noting the disparity between what she calls “the antiquated argument that marijuana is dangerous” and the results she’s seen firsthand. “He’s happier, more productive and more motivated to do things,” she added. “So it has really changed the quality of life, big time.” The couple points out that the benefits of medical cannabis correlate with its responsible use, which includes abstaining from driving while under the influence and ensuring proper dosage and administration. “As someone with a nutrition background, I don’t let Jarid smoke it because I don’t like the smoke in the lungs,” she said. “He makes edibles with it, which I think is a lot safer, and I’ve been told you tend to get a little more positive effect.” While the VA cannot deny veterans benefits due to medical marijuana use, VA providers cannot recommend or prescribe cannabis since the Food and Drug Administration still classifies it as a Schedule I drug. DAV.ORG | Air Force veterans Jarid and Priscilla Watson in their suburban Maryland home. Jarid uses medical cannabis to treat his chronic hip pain rather than opioids because he feels pharmaceuticals are dangerous. “He’s happier, more productive and more motivated to do things,” said Priscilla, noting a disparity between the arguments that marijuana is dangerous and the results she’s seen for her husband. Instead, Watson has to pay out of pocket for an annual physician’s evaluation and a medical cannabis card in Maryland—one of 30 states, as well as the District of Columbia, which has legalized medical marijuana. Participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services, and VA providers are able to discuss cannabis use with veteran patients and adjust care and treatment plans as needed. But Etten notes that the federal classification of cannabis leaves many veterans in limbo. While some, like Watson, can afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs, many others rely solely on the VA for health care. @DAVHQ | DAVHQ 21 FACEBOOK.COM/DAV |