Bernie Sanders Wants To Legalize Medical Marijuana For Military Veterans

[Uncle Joe]

(snip)

The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, who has backed broader cannabis reform measures as well, cosponsored the legislation, which in addition to providing a federal “safe harbor” for veterans to use and possess cannabis in legal states would also allow doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend medical cannabis to their patients.

If the bill is enacted, it “shall not be unlawful” for veterans to “use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in a State or on Indian land if the use, possession, or transport is authorized and in accordance with the law of the applicable State or Indian Tribe.”

The text also lists “findings” related to the proposal, noting research that suggests cannabis can treat conditions that commonly afflict veterans and potentially serve as an alternative to prescription opioids.

(snip)

There’s particular bipartisan support for reforming marijuana laws as it relates to veterans, especially when it comes to promoting research into its potential therapeutic value to the population. David Shulkin, a former VA secretary, has recently made much of the importance of studying medical cannabis for veterans, even though the department declined to take such steps under his leadership.


https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bernie-sanders-wants-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-for-military-veterans/

[BannonsLiver]

1. Nah

It needs to be legal across the board, not just for veterans. I’m surprised Bernie would take an incremental approach here, and his supporters who frequently complain about incrementalism from other candidates, would support this. I guess we all love the smell of our own brand, to borrow a phrase.

[Uncle Joe]

3. You didn't read the article.

(snip)

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the legislation in February, and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) was an original cosponsor.

Sanders has been one of the most prominent advocates for cannabis reform in Congress, and he was the first major presidential candidate to endorse legalization during his last campaign in 2015. However, this appears to be the first time he’s cosponsored a veterans-specific marijuana bill.

Last month, the senator released a wide-ranging plan to end prohibition, which involves using executive action to federally deschedule cannabis within his first 100 days in office, pushing Congress to pass legislation that would make legalization permanent and ensuring that the people most harmed by the drug war, as opposed to large corporations, are the primary beneficiaries of the legal market.

(snip)

Another unique proposal that Sanders is open to, according to a top campaign advisor, is covering medical cannabis through a universal health care program that he’s championed.

(snip)

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bernie-sanders-wants-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-for-military-veterans/

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

29. Wait, what are you saying Uncle Joe?! Read the article and portray Bernie's actual agenda...

and give up an opportunity to bash Bernie?! You must be the "crazy uncle"!!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[George II]

2. This bill was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii way back on February 12...

...Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsored it at the time. Sanders just co-sponsored it yesterday. Why did it take him nine months?

This is Brian Schatz' bill, NOT Sanders' bill, but it's being presented here as though it's his idea is misleading.

[BannonsLiver]

4. Ah I should have known it wasn't Bernie's idea.

What a surprise.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Nobody said it was.

[ehrnst]

25. The OP implies it, via ommission.

If an OP was to claim, "Elizabeth Warren wants to make health care available to all," and omitted any mention of Senator Sanders, the fur would fly.

And you know it.

[Blue_true]

32. I respect you Uncle Joe, but you headline gave that exact impression. nt

[George II]

9. Yes, he didn't "write the damn bill."

[BannonsLiver]

10. I feel like that happens a lot

[Uncle Joe]

6. Reading is fundamental, nothing in the OP said it was Bernie's idea. n/t

[George II]

7. Yes, RIF, the subject line implies that this is BS' revolutionary idea. On the other hand...

....he ignored this bill for nine months and now all of a sudden he "Wants To Legalize Medical Marijuana For Military Veterans". Actually, Brian Schatz "Wants To Legalize Medical Marijuana For Military Veterans" and only now does BS agree.

[Uncle Joe]

8. The subject line states the truth, if Bernie didn't want to legalize Marijuana for Veterans,

he wouldn't have co-sponsored the bill.

For that matter Bernie wants to go farther and legalize it for every American adult and you just totally ignored that part of the article.

(snip)

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the legislation in February, and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) was an original cosponsor.

Sanders has been one of the most prominent advocates for cannabis reform in Congress, and he was the first major presidential candidate to endorse legalization during his last campaign in 2015. However, this appears to be the first time he’s cosponsored a veterans-specific marijuana bill.

Last month, the senator released a wide-ranging plan to end prohibition, which involves using executive action to federally deschedule cannabis within his first 100 days in office, pushing Congress to pass legislation that would make legalization permanent and ensuring that the people most harmed by the drug war, as opposed to large corporations, are the primary beneficiaries of the legal market.

(snip)

Another unique proposal that Sanders is open to, according to a top campaign advisor, is covering medical cannabis through a universal health care program that he’s championed.

(snip)

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bernie-sanders-wants-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-for-military-veterans/

[George II]

11. History of the bill under discussion:

[Uncle Joe]

12. Nothing you posted disputes the points I made nor the OP. n/t

[George II]

14. But it was presented as though it was his idea, but in fact he's following again....

....and following very late in the game.

If it's such a great idea, why didn't he co-sponsor it on February 12, like Tim Kaine did?

A theory - on February 12 he was in second and 7.3% behind Biden. Today he's in third and 10.7% behind Biden.

[Uncle Joe]

15. Those are your words, not the OP and as I stated to which you ignored, Bernie wants to go

even farther and has since 2015.

(snip)

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the legislation in February, and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) was an original cosponsor.

Sanders has been one of the most prominent advocates for cannabis reform in Congress, and he was the first major presidential candidate to endorse legalization during his last campaign in 2015. However, this appears to be the first time he’s cosponsored a veterans-specific marijuana bill.

Last month, the senator released a wide-ranging plan to end prohibition, which involves using executive action to federally deschedule cannabis within his first 100 days in office, pushing Congress to pass legislation that would make legalization permanent and ensuring that the people most harmed by the drug war, as opposed to large corporations, are the primary beneficiaries of the legal market.

(snip)

Another unique proposal that Sanders is open to, according to a top campaign advisor, is covering medical cannabis through a universal health care program that he’s championed.

(snip)

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bernie-sanders-wants-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-for-military-veterans/

[ehrnst]

26. The OP omits Tim Kaine's efforts. Not very good journalism by any actual standard.

But what would one expect from "marijuana moment" in terms of campaign analysis - enough to drive clicks to it?

Well, at least on the part of most, but apparently, not everyone when a source is singing the praises of the junior Senator from Vermont...

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. LOL... Uncle Joe nails it again!! Reading IS fundamental... sure would help.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

23. There you go again with facts.

No fair!!!

[George II]

24. It's what I do.

[ismnotwasm]

13. So do a lot of other people.

[Uncle Joe]

16. That's good.

[ismnotwasm]

17. Yes it is.

I’m not a big medical marijuana fan. It helps some people, doesn’t help others. Governmental studies are poorly designed, using shit strains. Thank god for modern marijuana research done by University campuses using whatever funding they use


https://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu/


That being said, Women tend to have more cannabiod receptors and there some evidence that these receptors increase in women as they age.

So as long as it’s not being offered as a medical panacea, I fully support marijuana legalization legislation. Snake oil remedies just piss me off.

[The Mouth]

18. Screw anyone who thinks it should be illegal for adults.

Period.

Medical panacea or of zero medical use, it simply should not be part of the federal government's business. Period.

[Act_of_Reparation]

19. But...

[paleotn]

28. Just hand them a bottle of Jack and glass of ice.

The difference is...umm...well.....nothing.

[ismnotwasm]

20. Oh I agree.

But I’m an RN and I have to battle the bullshit no matter where it is. So if your local clinic or random marijuana expert is going to claim, say, cancer cures or tumor shrinkage without evidence, it’s gonna piss me off.

(Clinics actually don’t, most clinics are full of warm, friendly very helpful people, who have the knowledge to fine tune your type and dosages. Benefits of living in a state where marijuana is legal)

. Plus we’ve been using marijuana derivatives for years as an appetite stimulant. It’s not new.

[The Mouth]

21. Thanks for the clarification

While I have nowhere your level of expertise, I both think that in some instances MM is great, and in others it's snake oil bullshit. I know some people it helps, and I've known people trying to suggest it cures every fucking thing under the sun.


But I'll fight against anyone, anywhere, who doesn't think it should be legal for all adults, I don't care what else they believe or do. Personal vendetta against any and all drug warriors.

[ismnotwasm]

22. I not an expert, I just take care of sick people.

And there are TONS of people who enjoy CBDs for various things. I am super curious about various studies, the receptor gender difference especially. Went to a conference where the speaker said, for conditions like migraines he thinks the evidence will show marijuana and CBDs will be more effective for women


The marijuana industry is thriving in Washington state. I’d like to see that happen everywhere

[paleotn]

27. Just decriminalize it, period.

I'm tired of this half measure crap.

[Blue_true]

33. That would be my first step. Decriminalize it completely.

Fine people only if they are walking down a crowed sidewalk toking. If it is in their home, no issue and no one's business. I would leave it to each individual state to decide whether it should be legal in all cases (no penalties at all for use anywhere).

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

31. Bernie, once again, bringing important issues to the fore... military vets salute you Bernie!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Blue_true]

34. The bill is not his bill. George II is pointing out that Senator Sanders was really late to the

party.