OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association  (CNMMA) applauds Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for including cannabis oils (along with fresh marijuana) in their coverage for veterans, particularly those veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"In March 2016 the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, requested his department review the lack of a Veterans Affairs Canada policy on marijuana for medical purposes," said Deepak Anand, Executive Director of the Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association. ­

"As a result of this initiative, Veterans Affairs consulted with veterans, their advocates, stakeholders, and medical experts, and reviewed existing research on using marijuana for medical purposes. Subsequently, they developed this balanced policy which allows for reimbursement for cannabis (or the equivalent value in fresh marijuana or cannabis oil) for medical purposes sold by licensed producers. Our members and industry say thank you to Minister Hehr and his Government for this new policy that will benefit veterans across Canada."

READ THE FEDERAL ANNOUNCEMENT : http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1158629

Anand added: "As an Industry Association, we continue to work with stakeholders within and outside the industry along with all levels of government in furthering access to cannabis for medical purposes for Canadians."

The purpose of the Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association is to ensure all Canadian patients who benefit from medical marijuana in Canada, have access to the highest quality of product and services, to meet their specific health care needs in a safe, well-regulated environment.

SOURCE Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association

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