House-Approved Veterans Affairs Budget Bill Ends Prohibition on Medical Cannabis Recommendations  – MEDCAN24

Stars and Stripes report that a House-approved amendment to VA’s budget bill would for the very first time allow VA doctors in legal states to prescribe medical cannabis. A federal prohibition prevents VA doctors from discussing medical marijuana with their patients.  

A second amendment to the proposal allows the VA to consider psychedelic therapy as a future option for treatment. The agency is required to make recommendations to change its infrastructure in order to incorporate “approved” psychoedelic therapy in future medical service delivery.  

Rep. Jack Bregman, a former Marine Corps lieutenant-general who served between 1969 and 2009 and told Stars and Stripes that he supported “innovative therapy which shows promise in treating invisible wounds from war.” 

Rep. Brian Mast’s (R-FL) amendment to permit veterans to take part in medical marijuana programs approved by the state was presented to Stars and Stripes. A medically retired Army vet who worked as a bomb-disposal expert for over 12 years, Mast told Stars and Stripes this proposal was “commonsense legislation.”  

Around 35 states approve medical marijuana. This will help injured veterans stay off of prescription drugs. — Mast to Stars and Stripes 

This legislation also prevents the VA from enforcing regulations that prohibit its clinicians to complete paperwork or issue recommendations for veterans who wish to take part in cannabis programs approved by states. 

Last month the House approved a spending bill of $453 Billion for fiscal 2026. This month, the Senate Appropriations Committee is likely to review this legislation.