VA Cannabis Bill Passes House, But Advocates Call It 'Policy Theater'

The House voted May 14 to allow Department of Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical cannabis to veterans, but one of the country's leading veterans' cannabis advocates says the measure won't solve the access problems veterans actually face.

Robb Harmon, founder of Veterans Cannabis Care who has guided over 1,000 veterans through medical card applications, called the vote "policy theater" in comments following the House passage.

"People are celebrating like this changes everything, but most veterans still won't be able to access cannabis through the VA," Harmon said. The issue, he explained, isn't whether VA doctors can recommend cannabis—it's that cannabis remains federally illegal, meaning the VA cannot prescribe or dispense it regardless of doctor recommendations.

The Real Access Problem

The House measure would overturn a longstanding VA policy prohibiting its physicians from completing state medical cannabis paperwork. While this sounds significant, veterans would still need to navigate state programs independently, pay out-of-pocket for cards and products, and risk federal benefits if they test positive for cannabis use.

Veterans already face multiple barriers to medical cannabis access. The VA's drug testing policies can result in veterans losing pain medication or being flagged in their medical records. And because cannabis isn't federally legal, veterans cannot use VA healthcare dollars to purchase it—even with a doctor's recommendation.

Harmon's organization helps veterans navigate these exact challenges. Over the past several years, he's walked more than 1,000 veterans through the state medical card process, connecting them with non-VA physicians and explaining the patchwork of state laws. His criticism stems from seeing firsthand what veterans actually need versus what this legislation provides.

What The Bill Actually Does

The provision was attached to the Veterans Affairs funding bill as an amendment. It specifically prohibits the VA from spending money to enforce policies that prevent doctors from discussing or recommending medical cannabis in states where it's legal.

Similar amendments have passed the House before—most recently in 2021—but failed to survive Senate negotiations or were stripped in conference committee. The measure faces an uncertain path forward, particularly as it would need to clear the Senate and avoid being removed during final budget negotiations.

Thirty-eight states plus D.C. have legalized medical cannabis programs. Yet VA physicians in those states cannot complete the paperwork required for veterans to qualify, forcing veterans to seek outside doctors and pay consultation fees that typically range from $150 to $300.

Industry Response

Most cannabis industry groups praised the House vote. The National Cannabis Industry Association called it "an important step toward ensuring veterans have access to all available treatment options." Several state-level advocacy organizations echoed similar sentiments.

But Harmon's skepticism reflects a growing divide between symbolic legislative victories and meaningful policy change. Veterans' advocates have long argued that real reform would require federal rescheduling or legalization—not just permission for doctors to discuss cannabis.

The VA serves roughly 9 million veterans annually. Studies suggest that between 10% and 20% of veterans use cannabis, many for conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury. Yet veterans risk losing VA benefits, including housing assistance and disability payments, if cannabis use appears in their medical records.

What's Next

The Senate must now consider its version of the VA funding bill. Previous attempts to include cannabis provisions have faced resistance from conservative senators who argue that allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis sends the wrong message about drug use.

Even if the provision survives, Harmon argues veterans need more comprehensive reform. "Until cannabis is federally legal, or at minimum rescheduled, veterans are still choosing between their VA care and cannabis medicine," he said. "A doctor's recommendation doesn't change that calculation."

The House vote does signal continued bipartisan support for veterans' cannabis access. But whether that support translates into Senate passage—and actual improvements in veterans' lives—remains unclear.

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This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.