When a newly retired U.S. Army veteran applied for a job in
March, he told the local recruiter that he was using CBD oil through Florida's
medical marijuana program.
The revelation was soon confirmed by a failed drug test. The
federal contract position would have paid $10,000 for a month's work abroad.
But forced to choose between his health and his wallet, he kept taking the CBD
oil.
"I don't think it's right that we have to make that
choice," said Vincent, 45, who asked that his full name not be used out of
fear his legal cannabis use could jeopardize his veteran benefits.
Veterans like Vincent -- who served two tours in Iraq --
find themselves increasingly frustrated with the hurdles they face in trying to
access marijuana for medical purposes even as support for legalizing the drug
continues to grow.
Lucrative federal jobs become off limits even if they reside
in one of the 34 states with a medical marijuana program. They need to pay out
of pocket for the drug and required doctor visits, and it has to be in cash
because banks can't work with the marijuana industry under federal law. And
many worry they could lose hard-earned benefits if they publicly disclose legal
use.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs states on its website
that "veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana
use," including disability payments.
Yet when Vincent asked his veteran service officer how his
marijuana use would affect his disability and retirement checks, he said the
officer could not give him a clear answer.
Individual reports, such as a case in Massachusetts this
year where a veteran reportedly lost their VA home loan eligibility because
they worked for a legal marijuana company, stoke fear and uncertainty.
But the perceived risks aren't stopping a growing number of
veterans from trying medical marijuana as an alternative treatment, though they
are careful to remain in the shadows.
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