House Passes Key Amendments on Cannabis and Psychedelics for Veterans

Legislative Milestone for Veterans’ Healthcare

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved significant amendments to a large-scale spending bill, allowing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical marijuana recommendations to military veterans and supporting research and access to psychedelics. These measures were adopted as part of appropriations legislation covering Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) through a series of votes on Tuesday.

Cannabis Amendment Passed with Strong Support

The cannabis measure passed with a vote of 290-116. The two psychedelics proposals were adopted on voice votes. One key proposal, from Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Dave Joyce (R-OH), co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, aims to eliminate a VA directive that currently prevents the department’s doctors from issuing cannabis recommendations.

Provisions of the Cannabis Amendment

The amendment, outlined in Section 419, states:

No funds appropriated to the VA can be used to enforce the directive that prohibits VA doctors from completing forms or registering veterans for state-approved marijuana programs.

The VA must ensure that medical facility directors are aware of the policy change, allowing doctors to assess and recommend medical marijuana to veterans.

Advocates’ Arguments

“My proposed amendment, I believe, is common sense. It allows doctors in the VA—those that deal with veterans—to give advice to their veteran patients,” Rep. Mast said on the floor. “Do not keep those who’ve fought for our country from accessing what’s proven to be a critical tool for pain management. It is time for change.”

No members spoke in opposition to the amendment. Rep. Blumenauer, using time allotted for opposition, expressed his support, criticizing the VA for not fully embracing medical cannabis despite its recognized benefits.

Supporting Voices

Rep. Lee emphasized that VA physicians should not be restricted when advising on medical treatments proven to be less harmful and less addictive. In a press release, Rep. Joyce highlighted the importance of expanding access to medical treatments for veterans, sharing his personal connection as the son of a wounded World War II veteran.

Psychedelics Research and Access Amendments

Another amendment, proposed by Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Lou Correa (D-CA), and others, encourages the VA to support research into psychedelic-assisted therapies for conditions like PTSD and depression. This amendment increases and decreases the Medical and Prosthetic Research account at the VA to emphasize support for psychedelic research.

Promoting Psychedelic Therapies

“As we saw last year, demonstrating clear congressional approval for these innovative efforts can motivate real action within the federal bureaucracy,” Rep. Bergman said. “We owe it to our veterans to do everything we can in support of these breakthrough therapies.”

Rep. Correa noted the urgency of addressing veteran suicides, mental health issues, and opioid overdoses by ensuring access to scientifically sound and potentially life-saving therapies.

MDMA-Assisted Therapy Report

The House also accepted an amendment urging the VA to report to Congress on incorporating MDMA-assisted therapy into the department’s formulary once the drug receives federal approval. This amendment stresses the need for proactive training of therapists to administer these treatments.

Broader Legislative Context and Future Prospects

The Rules Committee on Monday rejected a separate amendment that would block the VA from subjecting job applicants to marijuana screenings in legal states. This follows a pattern of selective approval for drug policy reforms, supporting veterans’ medical cannabis access and psychedelics research but denying other Democratic-led marijuana measures.

Meanwhile, Republican members are seeking to eliminate a provision in a separate defense bill that would block military branches from testing recruits for marijuana. These proposals are part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which also includes various drug policy amendments.

Separately, a GOP-led House committee unveiled another spending bill omitting a rider that blocks Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales and adds new protections for banks working with state-legal cannabis businesses.

The House’s approval of these amendments marks a significant step toward improving healthcare options for veterans, reflecting a broader shift in the nation’s approach to cannabis and psychedelics. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential for these reforms to be enacted into law, offering veterans access to new treatments and comprehensive medical advice from VA doctors.