Education only. Not medical or legal advice.
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BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
Here’s where things stand today: VA clinicians can talk with Veterans about cannabis use and record it in the medical chart. Importantly, care is not denied if a Veteran uses cannabis. That said, VA clinicians currently do not prescribe cannabis or complete state certification forms under existing policy (VHA Directive 1315; VA public guidance). (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA, Mental Health VA)
On Capitol Hill, the U.S. House has approved amendments that would allow VA clinicians to recommend medical cannabis in states where it’s legal. The Senate has moved forward on similar measures. These are encouraging steps, but they’re not the law yet. (Marijuana Moment)
At the same time, a federal rulemaking is underway to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Until that process is finalized, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug. (Federal Register, DEA)
Across the states, as of June 26, 2025, medical cannabis is legal in 40 states, three territories, and D.C. In addition, 24 states also allow adult non-medical use. Each state’s rules still apply. (NCSL)
Bottom line: VA policy and federal law still operate separately from state cannabis programs. Your VA eligibility is not affected by state participation. (Public Health VA)
What the rules are today (2025 snapshot)
Inside VA care. Under VHA Directive 1315, clinicians can discuss cannabis use if it’s relevant to a Veteran’s health and document those conversations. Veterans cannot be denied services for participating in a state program. However, VA providers are not authorized to prescribe cannabis or complete state paperwork. (Veterans Affairs)
VA public guidance. VA emphasizes that marijuana is still federally classified as Schedule I. VA clinicians can listen, discuss, and document—but they cannot prescribe or pay for cannabis. Veterans are encouraged to share cannabis use so care teams can manage safety checks and medication interactions effectively. (Public Health VA)
The federal framework behind those rules
Right now, marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. In 2024, the DOJ/DEA began the process of moving it to Schedule III. Hearings and notices have been published, but until a final rule is in place, Schedule I rules continue.
If rescheduling does happen, it would make research easier and adjust certain federal requirements—but it would not equal full legalization. VA coverage or prescribing would still require a separate policy decision. (Federal Register, DEA)
Where Congress moved in 2025 (and limits of those moves)
House action (June 2025). The House passed amendments to let VA clinicians recommend cannabis in states where it’s legal, while also supporting related research. (Marijuana Moment)
Senate steps (July–Aug 2025). Senate committees advanced similar measures within broader spending bills. (Marijuana Moment)
But here’s the key: these are appropriations measures, not permanent statutes. Even if enacted, VA would need to roll out new systems—training, forms, EHR updates, and clinic guidance—before anything changes. Until then, Directive 1315 remains the rule. (Veterans Affairs)
Why the topic persists for Veterans
Many Veterans live with a mix of chronic pain, trouble sleeping, and mental health challenges. As more states have moved to legalize medical cannabis, interest among Veterans in safe, regulated access has grown as well. Today, 40 states—plus D.C. and several territories—have medical cannabis programs in place. Federal policy, however, has been slower to keep pace. (NCSL)
Surveys reflect this interest. For example, the American Legion’s 2017 survey showed strong support in Veteran households for medical cannabis research and regulated access. While surveys don’t prove clinical effectiveness, they do highlight why Veterans keep pushing for change. (The American Legion)
If the recommendation authority becomes law (what would and wouldn’t change)
What could change:
- VA clinicians (MDs and DOs) could provide state-compliant cannabis recommendations, documented in the VA record, and better coordinate safety and follow-up.
What would not change automatically:
- Coverage/payment: VA would still not cover cannabis products without a separate policy. (Public Health VA)
- State rules: States keep their own rules on forms, conditions, caregivers, and product standards. (NCSL)
- Workplace rules: Federal employment and some security clearances still treat cannabis use differently from past use. Veterans in these roles should check current guidance. (Marijuana Moment)
Practical considerations for Veterans now (policy-neutral)
- Talk with your VA team. Sharing cannabis use helps with safe care coordination, and your services will not be denied. (Public Health VA)
- Keep your documents. If you’re in a state program, hold onto certifications and follow rules on possession, storage, and travel. (NCSL)
- Understand separate roles. VA providers follow federal policy; community clinicians follow state law. If the VA recommendation authority becomes law, check with your VA facility on how it will work in practice. (Veterans Affairs)
About osteopathic physicians (DOs) in this context
DOs are fully licensed physicians who, like MDs, can work across specialties—from primary care to psychiatry. Their training includes a whole-person approach in addition to standard medical education. Inside VA and Community Care, DOs and MDs work under the same rules. If the recommendation authority is enacted, both DOs and MDs would follow VA and state requirements. (Marijuana Moment)
Frequently asked questions (neutral answers)
Does VA currently prescribe or recommend cannabis?
No. They can discuss and document use, but cannot prescribe or recommend. Veterans are not denied care for cannabis use. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)
Did Congress already change that in 2025?
Not yet. Both chambers advanced proposals, but nothing is final until enacted and implemented. (Marijuana Moment)
How many states have medical programs?
As of June 26, 2025: 40 states, three territories, and D.C. (medical). 24 states also allow adult non-medical use. (NCSL)
Will rescheduling to Schedule III make VA coverage automatic?
No. Rescheduling changes research and regulatory structures, but not VA coverage or state rules. (Federal Register)
Careful takeaway
- Today, VA can talk about and document cannabis use but cannot prescribe or recommend it. Care is not denied. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)
- Near-term proposals: Congress has advanced measures that, if passed, would allow VA clinicians to recommend cannabis—but these are not yet law. (Marijuana Moment)
- Rescheduling watch: DEA’s move to Schedule III is in progress, but Schedule I still applies until final rules are effective. (Federal Register)
Veterans should continue to keep their VA clinicians informed, stay updated with official VA policy, and make decisions based on federal, state, and workplace rules.
Sources (selected)
- VHA Directive 1315 (discussion/documentation; no denial of care; no VA recommending/registration). (Veterans Affairs)
- VA public guidance (“VA and Marijuana—What Veterans need to know”). (Public Health VA)
- House action (June 25, 2025) on VA recommendations; Senate actions (July–Aug 2025). (Marijuana Moment)
- DEA rescheduling docket and hearing notices. (Federal Register, DEA)
- NCSL state medical/adult-use counts (June 26, 2025). (NCSL)
- American Legion survey (Veteran household attitudes toward research and medical access). (The American Legion)