After losing my legs while serving in Afghanistan, I went through the toughest physical and psychological pain imaginable.  Many veterans experience similar situations when they return home from battle, and I believe that we owe it to them to make sure they can access every possible tool to treat that pain. 

One of those tools is medical marijuana.  In fact, studies have shown time after time that medical marijuana can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain, PTSD and depression. 

But right now, our veterans - whether their state has legalized medical marijuana or not - are specifically prohibited from participating in medical marijuana programs.  With more and more states now moving to legalize medical marijuana, I believe that Department of Veterans Affairs physicians in these states should also be allowed to consider medical marijuana as a treatment option.  

That’s why I co-sponsored the bipartisan Veterans Equal Access Act to make it easier for qualified veterans to access medical marijuana in states where it is legal - like here in Florida.  As a veteran and as a co-chair of the Bipartisan Cannabis Caucus, I know that medical marijuana can make a difference in the lives of those who’ve served. Bureaucratic red tape should not keep them from a treatment plan that can dramatically improve their quality of life!   

For more on my efforts to support veterans, click here.