Recent executive order removes barrier to research that could alleviate mental health issues and reduce veteran suicide rate, National Commander Wiley writes.
Dear American Legion Family members and friends,
Sometimes we measure our advocacy successes in months, or even sessions of Congress. In the case of the recent reclassification of cannabis, it took nearly a decade.
On Dec. 18, I was honored to participate in an Oval Office ceremony where President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to remove outdated barriers to federally approved research into the therapeutic value of cannabis for veterans. The American Legion has called for reclassification of cannabis to recognize it “as a drug with potential medical value” as early as 2016 when it approved a resolution.
Here’s what the executive order means: It lifts the restrictions on large-scale, randomized clinical trials that could lead to solutions for veterans, first responders and others who are facing challenges with PTSD, TBI, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
I am so pleased that this obstacle has been set aside. Advances in cannabis research have the potential to lead to solutions that could alleviate these issues, and contribute to reducing suicide risk among veterans. If just one clinical trial yields a solution that can save the life of just one veteran, it will be worth it.
Just think what that will mean to The American Legion’s efforts to prevent suicide as part of our Be the One mission.
As we celebrate this achievement, let’s also be clear about one thing: The American Legion’s support for this executive order does not imply we support the legalization of cannabis for non-medical use. Reclassification does not mean legalization for recreational use, nor does it mandate use of potential clinical options. It simply removes outdated federal barriers to critical research.
Through years of engagement with veterans and clinicians, we have learned how cannabis can be life changing for some individuals. With the signing of this executive order, science-backed solutions can be reached and more veterans’ lives could be saved.
Dan K. Wiley
National Commander
The American Legion
- Commander