The federal government is reimbursing medical marijuana for a record number of veterans.
Ottawa spent more than $150 million last fiscal year, according to new figures. That's more than double what he was just three years ago.
The government is expected to spend nearly $200 million this year as thousands of former military personnel ask the government to pay for cannabis each year, according to Veterans Affairs Canada statistics.
The surge in demand for medical marijuana among Canada's veterans is due to a 2008 court ruling that the government has limited reasonable access to the drug with medical personnel's approval. Because we were obliged to provide access.
The surge has accelerated in recent years, despite a November 2016 overhaul of how the government reimburses cannabis to former military personnel.
Continued demand has created new calls for further research into the medical benefits of cannabis.
It also prevents veterans from dealing with psychological trauma. Concerns have also been raised about marijuana use for addiction and the need for additional support for counseling and peer support.
