Fredericton veteran calls federal cut to medical marijuana coverage 'irresponsible'

I had a bad couple of days after this announcement (WTF moment).
Not pleasant to put a vet into a tail spin.
Minds are fascinating things when misinformed and misguided.


http://www.420university.com/education/medical/ptsd-medical-marijuana-clinical-studies-confirm-benefits/ptsd-medical-marijuana-clinical-studies-confirm-benefits

Nov 26, 2016 11 AM EST
By Ernest A, UniversityHerald Reporter

Medical Marijuana Users Plagued With Pot Head Stigma; Cannabis To Cure Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder On War Vets?


TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 2: Jim Brydges, a medical marijuana exemptee who is living with HIV/AIDS, smokes marijuana June 2, 2003 at a Toronto Hemp Store

It has been the bane for most people to be placed or perceived as a certain stigma or stereotype by the general views of a community. Such is the case for medical marijuana users who have, for the longest time, been seen as a "lazy pot-smoker." This long-standing stigma may actually hurt the legitimacy of medical marijuana consumer. Moreover, the plant itself may have a potential to cure the prevailing post-traumatic stress disorder that war veterans in Canada have been suffering from.

It was recently reported that the stigma of a "lazy pot-smoker" is being pressed on heavily after an interview with former NDP MP Peter Stoffer regarding medical marijuana consumption among war veterans, CBC has learned.

It was stated therein that Stoffer criticized that the amount of marijuana (10 grams a day) allotted to veterans by the rules set forth by the Veteran Affairs Canada is excessive to give to one person.

As such, Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr was said to have agreed on Stoffer's proposition and, as a result, has ordered the limit on the amount of marijuana given to be scaled back to three grams per day.

Furthermore, it was reported that Stoffer wanted to have the veterans subjected to a full lifestyle examination before being given access to any amount of medical marijuana. It seems that this would stem from his suspicion that some veterans are using the medication to simply just get high.

This being said, the source opined that the Veteran Affairs Canada does not have a right to interfere between a patient and his doctor, albeit the fact that they play a role in how veteran health care dollars are being used.

It also stated its position that the same organization should not be prodding into a patient's lifestyle (as suggested by Stoffer), due to their use of medical marijuana, in the same way that they couldn't do the same to others who use other prescription medications.

As Canada is moving towards legalizing the use cannabis, a G7 nation to fully legalize the plant both in recreation and medical uses, cannabis is also being considered to help combat the rampant post-traumatic stress disorder that most war veterans in Canada have been suffering from, Huffington Post reported.

The source went on to cite the work of former Canadian combat engineer, Fabian Henry, who sees cannabis as a means to save the lives of veterans by immensely helping them cope up with PTSD.

Henry pointed out that the use of cannabis greatly helped him and other veterans refrain from feeling suicidal due to the psychological torments that they undergo everyday.

With all these said, it seems that Canada is considering a lot of things right now as they slowly gear towards legalizing the use of Marijuana.



http://www.universityherald.com/articles/52017/20161126/medical-marijuana-users-plagued-with-pot-head-stigma-cannabis-to-cure-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-on-war-vets.htm

If you wish.

Agree firebird and then grow the rest

Just smoke what you have and enjoy.

Marc Davis
Medical Marijuana Could Help End Canada's Veteran Suicide Crisis
Posted: 11/25/2016 11:00 am EST Updated: 11/25/2016 11:07 am EST


Fabian Henry is a veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Former Canadian combat engineer Fabian Henry used to thrive on adrenaline -- especially in combat zones -- during his 12 years in the military.

Now he smokes medical marijuana to avoid stressors that remind him of his most disturbing wartime experiences. And that's what now keeps him sane, he says.

"Cannabis is saving veterans' lives, including my own. It's improved the quality of my life by making me feel normal again," he explains. "Before that, I drank heavily to numb my feelings, and at times was so depressed that I felt suicidal. Now I have my old self back."

During two tours of duty in Afghanistan, Henry's work included defusing hidden roadside mines, so he considers himself lucky to have made it home in one piece. But his mind didn't get off so lightly. In fact, the war still rages in his darkest thoughts, especially his memories of fallen comrades.



Far too many other ex-servicemen are also psychologically tormented by memories of the horrors they've experienced or witnessed, particularly while serving as peacekeepers in far-flung, strife-torn lands.

It's a condition that's clinically diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, hyper-vigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, memory loss and insomnia, loss of libido, as well as emotional numbness and social isolation.

And this latent psychological danger can be deadly. In fact, there have been a disproportionately high number of suicides among war veterans in recent years.

Among Afghanistan war veterans alone, one ex-soldier has committed suicide for every three battlefield fatalities, statistics show -- a figure that now stands at 71.

And much of this is due to the high prevalence of PTSD among ex-servicemen.


Fabian Henry, pictured in civilian clothes, has found that medical marijuana helps control symptoms of PTSD that he experiences.

In light of such shocking figures, Canada's federal government must start financing enough scientific studies to definitively determine if pot can mitigate this high rate of suicides. So say some frustrated war veterans, including Henry, who founded a PTSD support group in 2014 called Marijuana for Trauma.

"From what I've seen and experienced, the anti-depressants and anti-psychotics veterans are given to treat PTSD simply don't work. They can actually make it worse, and can even trigger suicidal thoughts," he says.

"It's imperative that the government starts doing medical research here in Canada."

"Even the opioids prescribed to veterans for pain are highly addictive and can be deadly in big enough doses," he adds.

Side-effects of conventional pharmaceutical treatments commonly prescribed for PTSD can include impaired cognition (mental "fog"), erectile dysfunction, lethargy, weight gain and, in some cases, chemical dependency.

Henry adds, "It's imperative that the government starts doing medical research here in Canada. There needs to be scientific proof for what we already know from anecdotal evidence among veterans, which is that cannabis works in treating PTSD."



His veteran-run organization currently serves about 4,050 veterans with PTSD and has 12 clinics all across Canada. Its mandate is to wean them off debilitating pharmaceutical drugs, coupled with giving them cannabis education and helping them get access to government-subsidized medical marijuana.

This helps explain why an increasing number of veterans affected by PTSD are turning to medical marijuana as an alternative.

In fact, there's been a 15-fold increase in the number of veterans gaining legal access to medical marijuana via Veterans Affairs Canada over the past three years.

So far the figure is around 3,100, and still trending upwards.

The fact that Veterans Affairs Canada has been grudgingly paying for veterans' marijuana (up to 10 grams per day), while also discouraging them from using it, is very problematic, Henry continues.

Just a couple of days ago, the feds announced that veterans' daily allocated maximum limit of 10 grams will be reduced as of next May to only three grams. This rationing is mostly due to the escalating cost -- an estimated $75 million for 2016 -- of catering to an increasing number of veterans, according to Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr.

However, the government's stinginess may also be aligned with its official position on cannabis, Henry says. Its longstanding attitude has been that there's not enough science to prove that pot helps with PTSD.

This position was reasserted on Tuesday in a report from Canada's Auditor General Michael Ferguson, much to the distaste of Henry.

Henry insists that this unnecessary impasse is making many physicians reluctant to prescribe cannabis to veterans. And this can have fatal consequences for those who have suicidal thoughts but don't have legal access to cannabis.

"The dire need for this PTSD research is so obvious with our epidemic of veteran suicides."

Admittedly, the science supporting the benefits of cannabis for treating PTSD is scant.

Extraordinarily, there's only one federal-government-approved study underway in the U.S. And its lead investigator, Dr. Sue Sisley, is a vocal critic of her government's "unconscionable" foot-dragging in approving more financing for this kind of research.

"The dire need for this PTSD research is so obvious with our epidemic of veteran suicides," she says.

Finally, Canada recently initiated its own inaugural clinical trial to study the effects of medical cannabis on PTSD. It is being conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a B.C. medical cannabis grower, Tilray. It is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.

"Cannabis does what pills can't do."

One of the study's lead researchers is Zach Walsh, an Associate Professor of Psychology at UBC. He explains, "We know that a lot of veterans are using cannabis to deal with their symptoms," he says.

"But the research hasn't been there for us to get a sense of how it works, who it works best for, and are there differences between different types of cannabis that make some types more effective than others?"

Henry is relieved that medical science may soon come to terms with what he says is becoming common knowledge among veterans: "Cannabis does what pills can't do; it's effective at treating the symptoms of PTSD."

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/marc-davis-/veterans-ptsd-medical-marijuana_b_13206762.html

It is amazing the speed they/VAC can implement some policy/cuts and they cannot fix the pension mess.  He (Herr) can work when he is told to do so.

We demand a Veteran in the position of Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (and  a Veteran who is in the VAC system) .  Progress and finalizing our case file (Equitas Lawsuit) would surly be expedited through.  
Unless the words are coming out of someone's mouth that has all best intentions and has served in the CAF and actual can back up statements with experience, we (me) may have troubles relating with a minister with no military experience.
Sincerely yours,
Danny J.
P.s the last person in that position was clueless or just didn't care

I would like to see the number with regards to costs of meds for a veteran then a comparison of that to medical marijuana. You don't see the goc cutting big pharma meds now do we? Hmmm I am thinking the goc really do not think medical marijuana is actually truthfully helping veterans. I believe the price was staggering by the providers and feel that the goc had to have a say. Well they have and it's been brought down to almost half the costs. I think they've proven they're point but legally can't say what they will pay for since they pay for another's pharmaceuticals prescribed. I also believe a legal challenge could be at hand here. We will see, curious to see how this will pan out for vets. I believe they're going to get more then 3 grams per day....This was just a knee jerk as stated. $8.50 is a lot better then $12 or $15.

Shuffle Hehrrr that is an let's keep our file on the for front   we want all veterans feeling not   .
Agree

This has nothing to do with the well being of Veterans, it has everything to do with cost!
At the beginning of Kent's position, he stated on the national news that money was of no concern when it comes to our file, when asked, how much are you willing to spend? He replied as much as it takes.
Like all politicians, he reneges on what he promises.

Like the creation of the NVC, this was all about cost savings, everything within the NVC is taxed, the government pays out benefits, and the government recoups from the payed taxes disabled Veterans pay from their NVC benefits.

You haven't seen anything yet, just wait until you see what they bring forward in terms of a lifelong pension.
This I'm certain will be the biggest disappointment of the Liberal's term.

Here's one from CBC..............New peters view on this subject but "full lifestyle examination"


Stigma of the lazy pot-smoker hurts medical marijuana users


For many users, the high they get is an unwanted side-effect
By Peter Thurley, for CBC News Posted: Nov 24, 2016 5:00 AM ET Last Updated: Nov 24, 2016 5:23 AM ET


When people hear that someone uses cannabis, they often give a nudge nudge​ wink wink and say, "Lucky you, getting high on weed, eh?"

I usually chuckle and reply that the official scientific name of the plant is "cannabis," and that it is medicine. For me, it's used to dull chronic nerve pain left after an invasive surgery to repair burst bowels and remove a 25-pound desmoid tumour.

It can also be used as an appetite stimulant, it quickly kills nausea and it relaxes anyone who needs to deal with frightening flashbacks of their time in hospital.

Yet the image of the lazy pot-smoker remains one of the most prevailing stigmas about medical cannabis users, and it was on full display recently during a CBC News interview with former NDP MP Peter Stoffer about cannabis use among veterans.

Once the NDP's critic for veterans affairs, Stoffer, who is now the public spokesperson for Nova Scotia-based Trauma Healing Centers, quipped that the 10 grams a day of cannabis allowed under Veterans Affairs Canada rules is "an awful lot of marijuana to give one person."  Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr seems to agree, and announced this week that the limit will be scaled back to three grams.

In his interview, Stoffer added that veterans should be subject to a full lifestyle examination before being granted access to cannabis, suggesting that some might be using it simply to get high.


Novelty wears off

The novelty of being a cannabis consumer wears off quickly. For many medical cannabis users, the potential high is an unwanted side-effect.

So it was disappointing to read Stoffer repeat long-debunked myths about medical cannabis users looking for a buzz rather than relief in his thinly veiled comments about "lifestyle monitoring." That's simply not true.

And while the federal government does play a role in how veteran health care dollars are spent, it does not have the right to come between a patient and their doctor — nor should  Veterans Affairs Canada be asking questions about a patient's lifestyle, financial status or eating habits. If they don't do it for other prescription medications, why should they do it for cannabis?


As Canada moves towards full legalization, it will be incumbent on the burgeoning cannabis industry to take steps to explain the various ways of consuming cannabis. Extractions, for instance, take much more plant matter to produce than other methods such as smoking or vaporizing.

Indeed, according to Maxim Zavet, CEO at Emblem Cannabis, it may be that veterans are relying increasingly on oils instead of smoking the dried flower — something that requires more plant material and may not contain psychoactive ingredients like THC. Stoffer acknowledged that fact in a follow-up call I had with him, but he held fast to his position, saying, "Everyone knows that 10 grams is a lot."

Like me, Michael Blais, of Canadian Veterans Advocacy, respects Stoffer and applauds the work he did in the House of Commons. But he also agreed that these long-standing stigmas about medical cannabis must fall, especially for Canada's veterans, who have already given so much for the sake of our nation. "There aren't many of us who have sustained a battle injury," he reminded me.


In 2017, Canada will become the first G7 nation to fully legalize cannabis use, both medically and recreationally. It would be a shame if Stoffer's cannabis myths — relics left over from the failed war on drugs — were to further disadvantage our veterans, right when they need our help the most.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/medical-marijuana-stigma-1.3861027





Cheers

November 24, 2016 08:44 ET

Aphria agrees with changes to Veteran Affairs policy

Aphria fully supports veteran community

LEAMINGTON, ON--(Marketwired - November 24, 2016) - Aphria Inc. ("Aphria" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) agrees with the recent changes made by the Canadian federal government to its Veteran Affairs policy on medical cannabis. The change limits the daily amount prescribed to veterans to three grams unless they receive a special exemption.
"We always fulfill patients' orders based on the recommended dosage from their doctor, so we're pleased that the new regulations include provisions for veterans individual requirements and that coverage will be tailored accordingly," said Vic Neufeld, Chief Executive Officer. Aphria works in full transparency with Health Canada within strict regulatory guidelines and to the highest ethical standards when delivering health care options. The Company does not engage in the practice of dual pricing between veteran and non-veteran platforms. Aphria is committed to working with Health Canada and all regulators to ensure that all patients, regardless of medical coverage, continue to receive the best possible treatment options.
The CannWay brand is an example of how Aphria serves the veteran community. It was developed by veterans specifically for their peers and the product line is comprised of an assortment of strains that they hand selected to manage the various ailments they deal with daily, including PTSD and chronic pain. "We always have, and always will, work collaboratively with veterans to support them in getting the medicine they require and the patient care they need. We even have dedicated personnel in place to specifically work with this group," continued Neufeld.
The Company prides itself on its superior patient care and continues to receive impressive accolades from independent industry associations and sites, including winning the 2016 Canadian Cannabis Award for Best Customer Service. "We are so proud of our team and the meaningful impact they have on our patients lives every day" Neufeld concluded.
We have a Good Thing Growing.
About Aphria
Aphria Inc., one of Canada's lowest cost producers, produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis. Located in Leamington, Ontario, the greenhouse capital of Canada. Aphria is truly powered by sunlight, allowing for the most natural growing conditions available. We are committed to providing pharma-grade medical cannabis, superior patient care while balancing patient economics and returns to shareholders. We are the first public licenced producer to report positive cash flow from operations and the first to report positive earnings in consecutive quarters.
For more information, visit www.Aphria.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to internal expectations, estimated margins, expectations for future growing capacity and costs, the completion of any capital project or expansions, any commentary related to the legalization of marijuana and the timing related thereto, expectations of Health Canada approvals and expectations with respect to future production costs. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing costs; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments involving medical marijuana; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the medical marijuana industry in Canada generally, income tax and regulatory matters; the ability of Aphria to implement its business strategies; competition; crop failure; currency and interest rate fluctuations and other risks.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.
Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/aphria-agrees-with-changes-to-veteran-affairs-policy-tsx-venture-aph-2178301.htm

Just to let everyone know, Organigram has lowered all their Cannabis to $8.50/gm.

teentitan wrote:I don't want to put a damper on this large cut to MM but DO NOT allow this topic to distract the conversation from bringing back the lifelong pension.

This is a PR created spin to distract the veteran community.  Do not fall for it.

Exactly my thought teen! DISTRACTION,  we should be using the airtime and take light jabs at the announcements and the misguided information being delivered across Canada as well.
5.7 billion dollars, but !