Political Quotes

“I do rise in opposition to my friend's amendment. We had a similar debate in the full committee just last week. The VA must comply with all Federal laws, including the Controlled Substances Act. This act designates schedule I drugs, such as marijuana, as having no currently accepted medical use. There are criminal penalties associated with the production, distribution, and possession of these drugs. The standing VA policy does not deny veterans who participate in State marijuana programs from also participating in VA substance abuse or clinical programs. It simply prohibits VA clinicians from completing forms for their participation in such State programs or for providing or paying for marijuana authorized by a State program. Veterans are able to participate in State programs. They just cannot possess marijuana at VA facilities. Changing the VA directive does not change the DEA's interpretation of Federal law on marijuana. DEA has advised VA that its doctors cannot issue anything that could be construed as a prescription or endorsement of medical marijuana, so the amendment won't change the situation for veterans unless the VA physicians are willing to risk prosecution. At this point, again, I would have to urge opposition. I reserve the balance of my time.”