Veterans Demand VA Provide Better Access to Medical Marijuana

Posted by 21pc on February 19, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO –  At noon today, veterans and medical marijuana activists in San Francisco will be asking doctors working for the Veteran’s Administration to help provide better access to medical marijuana. Veterans report that many VA doctors resist giving recommendations out of fear of retaliation from the federal government, which oversees veteran healthcare.

“Those who have sacrificed the most for our country are the most deserving of our compassion,” said Steph Sherer, executive director of the medical marijuana advocacy group Americans for Safe Access. “To deny them safe, effective medicine is cruel and unpatriotic.”

Speakers testimonials and street theater will all be part of the protest today in front of San Francisco’s Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic at 13th and Mission.  The protest is part of the 2nd annual National Medical Marijuana Action Week.

Many veterans must rely on VA doctors and clinics to get their healthcare and cannot afford to see private doctors who are less constrained by affiliation with a federal agency

WHAT: Protest, speakers and street theater in support of veterans’ rights to medical marijuana.

WHEN: Noon, Thursday, February 19, 2004.

WHERE: Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic, 205 13th St at Mission, San Francisco

WHO: Affected veterans and advocates for safe and legal access to medicinal marijuana.

For interviews or more information, contact William Dolphin at (510) 919-1498 or [email protected]. A national coalition of 5,500 patients, doctors and advocates, Americans for Safe Access is the largest organization working solely on medical marijuana. 

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