Cannabis Use Disorder, DNA, and Veterans’ Medical Cannabis Care for PTSD: what we know—and how to move forward
This article is educational and does not provide medical advice. Veterans should discuss cannabis use—including medical cannabis—with their VA clinician and any state-licensed provider involved in their care. Why this matters now More veterans are exploring medical cannabis for chronic pain, sleep, and trauma-related symptoms. At the same time, daily use has climbed nationally, and […]
Mendry’s Role – Clearly Stated: Veteran Education on State-Legal Medical Cannabis, Without Clinical Services
Educational content only. Mendry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education. We do not diagnose, treat, recommend products, match veterans with clinicians, coordinate care, collect PHI, or provide legal/medical advice. Veterans should consult their VA care team and any state-licensed clinician before making health decisions. Why this rewrite To align with Mendry’s content policy and […]
Expanding the Circle of Care: How VA Community Care is Recognizing Nontraditional Providers
Introduction For decades, Veterans turning to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mostly found themselves in traditional healthcare settings, hospitals, primary care offices, specialty clinics, and pharmacies. These services are still essential, but they don’t cover every need. Veterans’ health journeys are diverse. Some conditions respond well to standard treatments, while others improve when supported […]
The Hidden Cost of Pain Denial in Veterans
Introduction Pain is more than just a symptom—it’s your body sending a message. For Veterans, that message is often layered: physical pain from training, injuries, or combat, and emotional pain from the weight of service. But in military culture, pain is often treated as something to ignore, push through, or deny. Silence becomes a badge […]
Veterans, Chronic Pain, and Medical Cannabis: Understanding the Choice Beyond Opioids
Introduction Chronic pain is one of the most common—and life-changing—challenges Veterans face. Service-related injuries, years of strain, and lingering conditions mean many Veterans wake up each day managing pain with remarkable strength. For decades, opioids were the “go-to” treatment for severe pain. While they can bring relief, the risks are well-known: dependence, tolerance, side effects, […]
Osteopathic Physicians, VA Policy, and Medical Cannabis: What 2025 Proposals Could Mean for Veterans
Education only. Not medical or legal advice. If you’re in crisis, call 988 (Veterans: press 1) or 911. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) Current VA policy: VA clinicians can talk with you about cannabis use and document it in your record. Your care will not be denied because of cannabis use. What VA providers cannot […]
Federal Cannabis Policy & Veterans (2025): Access, Rules, and What Could Change
Education only. Not medical or legal advice. If you’re in crisis, call 988 (Veterans: press 1) or 911. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) Here’s where things stand today: VA clinicians can talk with Veterans about cannabis use and record it in the medical chart. Importantly, care is not denied if a Veteran uses cannabis. That […]
Dual Roles, Clear Lines: How Osteopathic Providers Can Serve Veterans in VA Community Care and Offer Medical-Cannabis Evaluations—Including Telehealth
This article is for general education only. It is not legal or medical advice. Current VA policy allows clinicians to discuss and document cannabis use but does not allow recommending cannabis, completing state certification forms, or paying for marijuana. Cannabis evaluations or certifications (where permitted by state law) must happen outside VA-authorized care and are […]
Veterans and Caregivers: Osteopathic Cannabis Care
How VA Community Care Fits—Step-by-Step Short version: Your very first visit with a qualified, state-authorized osteopathic physician (DO) will almost always be out-of-pocket. That’s because VA cannot certify patients for state medical cannabis programs or pay for cannabis itself. After that initial certification, though, many veterans continue follow-up care with a DO for conditions like […]
Osteopathic Care for Veterans: 2 Separate Lanes
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) can legally serve Veterans in two different ways: by participating in the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and, separately, by offering state-authorized medical cannabis evaluations in private practice. This model works when the two roles are kept completely separate—different encounters, documentation, billing, locations, and marketing. Inside VA care, you […]