HR 966119th CongressIn Committee

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

Introduced: Feb 4, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act is a bill that would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying any VA-administered benefits to a veteran simply because the veteran participates in a state-legalized marijuana program. It also directs VA clinicians to discuss cannabis use with enrolled veterans, adjust medical treatment plans accordingly, and record cannabis use in the veteran’s medical records. Additionally, the bill authorizes VA health care providers to give recommendations or opinions to veterans about participating in state-approved marijuana programs. The bill uses “notwithstanding” language to override other laws for these provisions, and it defines key terms such as “marijuana” and “State.”

Key Points

1Not deny benefits: The VA may not deny any benefit administered by the VA to a veteran solely because the veteran participates in a state-approved marijuana program.
2Medical consultations and treatment adjustments: For veterans enrolled in VA health care who participate in state-approved programs, VA physicians and health care providers must discuss marijuana use with the veteran, adjust treatment plans as needed, and record the use in the veteran’s medical records.
3Information and guidance: VA physicians and health care providers are authorized to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans (who live in states with such programs) about participating in those state programs.
4Definitions and scope: The bill defines “marijuana” per the Controlled Substances Act and defines “State” as per 38 U.S.C., clarifying the scope of who and what is affected.
5Legal housekeeping: The provisions use “Notwithstanding any other provision of law,” signaling that these rules override conflicting statutes to the extent permitted.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Veterans who receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and are enrolled in VA health care, particularly those residing in or participating in state-legal marijuana programs.Secondary group/area affected: VA health care providers (physicians and other providers) who would be required to discuss cannabis use, adjust care plans, and document cannabis use; also veterans who are considering or participating in state marijuana programs.Additional impacts:- Administrative and medical-records implications for VA facilities (increased documentation of cannabis use).- Legal and policy implications given marijuana’s status under federal law (marijuana remains federally controlled), though the bill provides protections for VA benefits and clinical discussions related to state programs.- Potential changes in how VA coordinates care for patients using cannabis, including interactions with other medications and treatments.

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