prioritize increased federal investment in rigorous, veteran-specific research to better understand the safety, effectiveness, and potential long-term health implications of cannabis-based treatments.”

“Research should also examine the relationship between medicinal cannabis use and reliance on other substances, including prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, as well as potential impacts on suicide-related risk factors and overall quality of life,” it said.

IAVA cited a specific bill, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, that would direct VA to carry out studies on the therapeutic potential of marijuana for military veterans with certain conditions.

“IAVA supports efforts to strengthen the evidence base through research that considers both potential therapeutic benefits and adverse outcomes, allowing veterans and their health care providers to make more informed decisions about available treatment options,” the group said.

Other bills flagged by the group include the the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to their patients, and the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act, which would protect veterans from being denied their federal benefits due to medical marijuana use.

“IAVA supports legislative efforts that facilitate transparent, evidence-informed conversations between veterans and their providers, protect continuity of care, and ensure that veterans are not discouraged from disclosing cannabis use or exploring legally available treatment options,” the group said. “These efforts should be accompanied by the development and dissemination of VA-validated, evidence-based clinical resources to help providers discuss the potential benefits, risks, drug interactions, and limitations of medicinal cannabis and other cannabinoids with their veteran patients.”