Department of Veterans Affairs large-scale, mixed methods, retrospective qualitative study on the effects of cannabis on certain health outcomes of veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder

(a) Study required (1) In general The Secretary, through the Office of Research and Development of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall carry out a large-scale, mixed methods, retrospective, and qualitative study on the effects of cannabis on the health outcomes of covered veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and covered veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. (2) Observational study The study required by paragraph (1) shall be conducted as an observational study on the effects of cannabis use on the health of covered veterans. (3) Elements (A) In general The study required by paragraph (1) shall— (i) triangulate a range of data sources; (ii) compare the positive and negative health outcomes of covered veterans who use cannabis, utilizing outcomes that can be measured in an electronic health record of the Department and through data sets of the Department relating to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary; (iii) elicit the positive and negative outcomes of cannabis use for covered veterans through semi-structured interviews; (iv) estimate current and future health system needs to address positive and negative outcomes of cannabis use for covered veterans; (v) include a qualitative, open-ended survey provided to covered veterans who have sought care from the Department for chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder during the five-year period preceding the survey; and (vi) include an assessment of— (I) all records within the Veterans Health Administration for covered veterans participating in the study; and (II) all records within the Veterans Benefits Administration for covered veterans participating in the study. (B) Health outcomes A comparison of health outcomes under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall include an assessment of the following: (i) The reduction or increase in opiate use or dosage. (ii) The reduction or increase in benzodiazepine use or dosage. (iii) The reduction or change in use of other types of medication. (iv) The reduction or increase in alcohol use. (v) The reduction or increase in the prevalence of substance abuse disorders. (vi) Sleep quality. (vii) Osteopathic pain (including pain intensity and pain-related outcomes). (viii) Agitation. (ix) Quality of life. (x) Mortality and morbidity. (xi) Hospital readmissions. (xii) Any newly developed or exacerbated health conditions, including mental health conditions. (b) Implementation Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence the implementation of the study required by subsection (a)(1). (c) Duration of study The study required by subsection (a)(1) shall be carried out for an 18-month period. (d) Report (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the completion of the study required by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study. (2) Ability to conduct clinical trials The Secretary shall include in the report required by paragraph (1) an assessment of whether the Secretary is able to meet the criteria necessary to conduct the clinical trials required under section 4, including consideration of subsection (e)(1) of such section.