The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been an ongoing debate in the US. The federal government has deemed cannabis a Schedule 1 drug, making it difficult for people to access it legally. What are the potential applications of medical marijuana for Mississippi Veterans? Veterans use it to help treat specific PTSD symptoms, manage chronic pain, increase attention span and cognitive abilities, and improve sleep patterns.
Although the federal cannabis ban persists, changes to the regulations concerning veterans are occurring. To get a clearer picture of the laws regarding veteran use of cannabis, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several guidelines below. These are the guidelines when applying for a medical marijuana card for Mississippi veterans.
- 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 only prescribe medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. Currently, most products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids are not approved for this purpose by the FDA.
- VA clinicians may not complete the 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.
- VA scientists may conduct research on marijuana benefits and risks, and potential for abuse, under regulatory approval.
- The use or possession of marijuana is prohibited at all VA medical centers, locations, and grounds. When you are on VA grounds, it is a 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 employment.
Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not help Mississippi veterans get medical marijuana cards, those eligible can seek treatment through Mississippi’s MMJ program if they want.
Medical Marijuana For Mississippi Veterans: How To Can Get A Card
The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (Senate Bill 2095) was signed into law on February 2, 2022, by Governor Tate Reeves, thus making Mississippi the 37th state for the legalization of medical marijuana.
The Mississippi medical marijuana registry started accepting applications at the beginning of June 2022. Currently, they are pre-qualifying applicants at Pause Pain & Wellness. Certifications by providers are happening now. Medical Marijuana For Mississippi Veterans is finally a reality. Here’s how to get a medical marijuana card in MS:
Step 1: Book an Appointment
The first step to opening a medical marijuana card is scheduling your consultation online or calling Pause Pain & Wellness for an appointment at 833-940-5060.
Step 2: Talk to a Healthcare Professional
You will be assisted by a Pause Pain & Wellness patient care specialist for your MMJ card application as a patient in Mississippi. Your health condition and medical documentation will also be reviewed at this stage. Once you have a qualifying condition, we will assist you in obtaining your medical marijuana card.
Step 3: Get Your Card
When you are approved for your medical marijuana card by one of our providers, they will submit your paperwork to the Mississippi state registry. We will help you with your photo and completing your application so the process will run smoothly.
The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act will create rules for the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) to oversee the program. The department must decide who will qualify for the drug, how much they can take, and how patients will obtain it, so keep on checking this site for updates.