Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

House Bill

H.R. 966

119th Congress

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Joyce Beatty

Representative

Democratic

OH-3

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill prohibits the VA from denying any benefits to veterans who participate in state-approved marijuana programs. VA providers must discuss marijuana use with these veterans, adjust treatment plans accordingly, and document use in medical records.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits the VA from denying any benefits to veterans who participate in state-approved marijuana programs. VA providers must discuss marijuana use with these veterans, adjust treatment plans accordingly, and document use in medical records.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits VA from denying benefits for marijuana use
Applies to veterans in state-approved programs
Requires VA providers to discuss marijuana use with patients
Mandates documentation in medical records
Allows VA doctors to recommend marijuana in legal states

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Veterans using medical marijuana in states where it is legal would not risk losing their VA benefits. VA healthcare providers could openly discuss marijuana as a treatment option without jeopardizing veteran eligibility for other services.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Health care coverage and access

Health information and medical records

Veterans' medical care

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

966, 119th Congress (2025). "Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-966