No medical marijuana allowed at nursing homes for veterans

Missouri voters approved the use of medical marijuana in November. Shops are expected to open early next year.

Even so, residents and employees of Missouri’s seven nursing homes for veterans, including one in Mt. Vernon, will not be allowed to use medical marijuana.

Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Grace Link said Monday the state must prohibit the use of medical marijuana at the homes in order to comply with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which considers pot an illegal drug.

The decision currently affects about 1,350 residents. In addition to Mt. Vernon, the decision affects residents of homes in in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Warrensburg,St. James, Cape Girardeau, Mexico and Cameron.

Federal funds pay part of the more than $80 million needed to operate the homes and Missouri officials don’t want to jeopardize that revenue.

Federal funds pay part of the more than $80 million needed to operate the homes and Missouri officials don’t want to jeopardize that revenue.