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What you will learn in this post:
Military veterans face obstacles in accessing medical cannabis put in place by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), despite evidence that shows vets are using medical cannabis to treat ailments commonly faced by those who have served in the armed forces.
In a public health notice updated in 2023, the agency noted that while many states have legalized cannabis for medical use, “federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule One Controlled Substance. This makes it illegal in the eyes of the federal government.”
Because of this federal prohibition, the agency noted that VA healthcare providers are not allowed to recommend medical cannabis or help veterans obtain it. The agency clarified that the use of cannabis does not disqualify a veteran from using VA services or receiving benefits.
Veterans are encouraged to discuss their cannabis use with their VA provider. Such use will be included in the veteran’s confidential medical record so the information will be available for treatment planning, and the patient’s treatment may be adjusted as necessary.
VA healthcare providers may not, however, write recommendations for medical cannabis. VA clinicians are also prohibited from completing the paperwork required for veterans to participate in state medical cannabis programs.
The department noted that VA clinicians may only prescribe FDA-approved medications and that most THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid formulations do not have such approval. Additionally, VA pharmacies are prohibited from dispensing medical cannabis to patients and the agency will not reimburse veterans for medical cannabis purchased from any source.
Many Vets Report Using Cannabis Medicinally
The VA obstacles to accessing medical cannabis that military veterans face come despite evidence that shows vets use cannabis at rates higher than the general population. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) notes in a brief about veterans and cannabis that many vets use the plant for medical purposes.
A 2023 study conducted by researchers in Israel found that veterans report using cannabis to treat chronic pain and mood disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A separate study published the same year showed that many veterans report using medical cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, other illicit drugs, and prescription drugs including opioids.
Other research shows that rates of PTSD range from between 10% and 30% among wartime military veterans and that nearly a third (31%) struggle with chronic pain. Further, VA data shows that less than half of vets who need mental health treatment actually receive the care they need.
NuggMD Offers Vets Free Medical Cannabis Evaluations
To help veterans access the medical cannabis they need as Veterans Day approaches, telehealth platform NuggMD announced on Tuesday that it would offer vets free online medical cannabis evaluations from November 7 through November 11. Patients are required to submit valid proof of service and state-issued identification to take advantage of the offer. Additionally, the company is also offering a 25% discount for medical cannabis evaluations to the spouses of veterans, under the same conditions. The free and discounted evaluations are available to veterans and their spouses in the 28 markets served by NuggMD.
Despite the continued federal prohibition of cannabis, 38 states have legalized the medicinal use of cannabis to treat serious medical conditions. Many states list chronic pain and PTSD as qualifying conditions, giving veterans and other patients new treatment options for these often debilitating conditions.
“Every adult deserves the freedom to use cannabis. That is what we stand for,” Bobby Brock, vice president of marketing at NuggMD, said in a statement from the company. “We urge our peers in the cannabis industry to use their resources to help veterans, because serving in the armed forces is one of the most selfless, patriotic things an American can do. We also invite policymakers to take seriously the potential that cannabis may have to improve the quality of life of those who choose to enlist, both as they serve and after they return home.”
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
