The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively seeking contractors to analyze and explain scientific evidence on medical marijuana. This initiative aims to inform both clinicians and the public about the potential benefits of cannabis for conditions such as PTSD, as well as the risks associated with cannabis use disorder and consumption during pregnancy.
According to a recent “sources sought notice” from the VA, approximately 9 percent of military veterans reported using cannabis in the past year. Among these users, about 40 percent indicated they used marijuana to treat a specific condition or manage symptoms. However, veterans often face challenges when discussing cannabis use with VA doctors. The notice highlights that clinicians are likely to encounter patients who have questions or are already using cannabis, making it essential for them to understand the rapidly evolving evidence regarding its benefits and harms.
The six-page document emphasizes that there is currently no comprehensive and independent resource available for the healthcare sector that consolidates existing research on cannabis. The VA’s project, titled Systematically Testing the Evidence of Marijuana (STEM), aims to address this gap. The department has outlined three primary goals for the STEM initiative:
1. Educate clinicians about the quality of evidence regarding the benefits and harms of cannabis, facilitating better discussions with patients.
2. Identify research gaps to aid in the design of impactful studies that can advance understanding in the field.
3. Provide accessible resources for patients and the general public concerning cannabis-related evidence.
Over the course of a year, the selected contractor will conduct “literature surveillance” and create “living systematic reviews” on five key topics, including PTSD, cannabis use during pregnancy, cannabis use disorder, treatment options for the disorder, and cannabis use for mood disorders. The VA’s notice clarifies that this contract is necessary to obtain research and policy staffing services to update these reviews and ensure they are publicly accessible.
The contractor’s work will be guided by a principal investigator at the VA, who will have expertise in evidence-based medicine and systematic reviews. This investigator is expected to hold biweekly meetings to oversee progress and maintain quality assurance.
Potential contractors interested in this opportunity must contact the VA by April 7. The existing STEM website is a collaborative effort between the VA and the Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Evidence-Based Policy, funded by the VA’s Office of Rural Health.
The notice also mentions that a significant portion of U.S. veterans live in rural areas, which likely contributes to a substantial number of rural veterans using cannabis. The most common clinical reasons for cannabis use among these veterans include pain, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. A federally funded study published earlier this year found that 40 percent of veterans suffering from chronic pain reported using marijuana to manage their symptoms, with many stating it helped them cope with pain, mobility, and sleep issues.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech