The post This Veterans’ Affairs Leader Supports Medical Marijuana Research appeared first on High Times.
After an address to the American Legion by U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, he announced that this veterans’ affairs leader supports medical marijuana research. Roe addressed the veterans group at its conference in Washington, D.C. on February 27. Roe, a Republican, represents Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District. His speech to vets did not mention medical marijuana.
But afterward, Roe spoke with reporters, it was reported by Stars and Stripes. During that conversation, he said he supported research into medical marijuana by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Roe’s Remarks
“There is so much controversy about cannabis now,” said Roe. “We need to study that drug, like any other drug. Where there are benefits — if there are any — then we use it for what it’s researched for.”
Roe is an important congressional advocate for veterans’ issues. He is the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, as well.
He also said that he will support VA Secretary David Shulkin if he approves cannabis research.
“I would support [Shulkin] if he did it. I will make that clear,” Roe said.
The VA has the ability to study cannabis as medicine better than other bodies tackling the issue, Roe believes.
“We don’t need state legislators making medical decisions, we need medical people making medical decisions,” he told reporters.
Roe and Shulkin are both physicians.
In Step with Democratic Colleagues
Roe’s remarks are similar to those of his colleague, Rep. Tim Walz from Minnesota. Walz is the senior Democratic member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
In October, Walz and other Democrats sent a letter to Shulkin.