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This bill would stop the Department of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran’s benefits just because the veteran uses marijuana through a program that is approved by their state. It would also require VA health care providers to talk with these veterans about marijuana use, take that use into account when planning care, and note it in their medical records. In addition, VA doctors and other providers would be allowed to give veterans information, advice, and opinions about joining a state-approved marijuana program if the veteran lives in a state that has one.
- VA benefits could not be denied only because a veteran takes part in a state-approved marijuana program.
- VA health care staff would need to discuss marijuana use with the veteran and adjust treatment plans when needed.
- Marijuana use would have to be recorded in the veteran’s medical file.
- VA providers would be allowed to share recommendations and opinions about state-approved marijuana programs with veterans who live in those states.
Official Summaries
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.
Current Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 966 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 966
To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran
benefits administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran
participating in a State-approved marijuana program, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 4, 2025
Mr. Steube introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
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A BILL
To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran
benefits administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran
participating in a State-approved marijuana program, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe
Healing Act''.
SEC. 2. VETERAN PARTICIPATION IN STATE-APPROVED MARIJUANA PROGRAMS.
(a) Provision of Benefits.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not deny a veteran any
benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary by reason of the
veteran participating in a State-approved marijuana program.
(b) Consultation.--With respect to a veteran who is enrolled in the
system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United
States Code, and participates in a State-approved marijuana program,
the Secretary shall ensure that physicians and other health care
providers of the Veterans Health Administration--
(1) discuss marijuana use with the veteran and adjust
medical treatment plans accordingly; and
(2) record such use in the medical records of the veteran.
(c) Provision of Information.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the Secretary shall authorize physicians and other health care
providers of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans
who are residents of States with State-approved marijuana programs
regarding the participation of veterans in such programs.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``marijuana'' has the meaning given the term
``marihuana'' in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act
(21 U.S.C. 802).
(2) The term ``State'' has the meaning given that term in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
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