House Votes to Allow VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Marijuana and Support Psychedelics Research
In a significant move, the US House of Representatives has approved amendments to a spending bill that would enable US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana to military veterans and support research into the benefits of psychedelics in treating medical conditions commonly affecting veterans.
The amendments, proposed by Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), would increase veterans’ access to state medical marijuana programs by eliminating a current VA directive that bars doctors from issuing cannabis recommendations. The provision, which passed on a voice vote, is based on a standalone bill, the Veterans Equal Access Act, which Mast has refiled several times.
Mast, who is a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, shared his personal experience with conventional medications following a serious injury during his time in military service, stating that they often leave veterans in a state of dissatisfaction, lack of purpose, or even suicidal thoughts. He emphasized the need for veterans to have options outside of narcotics and to have discussions with their primary care physicians about medical cannabis.
Another amendment, proposed by Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), would encourage the VA to support research into the benefits of psychedelics in treating medical conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. The amendment, which also passed on a voice vote, would direct the VA to evaluate and make recommendations on changes to its healthcare infrastructure to integrate approved psychedelic therapies into veterans’ care options.
Correa and Bergman emphasized the promising results of psychedelic therapies in treating veterans with PTSD and other disorders, but noted that these therapies require special training and supervision. They emphasized the need for the VA to be proactive in preparing for the administration of these therapies.
The House’s approval of these amendments marks a significant step forward in increasing access to medical marijuana and psychedelics for military veterans. The measures will now move to the Senate for consideration.
