Written by Mike Arth
Starting at 13 years old, I dedicated myself to my country and my community through various roles. As an Army medic, firefighter and paramedic, I personally have helped veterans and civilians battle physical and mental health issues that were often either left untreated or treated with traditional medications that were ineffective.
Over the years, it’s become clearer that cannabis-based treatments provide an effective alternative for those faced with anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain and many more conditions. That is why it is my personal and professional belief that the federal government needs to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
This change would be a win for so many, but veterans in particular stand to benefit greatly. Veterans who receive their care from the VA are not permitted to discuss cannabis-based treatments as an option given its current federal classification, despite the fact that there is growing evidence that these treatments are effective.
Numerous scholarly reports and studies have found cannabis has therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety conditions. These medical conditions disproportionately affect our veterans, with one survey showing that 91% of veterans said cannabis improved their quality of life. Another analysis studied data from over a 10 year period and demonstrated that cannabis-based treatments improved overall PTSD symptoms including quality of sleep.
Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III is not a perfect solution. Like with all medications, there are limits to its effect, and continued research and development is critical. Once placed in Schedule III, researchers and scientists would face less bureaucratic hurdles that would allow for the expansion of research, helping patients, including tens of thousands of veterans who would benefit from additional research on medical cannabis.
I’m encouraged to see that President Trump has already come out in support of rescheduling. Americans of all backgrounds, from red states and blue states alike, overwhelmingly support sensible cannabis reform. We need leaders within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move on the rescheduling process and move cannabis to Schedule III, a change that was recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.
As a veteran and active community servant, responding to veterans in crisis, I urge our leaders to finalize this rescheduling now. We owe it to our fellow veterans, and every patient seeking relief, dignity of access, and the right to choose the treatment that works best for them.
