A bipartisan amendment in Congress that would let military veterans get medical cannabis recommendations through their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors is moving closer to a full House vote after clearing a key procedural hurdle.
The proposal—backed by Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV)—would block the VA from enforcing its long-standing policy that prevents its doctors from helping veterans formally access state medical marijuana programs. Right now, VA clinicians can talk about cannabis, but they’re not allowed to complete the paperwork or provide official recommendations, forcing veterans to go outside the system—often paying out of pocket—to get legal access.
If adopted, the amendment would effectively allow VA physicians to both discuss and provide the documentation needed for patients to enroll in state medical cannabis programs, aligning VA practice more closely with laws in states where medical marijuana is already legal.
The House Rules Committee has now approved the measure to move forward, meaning it can be considered during upcoming floor votes on a broader military and veterans funding package.
Supporters argue it fixes a long-standing gap in care for veterans dealing with conditions like chronic pain and PTSD, while critics of the current policy say it creates unnecessary barriers between veterans and their own doctors.
The amendment is part of a broader appropriations bill dealing with military construction and veterans affairs funding, and its fate will ultimately depend on how it performs once it reaches the full House vote.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
