U.S. House to Vote on Amendment Allowing VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Marijuana to Veterans

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The proposal, introduced by Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), was approved for floor consideration by the House Rules Committee on Monday. It would prohibit the VA from using federal funds to enforce a longstanding directive that bars its doctors from helping veterans access state-approved medical marijuana programs.

Under current VA policy, physicians are not allowed to complete forms, provide referrals, or assist veterans in any way with joining a medical marijuana program, even in states where such use is legal. Representative Mast, who lost both legs and a finger while serving in Afghanistan, spoke in support of the amendment during the committee hearing. “I woke up in a hospital called Walter Reed one day, and I can tell you that when I woke up in that hospital, missing two legs and a finger, I woke up on a laundry list of narcotics and medications,” said Mast. He described experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms after being prescribed opioids during his recovery.

He continued by saying “I’m not a doctor. I wouldn’t presume to tell people when they should consider cannabis for medical purposes. But I know that it is appropriate if somebody is getting all of their medical health from the Department of Veterans Affairs, that they be able to have that discussion about what they may be considering for their health with that person that is providing their health care.”

The amendment targets Veterans Health Directive 1315 and would block the VA from enforcing specific provisions that prevent its doctors from discussing or facilitating participation in state medical marijuana programs.