Sanford Bishop: “I support the amendment that is offered by Mr. Blumenauer. Last year in Georgia, the general assembly passed and…”

“I support the amendment that is offered by Mr. Blumenauer. Last year in Georgia, the general assembly passed and Governor Deal signed legislation that immediately legalized the use of medical marijuana to treat serious medical conditions. Georgia became the 36th State plus Washington, D.C., to legalize marijuana extracts to treat illnesses. I believe that we should not limit the Veterans Health Administration from providing optimal pain care for our veterans. If medical marijuana is legal in a State, then the VA should be able to discuss that treatment option and allow the veteran to make his or her own choice. I believe that the VA's published policy guidance related to the use of medical marijuana by our veteran patients, VHA Directive 2010-035, Medical Marijuana, has become outdated. I believe that supporting a veteran's right to use alternative methods to deal with pain is the right thing to do. Mr. Chairman, I support the amendment, and I urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 0010”