Republican Senators Made ‘Detrimental’ Mistake By Blocking Veterans’ Medical Marijuana Access, GOP Congressman Says

OG article by Kyle Jaeger November 25, 2025 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), an Army veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan and co-chairs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, sharply criticized Republican senators for blocking language in a key spending bill—signed by President Donald Trump—that would have expanded military veterans' access to medical marijuana in legal states. In an interview with Marijuana Moment, Mast called the Senate's omission a "detrimental" mistake and "ridiculous," describing it as a "great and easy opportunity" that was "sensical" despite earlier bipartisan approvals in both chambers this year. The surprise exclusion came without announcement from Senate leadership, just days before Veterans Day, in the MilConVA bill's final text. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) sponsored an amendment to reinstate the provision allowing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend cannabis to patients, but it never reached a floor vote. Mast affirmed the push will resume next year, possibly via revisions to the standalone Veterans Equal Access Act he introduced in February, which enjoys bipartisan backing. The bill also re-criminalizes hemp THC products, potentially dismantling that market, per stakeholders. Advocates like NORML's political director Morgan Fox decried the absence as "incredibly disappointing" and "uncontroversial," stressing its revenue-neutral status and overdue relief for veterans. Previous House and Senate efforts permitted VA recommendations but were never enacted. Mast's critique underscores internal GOP tensions on cannabis reform, highlighting veterans' needs amid stalled progress and broader policy shifts under Trump.