Veterans Back Protections, Access Measures in New House Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Veterans Cannabis Project supports new cannabis legislation introduced today by Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC). The States Reform Act would provide enhanced protections for military veterans against the loss of VA healthcare benefits and other discriminatory practices and would fund mental health services for veterans, among other provisions.

Appearing at an introductory press conference on Capitol Hill, Veterans Cannabis Project Executive Director Doug Distaso spoke in favor of the bill and encouraged other lawmakers on the Hill to follow suit.

“It is an all-too-common refrain from veterans that they are hesitant to be involved with cannabis – whether disclosing use to their doctors, seeking employment in the industry, or even speaking in support of the issue – out of fear that they will lose their benefits or be otherwise discriminated against,” said Distaso. “The protections provided in this bill will go a long way toward protecting those who have spent their lives protecting and defending our country.”

Cannabis reform has broad bipartisan support, especially on issues surrounding medical cannabis legalization, cannabis research, and VHA research. Among veterans, support for medical cannabis legalization is over 80% according to recent surveys by the American Legion and Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.

For more information on our mission to support veterans’ cannabis access, visit vetscp.org.

About the Veterans Cannabis Project

Veterans Cannabis Project (VCP) is dedicated to advocating on behalf of cannabis access issues for U.S. military veterans. VCP is committed to educating policymakers and the public about the value of cannabis to veterans and supporting veterans across the nation with the resources they need to understand the value of medical cannabis, know their cannabis rights, and access the tools they need to encourage federal policy change. We work daily to create a community that can heal our nation’s broken approach to cannabis and provide veterans with safe, legal access.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2021 // CONTACT: Tim Hagood - 202-731-4364