contact us

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Current VA policy: VA clinicians can talk with you about cannabis use and document it in your record. Your care will not be denied because of cannabis use. What VA providers cannot do under current rules is prescribe cannabis, fill out state certification paperwork, or directly authorize its use within VA facilities (VHA Directive 1315; VA public guidance). This ensures Veterans can discuss cannabis openly without fear of losing benefits. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)

2025 proposals: In 2025, the U.S. House voted to let VA clinicians recommend cannabis to Veterans in states where it’s legal. The Senate also advanced a similar measure. These steps came through the appropriations process and could bring big changes if they become law and the VA implements them. If passed, Veterans may see greater guidance, legal clarity, and coordinated care options involving state-legal cannabis programs. (Marijuana Moment)

Rescheduling context: The DEA is in the middle of a process that could move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Until the rule is finalized, the current Schedule I restrictions remain in place. (Federal Register)

VA-first lane separation: This article focuses on federal/VA rules. State medical cannabis programs still run separately and vary by state. Being in a state program does not affect your VA eligibility for care. (Public Health VA)

Where VA policy stands today

VHA Directive 1315 tells VA clinicians to discuss cannabis use if they bring it up, document the conversation, and consider their health and safety when making care decisions. It also makes clear that Veterans will not be denied VA services for being in a state cannabis program. At the same time, VA providers do not prescribe cannabis or complete state paperwork. (Veterans Affairs)

VA’s public guidance (“VA and Marijuana—What Veterans need to know”) reinforces the same point: cannabis is still a Schedule I drug federally. VA providers may talk with you about your use, but they cannot prescribe or cover cannabis products. Veterans are encouraged to be open so that care can be coordinated safely. (Public Health VA)

What changed in 2025—and what hasn’t (yet)

The House and Senate actions are promising signs, but not final. Nothing changes at the clinic level until both chambers pass a law andthe  VA implements it. Veterans should rely on official VA communications for updates before assuming new options are available. (Marijuana Moment)

Meanwhile, the DEA’s May 2024 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reschedule cannabis is still in progress. If finalized, moving cannabis to Schedule III would ease some research and administrative rules but wouldn’t automatically change VA coverage or align state markets. (Federal Register)

As of June 26, 2025, 40 states, three territories, and D.C. allow medical cannabis. Twenty-four states also allow adult-use without a medical card. State rules—like which conditions qualify and what paperwork is required—will continue to matter, even if VA authority expands. (NCSL)

Where osteopathic physicians fit—factually

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians, just like MDs. Their training includes a whole-person approach and musculoskeletal/functional assessments, in addition to standard medical education. (American Medical Association)

Within the VA system, DOs practice side by side with MDs in primary care, pain management, rehabilitation, psychiatry, and other specialties. Veterans may already see DOs as part of their VA or Community Care teams. If Congress authorizes VA recommendations for cannabis, both MDs and DOs would follow the same federal rules, state laws, local facility policies, and clinical judgment. (American Medical Association)

Practical implications for Veterans (policy-neutral)

1) Today (status quo): You can talk with your VA provider about cannabis use, and it will be documented in your record to help with safety checks (like drug–drug interactions). VA does not deny care for cannabis use, but it also does not prescribe or pay for cannabis. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)

2) If the recommendation authority becomes law: VA would need time to roll out training, forms, EHR updates, and state-specific procedures. Even then, VA recommending cannabis would not mean VA covering the costs. Veterans would need to follow facility guidance and state rules. (Marijuana Moment)

3) If rescheduling finalizes: Moving cannabis to Schedule III would ease some federal restrictions and affect research and administrative issues. But it would not create VA coverage or a nationwide access pathway. VA and state rules would still apply. (Federal Register)

4) Documentation and coordination: Keep your state paperwork handy—certifications, forms, possession rules—and share them with your VA care team. This helps with safe, coordinated care. (NCSL)

Community Care and care-team roles (lane clarity)

If you’re referred to a community clinician under VA’s Community Care program, that clinician still has to follow both federal and state law. If VA eventually allows its own clinicians to recommend cannabis, that authority applies only inside the VA. Community providers will continue working under state processes and payer rules. Veterans should always confirm with each clinician what they can and cannot do, and how their notes will be shared back to VA. (Veterans Affairs)

Questions Veterans often ask (neutral answers)

Does VA currently recommend or prescribe cannabis?
 No. VA clinicians may discuss and document use, but they cannot recommend or prescribe cannabis under current rules. Care is not denied because of cannabis use. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)

Did Congress change that in 2025?
 Not yet. The House and Senate advanced provisions, but they are not final law. VA implementation would also be required before clinic-level changes happen. (Marijuana Moment)

How many states have medical programs?
 As of June 26, 2025: 40 states, three territories, and D.C. allow medical cannabis; 24 states also allow adult-use. (NCSL)

Will rescheduling make VA coverage automatic?
 No. Rescheduling changes certain federal controls but does not create VA coverage or override state programs. (Federal Register)

Are DOs different from MDs in licensing?
 No. Both DOs and MDs are fully licensed physicians who can practice in all specialties. DOs receive additional training in a whole-person approach, but both function under the same licensing and standards. (American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association)

Where a directory like Mendry fits (brand-neutral note)

A directory that lists physicians—including DOs—who are knowledgeable about state medical cannabis frameworks can help Veterans find compliant options. But a directory is not a substitute for clinical judgment, does not collect private health information for treatment, and does not provide medical advice. Veterans should always confirm whether a clinician participates in VA or Community Care and what services are allowed under the current policy before booking an appointment. (Public Health VA)

Careful takeaway

Present state: VA clinicians can discuss and document cannabis use, and care is never denied because of it. VA does not prescribe or recommend cannabis. (Veterans Affairs, Public Health VA)

2025 proposals: House and Senate measures could, if passed and implemented, allow VA clinicians to recommend cannabis in legal states. Outcomes are still pending. (Marijuana Moment)

Broader rulemaking: DEA’s proposed move to Schedule III is still in progress. Until finalized, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug. (Federal Register)

For now, Veterans should keep their VA providers informed, follow state and federal rules, and stay updated on official VA policy before making decisions.

Sources (selected)

  • VHA Directive 1315 (discussion/documentation; care not denied). (Veterans Affairs)
  • VA public guidance (“VA and Marijuana—What Veterans need to know”). (Public Health VA)
  • House action (2025) on VA recommendations; Senate actions on parallel measures. (Marijuana Moment)
  • DEA NPRM and hearing notices on rescheduling to Schedule III. (Federal Register)
  • State counts (as of June 26, 2025)—medical and adult-use. (NCSL)

Osteopathic medicine—training and scope (DOs). (American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Educational use only. No medical or legal advice.

Mendry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not a government agency, and not affiliated with the VA or any federal or state agency.

Mendry does not provide treatment, prescribe or sell cannabis, or collect PHI.

Healthcare decisions are yours and your licensed clinicians’ only.

Emergency: 911 | Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)

47 thoughts on “Osteopathic Physicians, VA Policy, and Medical Cannabis: What 2025 Proposals Could Mean for Veterans”

  37. binance

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top