Cannabis, Veterans, and the VA: Why Reform Still Lags
Across the United States, more veterans are turning to cannabis to manage chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia, and anxiety—conditions that affect veteran populations at disproportionately high rates. Yet the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remains constrained by federal law, leaving veterans caught between growing public support for medical cannabis and a system unable to fully address that need.
Rising Use Among Veterans
Cannabis use among veterans has steadily increased over the past decade. A study in JAMA Network Open found that more than 10% of veterans aged 65–84 had used cannabis in the past month, most often for pain or sleep issues. Another study focused on chronic pain patients, found nearly 40% of surveyed veterans used cannabis to manage daily symptoms.
Public support is strong as well. American Legion surveys show more than 90% of veteran households support medical cannabis research, and over 80% want legal access for veterans. Younger veterans, including many who served post-9/11, express even higher levels of support, according to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America polling.
Research continues to highlight potential therapeutic benefits. Studies examining PTSD symptoms in veteran populations have shown associations between medical cannabis use and reduced symptom severity, improved mood, and lower levels of suicidal ideation. While more rigorous clinical trials are needed, the early data is encouraging for conditions that traditional treatments often fail to fully address.
Where VA Policy Stands Today
Despite broad support and expanding state legalization, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Because the VA is a federal agency, its physicians are prohibited from recommending cannabis, helping veterans access state medical marijuana programs, or filling out related forms.
However, VA policy does provide some protections. Veterans cannot be denied VA services solely for cannabis use, and clinicians are allowed to discuss cannabis use as part of a veteran’s care plan. The VA also encourages providers to document cannabis use to ensure safe treatment. But it does not cover the cost of medical cannabis, leaving many veterans to navigate state systems and pay out-of-pocket.
Why Reform Continues to Lag
Federal Scheduling. Cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. law, alongside drugs considered to have no accepted medical use. Until Congress or federal agencies change that classification, the VA’s hands remain tied.
Stalled Legislation. Repeated bills—such as the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act and the Veterans Equal Access Act—aim to allow VA doctors to recommend cannabis or improve research access. Despite bipartisan interest, none have made it into permanent law.
Need for Stronger Research. While early evidence is promising, VA researchers point out concerns about cannabis use disorder and interactions with other medications. Some studies of older veterans show heavy, frequent use may raise additional health risks. The VA argues that more structured clinical research is needed before the agency can formally integrate cannabis into treatment plans.
Institutional Caution. As one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, the VA typically moves slowly on emerging medical issues—particularly when they involve substances still stigmatized or federally illegal. Many clinicians remain unfamiliar or hesitant about cannabis-based treatments.
Looking Ahead
Veterans’ groups agree that reform should focus on safe, evidence-driven access—not unregulated use. That means expanding federally approved research, clarifying guidelines for clinician-patient conversations, and ultimately aligning VA policy with the reality that millions of veterans live in states where medical cannabis is legal.
Until federal cannabis laws change, the VA will continue to operate under restrictions that frustrate both veterans and clinicians. And as long as research is hampered by federal scheduling, meaningful reform inside the VA will likely continue to lag behind the needs of the veterans it serves.
Learn more: What Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis in the U.S.?