Never Forget! Weed for Warriors: Medical Marijuana Access for Veterans

Honoring Service, Demanding Access to Medical Cannabis for Veterans

“Never Forget” isn’t just a call to remember those who served—it’s a promise to care for them when they come home. Yet millions of U.S. veterans still fight daily battles that began after deployment: chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and opioid dependency ^{1 2}.

While most U.S. states now allow medical cannabis, federal prohibition prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from helping veterans access cannabis through its programs—so the medicine that helps them heal is often financially or legally out of reach¹. This article examines the origins of this issue, the findings of the research, and how advocates and industry leaders can work together to make compassionate access a reality.

The Silent Struggle: Veterans & the Cost of Coming Home

The VA estimates roughly 8 percent of U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD ². Many also live with chronic pain or sleep disorders. Yet only about half complete treatment—often because the standard options are opioids, antidepressants, or sedatives with heavy side-effects and dependency risks ³.

In 2022, an average of 17.6 veterans died by suicide every day, according to the VA's most recent report ⁴.
Many veterans describe cannabis as life-saving: easing nightmares, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and replacing multiple prescription drugs—but they must navigate state laws alone or turn to the unregulated market ⁶.

“Cannabis gave me my life back.”
– Anonymous U.S. Marine Veteran

The Federal Roadblock: When Law and Wellness Collide

Despite growing evidence that cannabis may help with PTSD and pain, VA clinicians are constrained by federal law—cannabis is remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. VA doctors cannot prescribe, recommend, complete state forms, or pay for cannabis—even in legal states. Veterans will not lose benefits for using state-legal substances and are encouraged to discuss their use openly with VA providers so that care can be coordinated ¹². Cannabis remains prohibited on federal property, including VA facilities ¹.

Legislative Momentum

Congress continues to debate reforms. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act (S.326) would expand research on cannabis for PTSD and chronic pain among veterans—it signals progress, not practice change (yet) ⁸. The House also approved an amendment in 2024 to allow VA clinicians to recommend cannabis in legal states, but this has not become permanent law ¹³.

Year	Key bills and milestones affect veterans' medical cannabis access
2019	H.R. 3884 – Veterans Equal Access Amendment Adds VA cannabinoid-research provisions inside the broader MORE Act legislative process. (2019 congressional activity tied to the MORE Act package.)
2020	MORE Act (H.R. 3884) – First Federal Cannabis Legalization Bill Passes the House – The first time in U.S. history that a chamber of Congress approved a full federal cannabis legalization bill. – Included protections relevant to veteran access and research.
2021	SAFE Banking Act passes the House (again) – Banking reform enabling safer operations for veteran-owned cannabis businesses. – Part of ongoing federal cannabis financial-reform efforts.
2022	H.R. 4521 – Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act – Prohibits the VA from denying benefits based on legal state cannabis use. – Affirms veteran protections within state medical markets.
2023	S. 326 – VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act (118th Congress) – Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to research cannabis for PTSD and chronic pain. – One of the most important veteran-focused cannabis bills to advance meaningfully. – Passed Senate committee with bipartisan support.
2024	DOJ / DEA Rescheduling Proposal – DOJ formally moves to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. – A historic shift acknowledging medical use. – Opens doors for future VA participation in research (although still not full access).
2025	House-Approved VA Budget Amendment – Removes restrictions on VA clinicians recommending medical cannabis in state-legal programs. – Would be the first-ever federal allowance for VA clinician involvement. – Not yet finalized into law.

Source: Stars & Stripes (2025).

California & the Compassion Gap: When Legalization Raised the Cost of Relief

When California legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016 under Prop 64, taxes and compliance costs increased shelf prices—pricing many veterans on fixed incomes out of the legal market. A key corrective arrived with SB 34 (effective 2020), allowing licensed businesses to donate medical cannabis tax-free to qualified patients, including veterans, via the regulated supply chain ¹⁰. Veteran-led groups now partner with licensed operators to deliver free or discounted products compliantly ¹⁰.

“The legal market isn’t targeting veterans on fixed incomes—it’s targeting those with disposable income.” — Dale Schafer, Navy Veteran & Weed for Warriors Legal Counsel

BuzzWorthy: Veteran-Led Organizations Keeping the Mission Alive

Despite federal inaction, veteran-founded nonprofits continue to serve their community through advocacy, education, and direct support.

• Weed for Warriors Project — A grassroots veteran-led advocacy network providing community-based projects, compassionate care packages, and cannabis education for veterans living with PTSD, pain, and service-related health challenges. ¹⁸.
  
• Hero Grown — Established by Army veteran Roger Martin (and now led by his family), Hero Grown has distributed millions in cannabis and CBD products to veterans and first responders, and offers wellness education and job-pathway programs in the cannabis industry.¹⁹.
  
• Veterans Cannabis Group — Founded by Army veteran Aaron Augustis, this organization bridges veteran communities, cannabis businesses, and policy makers with a mission to support safe access, veteran employment, and cannabis education.²⁰.
  

Together, these organizations remind us that when the system falls short, community leadership steps up.

Veterans in Their Own Words

“After years of meds that numbed me, cannabis gave me peace of mind and purpose.”
– Army Vet, Florida

“It’s not about getting high—it’s about getting my life back.”
– Navy Vet, California

Thousands of veterans share similar stories—relief from nightmares, anxiety, and chronic pain; less reliance on opioids; better sleep. These lived experiences are not just anecdotes; they’re evidence demanding recognition through rigorous research and compassionate policy ³.

Evidence: What the Research Says About Cannabis & Veteran Health

While federal barriers still limit trials, multiple lines of evidence are relevant:

• Pain relief & sleep: Observational data and veteran surveys report reduced pain intensity and improved sleep among medical cannabis patients ⁶.
  
• PTSD & anxiety: The National Academies found limited evidence for cannabis/cannabinoids in PTSD, while many patients report symptom relief—highlighting the need for more robust trials ⁷.
  
• Opioid substitution: Some studies link medical-cannabis laws with fewer opioid prescriptions at a population level (e.g., Medicare Part D analyses), though results vary; at the individual level, many veterans report cutting opioid use ⁵.
  
• Risks: Potential for cannabis use disorder and symptom exacerbation in some veterans, particularly with heavy high-THC use—shared decision-making with clinicians is essential ².
  

Bottom line: Cannabis is not a panacea—but for many veterans it’s a safer, more tolerable alternative to high-risk pharmaceuticals and deserves both access and serious research ¹⁷.

From Patients to Pioneers: Veterans Leading the Cannabis Industry

Veterans aren’t just patients; they’re pioneers. A meaningful share of U.S. firms are veteran-owned, and many veterans now lead cannabis companies focused on wellness, equity, and sustainability ¹⁴. Entrepreneurship becomes both economic empowerment and a new mission—transforming pain into purpose.

How the Cannabis Industry Can Honor Veterans Year-Round

The cannabis sector can tangibly support veterans beyond symbolic gestures:

• Veteran Discounts: Offer 15–25 % off with verified status.
  
• Employment Pipelines: Recruit veterans for cultivation, logistics, and compliance roles.
  
• Education & Mentorship: Sponsor veteran-focused workshops and scholarships.
  
• Storytelling: Spotlight veteran founders and advocates in marketing content.

True gratitude means more than waving a flag—it means building an industry that helps those who served thrive in peace.

Schedule III Watch: What Federal Rescheduling Could Mean for Veterans

In 2024, the DOJ proposed rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging medical use and lower abuse potential.

If finalized, rescheduling could:

• Enable larger VA and academic research,
  
• Reduce institutional stigma around clinician discussions,
  
• But it will not automatically legalize cannabis nationwide or authorize VA prescriptions ¹⁶.

For veterans, rescheduling could be a first real step toward a future where plant-based care isn’t criminalized—yet patient access and affordability still hinge on state programs and VA policy change.

Legal Landscape 2025: Where Do Veterans Stand by State?

As of late 2025, 40 states + DC + 3 territories allow medical cannabis; 24 states + DC + 3 territories allow adult use ^{11 12}. PTSD is a qualifying condition in many programs; several states reduce fees or provide discounts for veterans. In California, SB 34 allows tax-free donations to qualified medical patients via licensed channels ¹⁰.

Pro Tip: Check NORML’s State Laws Map for the latest eligibility and veteran-specific benefits ¹⁷.

The Larger Battle: Federal Reform & Industry Responsibility

Veterans face elevated overdose risks compared to non-veterans—especially involving opioids and polysubstance use ⁴. Ending cannabis prohibition is both a moral and medical imperative.

Until Congress acts:

• Advocate: Support research and safe-use rights bills.
  
• Educate: Share credible resources and reduce stigma.
  
• Donate: Fund veteran-run compassion programs.
  

Policy saves lives. Access restores dignity.

Did You Know? 💬

Fact	Source
17.6 veterans die by suicide daily (2022 data)	4
40 states permit medical cannabis	4
SB 34 restored CA compassion programs	12
VA clinicians can discuss but not recommend cannabis	9
1 in 20 business owners is a veteran	6

Practical Guide: How Veterans Can Access Medical Cannabis Now

1. Confirm state eligibility (qualifying conditions, fees/discounts) ^{11 12}.
2. Talk with your VA provider—you won’t lose benefits for state-legal use; transparency helps coordinate care ¹.
3. Obtain a medical card/certification where required (some states offer fee reductions for veterans).
4. Choose licensed, veteran-friendly dispensaries (ask about discounts, education, and any compassion programs).
5. Start low, go slow—especially with edibles and tinctures; track sleep, pain, and mood changes ².
6. Join peer networks like Weed for Warriors, Hero Grown, and Veterans Cannabis Group for education and community ^{18 19 20}.
7. Know the travel rules: You cannot legally carry cannabis across state lines and it’s prohibited on federal/VA property ^{15 1}.

Final Thoughts: “Never Forget” Means Fighting for Their Right to Heal

We honor veterans not only with words, but through action—by demanding evidence-based reform, compassionate access, and dignity in care. Our veterans served their country. Now it’s time for their country to serve them.

Some gave all. Never forget.

FAQ: Veterans & Medical Marijuana

Further Resources & Action

• Weed for Warriors Project – advocacy & compassion programs¹⁸.
  
• Hero Grown – veteran support and resources ¹⁹.
  
• Veterans Cannabis Group – networking & policy²⁰.
  
• DAV Medical Cannabis Resources – benefits & policy guidance ³.
  
• NORML: Veterans Issues + Laws Map — advocacy + state updates ^{6 17}.