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VA Bill Passes: Doctors Free to Discuss Marijuana
WASHINGTON — Doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs for the first time would be allowed to recommend cannabis to patients in states where it is legal, according to an amendment in the House-approved VA budget bill for fiscal 2026.
While VA doctors cannot prescribe cannabis, which is banned under federal law, a measure in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would let them discuss it as an alternative health care treatment in states that have legalized medical marijuana.
The amendment comes from the Veterans Equal Access Act, led by Rep. Brian Mast, R.-Fla., a medically retired Army veteran who served for more than 12 years as a bomb disposal expert. There also is a second amendment included in the House-approved VA spending bill that supports VA planning for psychedelic assisted therapy as a future treatment option for veterans. That amendment is led by Rep. Bergman, R-Mich., a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general.
The legislation orders the VA to recommend changes needed in its health care infrastructure to include "approved" psychedelic therapies in the delivery of medical services. The fiscal 2026 bill passed the House in June with more than 30 amendments. The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to review the legislation after the July 4th weekend. Fiscal 2026 begins Oct. 1. Supporters said both amendments provide a framework for the VA to plan for and consider alternative treatments for patients when traditional pharmaceuticals are ineffective.
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