House Approves Amendments to Authorize Medical Cannabis Recommendations for Veterans and Support Psychedelics Research

LOS ANGELES- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved amendments to a significant spending bill, enabling Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to military veterans and support research into psychedelics.

The amendments were passed as part of the appropriations legislation covering Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA). The cannabis measure received a vote of 290-116, while the psychedelics proposals were adopted through voice votes.

One key amendment, supported by Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Dave Joyce (R-OH)—co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—allows veterans to participate in state medical cannabis programs. This amendment also eliminates a VA directive that previously barred VA doctors from issuing cannabis recommendations.

Representative Mast argued that the amendment provides common sense by allowing VA doctors to offer necessary treatment options to veterans, similar to what non-veterans can access in many states. He emphasized that the current VA restrictions limit the treatment options available to veterans.

Blumenauer expressed disappointment that the VA has not fully embraced the medical benefits of cannabis, noting that even the Justice Department has acknowledged its medical utility. Representative Lee added that VA physicians should be free to advise veterans on scientifically proven, less harmful treatments.

In a press release following the vote, Joyce expressed pride in supporting the amendment, highlighting the need for expanded access to medical treatments for veterans. The amendment is based on the Veterans Equal Access Act, which has been championed by Blumenauer across multiple sessions.

Another amendment approved on the floor, led by Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Lou Correa (D-CA), and others, encourages the VA to support research into the benefits of psychedelics for treating conditions commonly affecting veterans. This includes PTSD and depression. The amendment calls for the VA to prioritize training therapists to administer these treatments.

Bergman emphasized the importance of supporting innovative therapies for veterans, while Correa stressed the need for safe and scientifically sound treatments to address the mental health challenges faced by veterans.

The House also accepted an amendment urging the VA to report to Congress on incorporating MDMA-assisted therapy into its formulary following federal approval.

While these amendments were accepted, the Rules Committee rejected a separate amendment by Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) that would have blocked the VA from subjecting job applicants to cannabis screenings if they reside in states where it is legal.

Republican members of Congress are simultaneously working to eliminate a provision of a defense bill that would block military branches from testing recruits for cannabis as a condition of enlistment. They are also pursuing reforms to prevent security clearance denials based on past cannabis use and expand expungement eligibility.

Additionally, a GOP House committee has introduced another large-scale spending bill that omits a rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational cannabis sales and adds protections for banks working with state-legal cannabis businesses.