VA MARIJUANA POLICY OUTLLINED

Editor, The News:

As a clarification to the article on medical marijuana in the VA, it
is important for veteran patients and visitors of the VA medical
center in Saginaw and community based outpatient clinics in Alpena,
Clare, Gaylord, Oscoda and Traverse City to understand how the new law
regarding the use of medical marijuana will be handled by VA medical
center police and practitioners.

The legalization of medical marijuana in Michigan is acknowledged.
However, pursuant to federal law, VA physicians, nurse practitioners
and other licensed clinicians are not authorized or permitted to
participate in the recommendation for treatment of or prescribing
medical marijuana to a VA patient that would otherwise be legal in
Michigan. Furthermore, the VA will not dispense, prescribe or store
medical marijuana, and its possession on VA property remains illegal
and a criminal offense.

However, it is acknowledged that testing positive for marijuana in a
patient, based upon a random drug screening, will not serve as a
breach of the current pain management agreement if the patient submits
documentation in support of the marijuana being prescribed and
dispensed in conformity with Michigan law.

The above withstanding, veteran patients and visitors who are
registered users of medical marijuana must follow all laws and
regulations for the possession and use of the medical marijuana and
shall not bring medical marijuana on the grounds of the VA medical
center. Possession on federal grounds remains illegal and may subject
the possessor to appropriate criminal charges.

Our priority to provide quality health care to veterans remains
steadfast. A veteran's care and the right to pain management continue
to be very important in enhancing the veteran's health care outcomes.

Veterans with questions or concerns regarding their participation with
medical marijuana may be directed to their primary care provider.

Gabriel Perez

director

Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Saginaw