Veteran legislator introduces bill protecting veterans benefits in states with legal medical cannabis usage

Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act which would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran benefits due to the use of medical marijuana in states where the substance is legal.

“As a veteran, I’m committed to ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve, and I know that sometimes that care can include medical marijuana,” said Congressman Steube following the introduction of the bill. “Receiving the appropriate treatment to address your health care needs—using products that are legal in the state in which you live—should not preclude you from your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.”

The bill aims to codify an existing VA policy that prohibits penalizing veterans by stripping their benefits if they use cannabis in compliance with state law.

By ratifying the standing policy into law, benefits would be protected from changes enacted by current or future administrations.

The legislation also allows for department doctors to complete forms and recommendations for veterans to obtain medical marijuana in compliance with medical use laws in their state.

   

Currently, VA doctors are only permitted to discuss marijuana with patients and document their usage in medical records. Those policies would also be codified under the bill.

“It’s important that we respect states’ rights as outlined in the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution. While it is the current policy of the VA to not deny benefits to veterans based on participation in these state-based medical marijuana programs, this bill will ensure that no future policy or administration change could put these veterans at risk of losing their benefits when they are in compliance with state law,” continued Steube. “It also allows VA staff to help veterans fill out the forms necessary to enroll in a state-approved program instead of having to rely on a private physician. This makes things easier for veterans who are in desperate need of these medical options.”

Congressman Steube is a former Army JAG Officer and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

The bill is cosponsored by Congressman Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA)