The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on amendments this week that would empower doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recommend medical cannabis to military veterans. Additionally, the amendments aim to promote research into psychedelics for treating various medical conditions.
The House Rules Committee approved these cannabis and psychedelics amendments for consideration as part of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MilConVA) appropriations legislation.
A key proposal, introduced by Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), both co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, seeks to increase veterans’ access to state medical cannabis programs. It also aims to revoke a current VA directive that prevents doctors from issuing cannabis recommendations.
The amendment explicitly states that no funds appropriated to the VA can be used to enforce the directive that prohibits VA doctors from completing forms for veterans participating in state-approved cannabis programs. Mast emphasized the importance of having open discussions about health options, referencing his own experiences with recovery from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. He stated, “If veterans are receiving all their medical care from the VA, they should be able to discuss their health options, including cannabis, with their healthcare provider.”
This legislative effort is rooted in the Veterans Equal Access Act, which Mast reintroduced in February. While the bill has received bipartisan support in previous sessions, it has not yet been enacted into law, despite advancing through committees.
Previous MilConVA legislation has included provisions allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis, but they have not been enacted. This year, fewer cannabis-related amendments were filed compared to previous sessions.
Another significant amendment under consideration, proposed by Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), focuses on supporting research into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for veterans with conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. This amendment suggests adjustments to the VA’s healthcare infrastructure to incorporate approved psychedelic therapies and to develop training programs for healthcare providers.
Correa pointed out the alarming statistic that around 20 veterans die by suicide each day, underscoring the urgency for innovative treatment options. He remarked, “The VA has started to study the impact of breakthrough therapies like psychedelics, and now is the time to prepare for their implementation to ensure the well-being of our veterans.”
Bergman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address the mental health challenges faced by veterans. He stated, “We owe it to our veterans to create more options for help and reduce the barriers they face in accessing care.”
As of now, the House has approved the rule for considering the spending legislation but has not yet begun discussing amendments. The outcome of these proposed changes could significantly impact the way veterans access medical cannabis and explore new treatment avenues through psychedelics.
In related news, the House Appropriations Committee recently advanced a separate spending bill that could negatively affect the hemp industry, imposing restrictions on various cannabinoid products that were legalized during the Trump administration. Earlier this month, Congress also passed a bill aimed at permanently banning fentanyl analogues while also facilitating research into the risks and benefits of cannabis and other Schedule I substances.
The proposed amendments to the MilConVA legislation represent a critical moment for veterans’ health care and the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis and psychedelics in medical treatment.
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