Canadian feds to pay for military vets' medical marijuana

[babylonsister]

Feds to pay for military vets medical marijuana

2 days ago


OTTAWA — The military may strictly forbid marijuana use by its soldiers, but the federal government has decided to pay for medical cannabis for some veterans.

Veterans Affairs has reversed a previous ban, now saying it "may provide payment in relation to the associated costs of medically required marijuana to clients who have qualified."

Payments can be made only to veterans licensed by Health Canada to possess medical marijuana, and who buy government-certified cannabis produced on contract by a firm in Flin Flon, Man.

The policy change was approved last October, but is only now being communicated to veterans who require the product for pain management and other severe medical conditions.

About eight veterans licensed by Health Canada are having their medical marijuana bills picked up by taxpayers, said Janice Summerby, spokeswoman for Veterans Affairs.

She was unable to say immediately how much the new policy was costing the department.

"These guys (the federal government) want to stand up for veterans' rights," said Bruce Webb, a Comox, B.C., veteran who successfully pressed Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson for the about-face.

"They want to help."

more...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gPc16heqZO5_1km1eFnUMO2y5kfA