Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Military Spending Bill With Provision Allowing VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Marijuana

OG Article By Anthony Martinelli in News Watch Today's LIVE Episode on YouTube, X, and Rumble

July 18, 2025

The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced the full Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Acts for fiscal year 2025, including a key amendment that would allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana in states where it’s legal.

The amendment, sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs portion of the legislation. It would prohibit the VA from using federal funds to enforce a longstanding policy that prevents its health care providers from assisting patients with accessing state-approved medical marijuana programs. A similar provision was recently approved by the House as part of its version of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill.

Specifically, the measure would block enforcement of Veterans Health Directive 1315, which currently bars VA doctors from recommending or completing forms for veterans seeking medical marijuana. The directive also mandates that VA officials remind staff of the prohibition and instruct facility leaders to ensure strict compliance.

With the full committee’s approval, the legislation now heads to the Senate floor. If enacted, the amendment would mark a major step toward improving access to medical marijuana for veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain.