Vivek RAMASWAMY, a Republican presidential candidate for 2024, has said that if he is elected, he will federally legalize Schedule 1 drugs like marijuana and psychedelics to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). He wants the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the illegal substances to veterans with PTSD as an alternative to fentanyl.
Ramaswamy, who was asked to participate in a virtual town-hall event before the Iowa caucus why medical marijuana hasn’t yet been legalized federally, took the chance to promote his drug policy plan that he developed for veterans.
He responded in a contradictory manner, first saying there is a “patchwork of state cannabis laws” under federal prohibition and that “everything must go through Congress – that’s a different matter”. But then he said he could unilaterally change the Controlled Substances Act to create a carve-out specifically for veterans to Schedule I drugs.
He said: “I think so many veterans suffering from PTSD are turning to suicide, fentanyl, or worse.” “I believe Schedule I drugs need to be de-scheduled so that veterans suffering from PTSD can get them as medical treatment through the VA. It’s far better than fentanyl, suicide or any other place they turn.”
Ramaswamy stated that he would be able “to do that as the next President of the United States” and that is where he will focus his attention, to at least bring some sensibility to the way we apply the federal drug schedule.” “Veterans who suffer from PTSD deserve better access to the VA medical system. That’s what I believe.”
Ramaswamy, if elected president, could either direct federal agencies to review drug scheduling – as President Joe Biden did for cannabis – or he could encourage Congress address the issue. He could not, however, de-schedule substances independently from the CSA.
While the candidate has said that he supports legalizing Schedule I substances, it is likely he was referring to a plan he had for veterans to de-schedule marijuana and certain psychedelics.
Ramaswamy said that he agreed there’s a need to make plant-based medicines available, though he a data-google-interstitial=”false” href=”https://www.marijuanamoment.net/gop_presidential_candidate_ramaswamys_veterans_plan_includes_marijuana_and_psychedelics_access_to_treat_pt Ramaswamy stated that he agrees there is a need for plant-based medicine, but would like to begin with veterans suffering from PTSD.
The candidate’s drug policy platform has changed in many, sometimes contradictory, ways during his campaign. He supported federal marijuana legalization, but voted against a statewide initiative on the Ohio ballot to end cannabis prohibition. Last month, he said that he was for “decriminalizing ayahuasca & ketamine to veterans suffering from PTSD to prevent the epidemic fentanyl & suicidal suicide”.
Ramaswamy would “de-schedule schedule 1 drug restrictions that stand in the way of Veterans with PTSD enjoying access to substances that can assist in their treatment and recovery: marijuana, ayahuasca/DMT [Dimethyltryptamine], and MDMA [methylenedioxymethamphetamine],” his veterans plan says.
The candidate’s cannabis policy has been criticized for the way Ohio’s legalization law, which was approved by voters, allocated some cannabis tax revenues to social equity programs. He also opposed states overriding federal law.
Ramaswamy also caused confusion in the reform community when he called on the federal government to increase the Drug Enforcement Administration . In a speech on domestic policy in September, he outlined a proposal that would fire 75 percent of federal employees and close key agencies. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) would be exempt from this, while FBI agents would be transferred to the drug agency.
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The first time Marijuana moment published the post Ramaswamy, GOP presidential candidate Ramaswamy wants VA to provide medical marijuana and psychedelics instead of Fentanyl.
