Florida Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) has reintroduced the Veterans Equal Access Act, a bill aimed at giving doctors within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the ability to recommend medical marijuana to veterans in states where it is legal. The proposed legislation seeks to remove restrictions that currently prevent VA doctors from discussing or prescribing cannabis, even in states that allow its use for medical purposes.
Current Barriers to Cannabis Treatment for Veterans
Right now, VA healthcare providers are not allowed to recommend medical marijuana to their patients, even in states where it is fully legal. This has forced many veterans to seek cannabis recommendations from private doctors, often at their own expense. Many veterans turn to medical marijuana as a potential treatment for chronic pain, PTSD, and other health conditions, but the federal ban limits their access to guidance from their VA physicians.
Mast has voiced his concerns about this issue, stating that veterans should not be blocked from accessing medical cannabis simply because they rely on VA healthcare. He argues that as more states legalize marijuana for medical use, VA doctors should have the same ability as private physicians to recommend it as a treatment option.
What the Bill Proposes
The Veterans Equal Access Act would update VA policy to allow doctors to:
- Discuss medical marijuana with veterans, including its potential risks and benefits.
- Provide formal recommendations so veterans can participate in state medical marijuana programs.
The bill does not, however, authorize the VA to distribute marijuana directly. Veterans would still need to obtain it from state-licensed dispensaries.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Efforts
This bill has received bipartisan support in past congressional sessions but has not yet been passed into law. Mast, along with Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), has been a strong advocate for the bill, which has advanced through committee discussions but has yet to be signed into law.
The bill is part of a broader push to align federal policy with state laws regarding medical marijuana. Currently, many states recognize cannabis as a legitimate treatment option, but federal law still classifies it as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have no accepted medical use.
Support from Veterans Organizations
Many veterans groups back the bill, arguing that medical cannabis is a safer alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs.
Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, has been vocal about the need for more treatment options. She emphasized that many veterans prefer alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, including medical marijuana.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has also called on the VA to explore alternative treatments. Mitch Fuller, head of the VFW’s legislative committee, has urged the VA to move beyond just studying cannabis and instead start allowing its use for veterans in need.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite strong support, the bill faces obstacles due to federal marijuana laws. Because cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, the VA is limited in how it can handle recommendations and research. Even as more states legalize marijuana, these federal restrictions create legal complications.
Advocates remain hopeful that as public perception shifts and more research emerges, the Veterans Equal Access Act will gain momentum. The bill represents an important step in expanding healthcare options for veterans, giving them access to a treatment that many find beneficial for chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions.
Conclusion
Mast’s proposed bill aims to remove bureaucratic barriers and give veterans the same access to medical marijuana that civilians have in states where it is legal. By allowing VA doctors to discuss and recommend cannabis, the bill could improve healthcare options for thousands of veterans seeking alternative treatments. Whether it passes into law remains to be seen, but it highlights the ongoing debate over medical marijuana access for those who have served the country.