Study: Veterans Say Marijuana Helps Manage Symptoms, but Many Avoid Discussing Use With VA Clinicians

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine finds that many U.S. veterans who use marijuana for medical purposes view it as an essential tool for managing symptoms ranging from chronic pain and PTSD to anxiety and sleep disorders, yet often avoid discussing that use with their VA health care providers. The study was conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System and was based on in-depth interviews with veterans living in Connecticut, Michigan, and Oregon, where marijuana is legal. Most participants lived in rural areas and reported using marijuana within the past 30 days for medical reasons.

Researchers found that participants consistently described marijuana as improving their quality of life, either as a supplement to prescribed medications or as a substitute for drugs they felt caused more side effects. One participant explained that marijuana helped reduce hypervigilance linked to PTSD, saying, “I used marijuana as a tool… and for me, this was essential and critical towards recovery.”

Another veteran described turning to marijuana after pain medications were reduced, stating, “The sativa just gives me the pain relief that I need in order to continue with my day, [bringing the] pain down to a manageable level.”

Rather than relying on clinicians for guidance, veterans said they typically obtained information from dispensary staff, other veterans, friends, or personal trial and error.

Despite marijuana’s relevance to their medical care, many veterans said they were reluctant to discuss their use with VA clinicians. Participants cited fears tied to marijuana’s federal legal status, concerns about potential impacts on VA benefits, and a widespread belief that VA providers are not allowed to talk about marijuana.

One participant described the fear bluntly: “It’s kind of terrifying. Because you don’t want to mess up, you know?”

Even when veterans wanted to talk with clinicians, many felt those conversations were cut short or dismissed. Others pointed to frequent provider turnover at VA facilities as a barrier to building trust.

“I have had six primary care providers in the last four years,” one participant said, adding that it made open discussions difficult.

Veterans also questioned clinicians’ knowledge of marijuana. Several said they felt more informed than their providers or believed doctors lacked basic understanding of products, dosing, or potential interactions.

One participant summarized the frustration by saying, “I feel like I could be more helped by an ex-drug dealer than I could by my doctor when it comes to marijuana.”

Overall, participants reported few perceived risks from marijuana use, often describing it as a natural option with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. While some acknowledged concerns about smoking or cognitive effects, many emphasized that “the benefits far outweigh the negatives.” Several veterans also said marijuana helped them reduce alcohol consumption or reliance on opioids.

The authors conclude by saying:

Our findings on the Veteran patient experience around medical cannabis use call attention to the clinician-patient relationship and petition for patient-centered care on the topic of cannabis. Patient-centered care elevates patients to a partner position with their clinician and focuses all care decisions on the individual patient’s whole health needs and desired health outcomes. Like other qualitative research on this topic, the interviews that we conducted underscore the need for clinicians to be better informed about medical cannabis use and engage their patients in discussions about cannabis use with an open, non-stigmatizing attitude. Given that many Veterans are independently integrating cannabis into their medical care, healthcare providers may be positioned to play a more active role in guiding healthcare decisions and informing patients about potential health risks.