Guest Commentary: For nearly a decade, Massachusetts veterans have fought for a pathway to the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis program
For the past nine years, I have worked to advance legislation in Massachusetts that would create a pathway for disabled Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare to access the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis program, similar to programs that already exist in other states.
Throughout this time, both Republican and Democratic legislators have worked together to move this bill favorably through the legislative process. Most recently, the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy voted 11-0 in support of the bill. That bipartisan support has remained consistent over multiple legislative sessions
USAF Veteran Ellen Brown and I have worked side by side throughout this effort to keep the bill moving forward. Together, we have spent years making phone calls, sending emails and meeting requests to legislators. We have attended meetings, with Senators, Representatives, and their staff discussing the legislation, and answering questions about the bill and consistently leaving those meetings with support and another ‘thank you for your service”. Ellen’s dedication, persistence, and commitment to helping fellow Veterans is admirable and has been invaluable throughout this process.
This effort has also received support from respected voices within the Commonwealth. In the previous session, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission submitted a letter supporting the actions and intent of the bill, while noting that the Commission is legally prohibited from supporting specific legislation. The bill has also received support from Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a nationally recognized physician, author, and advocate for medical cannabis policy reform.
Despite years of bipartisan support and favorable committee action, the bill hasn’t been brought forward for a vote. Since 2019, I have repeatedly reached out to the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, in an effort to move this legislation forward. I haven’t received a response.
This past November, I had an opportunity to briefly speak with the representative and a staff member during his coffee hour I attended in his district on Hanover Street. I explained the importance of Bill H.176 and how much it helps disabled Veterans and their families across the Commonwealth. He stated support for the bill and said to reach out if I needed anything. My response out of concern was “I have been, for years.”
Now I have been informed that H.176 was submitted as Amendment 181 to the budget and was not advanced by Chair Michlewitz. I again reached out asking why, and again received no response.
With Memorial Day this week, many elected officials will rightly be speaking about honoring the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and Gold Star families. Honoring service should mean more than speeches and photos.To truly honor sacrifice, action must follow words
After nearly a decade of Veteran-led advocacy, meetings, bipartisan support, unanimous favorable committee votes, and support from physicians and state officials, hasn’t the opportunity to have this bill fully considered and brought to a vote been earned? We should all be celebrating H.176 getting passed, and working to always lead the nation in caring for Veterans.
As a disabled Veteran of the War in Iraq, this effort has never been about politics. It has always been about improving quality of life, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring Massachusetts Veterans receive the same consideration and support that Veterans in other states already do.
