Exclusive: AFM Soldier Prohibited From Using Medical Cannabis – Instructed To Take Xanax Instead
A Maltese AFM soldier has been given direct orders prohibiting them from using medical cannabis – instead, they have been instructed to use Xanax to manage their anxiety by the army doctor.
Even though medical cannabis has been legal in Malta since 2018, people in a variety of professions are still finding themselves unable to access the medicine half a decade on due to the sheer amount of stigma.
Exclusively speaking with Lovin Malta, the soldier (who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of reprisal) recounted how several AFM soldiers are facing a difficult situation in terms of accessing medical cannabis for anxiety.
“I applied for the control card to use medical cannabis but although it was approved for me and I was given prescriptions, I never got to buy anything since one of the army doctors told me not to use medical cannabis as there are other methods, suggesting nasty chemical pills,” the soldier told Lovin Malta.
The soldier was instead instructed to use medication such as Xanax, Seroxat, and more – Xanax, Seroxat, and more – tranquilizers that can have grave side effects.
“I was going to use it for my daily anxiety and panic attack moments due to this fast-paced hassle of life and was going through personal family situations,” they said.
“The reason as to why I should not use medical cannabis is they said it would somehow affect me during my guard duties.”
“They said it would be a concern that I carry a firearm during my work hours and that it might not be safe for me or others,” they said, even though the soldier specifically told them that they would not be making use of medical cannabis before or during the shift.
“It surely has made me more anxious and felt so unfair.”
“I joined the army to serve this country, and if the government legalised cannabis not only for medical reasons but also recreational reasons, they should let the forces know.”
“It is so unfair that everyone is allowed to use it but for us, it is somehow illegal even though on the MAFA act there is written that soldiers of the AFM have access to any medicine approved by the state.”
“Explain, give lectures, and consider letting us use this natural medicine, instead of hiding everything under the carpet.”
Despite the fact that medical and recreational cannabis has been legalised in Malta, it appears that military doctors are still reluctant to allow soldiers to use it, even when prescribed by a licensed doctor and given a control card, signed and stamped by the Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci.
This is particularly concerning given the potential benefits that medical cannabis could offer soldiers struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.
Cannabis has been shown to have much fewer negative side effects than traditional medications such as Xanax, Seroxat, and more. It can be a safe and effective treatment option for many people, and if it is legalised for everyone in Malta, why not the forces too?
Furthermore, it is important to note that soldiers should be able to access all available treatments, including medical cannabis if their doctor recommends it, as outlined in the MAFA Act (Malta Armed Forces Act).
“From a right to health perspective, personnel of the AFM is covered by free national health services and access to medicines approved by the State,” it reads.
It’s also important to note that Canadian soldiers are allowed to make use of medical cannabis, with Canada being the pioneer of Cannabis across the globe.
Denying soldiers access to medical cannabis goes against this principle and their rights and it could have a negative impact on their mental wellbeing.
It is important that the Maltese government takes steps to ensure that soldiers have access to all available treatments for their medical conditions, including medical cannabis.
This may involve revising current policies or providing education and training to military doctors on the potential benefits of medical cannabis.
Do you think it’s high time we start breaking down the stigma surrounding cannabis on the island?
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