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Medical Marijuana for Veterans in Iowa

Iowa Medical Marijuana And Military Veterans

For years, veterans advocates have been pushing Veterans Affairs officials to more aggressively explore research into medical marijuana's possible health benefits. An American Legion poll released in November 2017 found that more than 90% of veterans support expanding research into medical marijuana, and over 80% back allowing federal doctors to prescribe it to veterans.

 

Alas, department officials have insisted that the federal law restricts their ability to conduct most medical marijuana testing and have refused those requests for expansion. Frustrated lawmakers have been sponsoring new legislation to finally allow the VA to perform research on medical marijuana.

 

In the meantime, veterans in Iowa have access to medical marijuana through a recommendation from a certified medical marijuana doctor. We at Iowa Marijuana Card pride ourselves in connecting veterans with the medical marijuana doctors so patients can receive the care they need as quickly and as easily as possible.

 

How Can Medical Marijuana Help Veterans in Iowa?

It is estimated that 20 percent of the 2.7 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will come home suffering from a mild or severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Because the Veterans Affairs cannot properly handle this intense influx of suffering veterans, many seek out alternatives to ease their emotional and physical pain. Sadly, because there’s so little help for these veterans, many wind up addicted to powerful prescription medications that not only threaten their lives but may not even provide the relief they so desperately seek.

 

And as veterans get older, many also succumb to arthritis, cancers, and other painful conditions that greatly diminish their quality of life. Medical marijuana is known to ease or benefit many of these conditions, from topical creams to tinctures.

 

Iowa has approved different qualifying conditions for use with medical marijuana, including chronic pain, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Our doctors at Iowa Marijuana Card will work with veterans to create an action plan for tackling their medical conditions safely and holistically.  

 

Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for Veterans Affairs care and services, either. Veterans Affairs providers can and do discuss marijuana use with Veterans as part of comprehensive care planning and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

What Iowa Veterans Should Know About Medical Marijuana​

 

Some things Veterans need to know about marijuana and the VA:

  • Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana use.
     

  • Veterans are encouraged to discuss marijuana use with their VA providers.
     

  • VA health care providers will record marijuana use in the Veteran's VA medical record to have the information available in treatment planning. As with all clinical information, this is part of the confidential medical record and protected under patient privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
     

  • VA clinicians may not recommend medical marijuana.
     

  • VA clinicians may not prescribe products containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), or any other cannabinoids.
     

  • VA clinicians may not complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs.
     

  • VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for medical marijuana.

  • VA will not pay for medical marijuana prescriptions from any source.
     

  • The use or possession of marijuana is prohibited at all VA medical centers, locations and grounds. When you are on VA grounds, it is federal law that is in force, not the laws of the state.
     

  • Veterans who are VA employees are subject to drug testing under the terms of their employment.

​Veteran Pricing Options for Iowa Medical Marijuana Card

Iowa Marijuana Card has already connected thousands of veterans nationwide with medical marijuana doctors. We understand that receiving a medical marijuana card is deeply important to our veterans, but we don’t want you to break the bank just to receive the medicine and care you seek. That’s why Iowa Marijuana Card provides a discount to our veterans; just make sure to mention it when scheduling your appointment so that we can apply the discount.

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Scheduling a Medical Marijuana Evaluation for a Veteran in Iowa

Be sure to call us at 866-443-1122 and reserve an appointment with one of our licensed medical marijuana doctors. We will start seeing patients soon and are excited to help patients get the care they deserve. Once we open, our compassionate staff will walk you through the whole process of obtaining your medical marijuana card, from gathering your medical records to veteran discounts and follow-up appointments. 

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