bipartisan Effort to Expand Veterans‘ Medical Marijuana Access Faces Opposition in Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A last-minute move by GOP leaders included in a recently signed appropriations bill threatens to undermine bipartisan efforts to expand medical marijuana access for veterans, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. While the bill contained an amendment sponsored by the co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus intended to increase veterans’ access to state medical marijuana programs and remove restrictions on VA doctors issuing recommendations, it also includes provisions that would effectively re-criminalize many hemp products, sparking concerns about the future of the market.
The conflict highlights a growing tension in Congress regarding cannabis policy.For years, there has been increasing bipartisan support for allowing veterans access to medical marijuana as a potential treatment option for conditions like PTSD and chronic pain, particularly as alternatives often come with debilitating side effects. The veterans Equal Access Act, filed by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) in February, represents the latest attempt to enact this change, building on previous sessions’ momentum. However, the appropriations bill’s inclusion of language targeting THC-containing hemp products introduces a significant obstacle, perhaps negating the benefits of expanded access for veterans.
Representative Mike Bost and Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), both co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, sponsored the amendment aimed at easing veterans’ access. The amendment would eliminate a current VA directive preventing department doctors from recommending cannabis. Bost previously filed the standalone Veterans Equal Access Act, signaling sustained bipartisan commitment to the issue.
Simultaneously occurring, the appropriations bill signed by former President Trump on Wednesday contains controversial provisions that would re-criminalize hemp products containing THC, a move many stakeholders fear will decimate the hemp market.
Representative Bost’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
