Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access

Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that advocates for the medical use of cannabis by veterans. The organization was founded in 2007 and has been instrumental in pushing for policy changes at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to allow veterans to use medical cannabis without fear of losing their VA benefits.

History

VMCA was founded in 2007 by a group of veterans who had found relief from their service-related health issues through the use of medical cannabis. The founders recognized the need for an organization that could advocate for the rights of other veterans who could benefit from medical cannabis but were afraid to use it due to the potential loss of their VA benefits.

Advocacy

VMCA's primary advocacy work involves lobbying the VA and other government agencies to change their policies on medical cannabis. The organization has been successful in getting the VA to issue a directive in 2010 that allows veterans to use medical cannabis in states where it is legal without fear of losing their VA benefits. However, the VA still does not provide or pay for medical cannabis, and VMCA continues to advocate for changes to this policy.

Membership

Membership in VMCA is open to all veterans, regardless of their service era or discharge status. The organization also welcomes non-veterans who support its mission. Members are encouraged to participate in advocacy efforts and to share their stories about how medical cannabis has helped them.

See also

• Medical cannabis
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans health care in the United States