Introduction
On July 6, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a groundbreaking amendment to the VA budget bill that marks a monumental shift in how veterans may access medical cannabis. This historic provision—originating from the Veterans Equal Access Act—will allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors, for the first time, to recommend cannabis to their patients in states where it is legal. This is a significant step forward in providing veterans with more options for managing their health, especially for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety. While the VA still cannot prescribe cannabis under federal law, this amendment empowers VA physicians to discuss medical marijuana openly as a viable alternative to prescription narcotics.
For Mendry and the osteopathic doctors who support our mission, this legislative change is not just encouraging—it validates the role we’ve long believed DOs should play as primary medical cannabis care managers for veterans.
Why This Amendment Matters
For years, veterans have faced barriers when seeking alternative treatments for chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety. Even in states where medical cannabis is legal, VA physicians were prohibited from completing paperwork or issuing recommendations. This forced veterans to seek outside care, often disconnected from their VA-managed records.
The July 2025 legislation changes that. It eliminates Veterans Health Directive 1315 and ensures that veterans will no longer be penalized or ignored for choosing cannabis over opioids. This significant shift empowers veterans, giving them the confidence to make informed decisions about their health, opening the door for VA doctors—especially osteopathic physicians who already emphasize holistic, whole-person care—to engage more deeply in cannabis-inclusive treatment planning.
The Osteopathic Advantage
Osteopathic Doctors (DOs) are uniquely qualified to lead in this new era of cannabis-inclusive care. With training grounded in integrative, preventive, and musculoskeletal medicine, DOs are particularly adept at treating the “invisible wounds of war”—PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injuries—conditions where cannabis often shows promise.
Unlike traditional physicians, DOs consider the interconnectedness of body systems and the impact of mental, emotional, and environmental stressors on a patient’s health. This makes them an ideal fit for veterans seeking personalized, low-risk, non-narcotic therapies. With the new VA rules in place, DOs can safely recommend medical cannabis as part of a broader healing strategy.
What This Means for Mendry
Mendry’s mission has always been clear: connect veterans to compassionate, informed providers who understand both the military experience and the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis. The new legislation provides structural support for our model. It empowers VA-participating DOs to join our network and engage in open, compliant conversations with patients. Mendry serves as a platform that facilitates this connection, ensuring that veterans have access to the care they deserve. We are not a regulatory body, but rather a facilitator of the connection between veterans and DOs.
Mendry operates as a membership platform, offering:
- Free access for veterans to find cannabis-supportive DOs
- Paid memberships for DOs who want to reach veteran populations
- Resources, education, and podcast advocacy to destigmatize medical cannabis
We do not collect HIPAA-protected information. We don’t interfere with patient care. But we do create a secure and efficient bridge between veterans and doctors who care, ensuring a smooth and reliable connection.
Why DOs Will Be Central to Cannabis Care at the VA
Now that VA doctors can discuss medical marijuana, the need for physicians trained in comprehensive care planning is greater than ever. DOs are already billing the VA under Community Care for musculoskeletal complaints, pain management, and primary care. Adding cannabis as a consultative option simply strengthens its utility and relevance.
Moreover, DOs understand the nuances of cannabis dosing, side effects, and interactions with traditional medications. In a system where polypharmacy is common and addiction is a risk, having a physician who can guide cannabis use thoughtfully is a critical advantage.
Veterans Deserve Choice
This amendment is ultimately about giving veterans options. As Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) stated, veterans who use cannabis legally should not be punished or denied guidance. Mast, himself a double amputee combat veteran, explained the harsh reality of narcotic dependency in post-combat recovery. He called cannabis access “a godsend” for those seeking to avoid addictive painkillers.
This is where Mendry and osteopathic doctors step in. We stand on the front lines of patient advocacy, ensuring that every veteran who wants an alternative path has access to a provider who understands and supports that choice.
The Road Ahead: Psychedelics and Beyond
The same VA bill also includes funding and policy groundwork for psychedelic-assisted therapies. From MDMA to psilocybin, the VA is being directed to prepare its healthcare infrastructure for these emerging treatments. Once again, osteopathic doctors—trained in whole-person wellness and preventive care—will be essential allies in integrating new, evidence-backed therapies.
Mendry will continue to evolve alongside policy, ensuring that our veteran members and DO partners remain informed, supported, and connected.
Call to Action: Join the Movement
If you are a DO who believes in safe, legal, and compassionate cannabis care, now is the time to join Mendry. By joining our platform, you can connect with veterans across the country who are looking for physicians who will respect their choices and offer informed guidance. For veterans, Mendry provides a network of providers who are already ahead of the curve, ensuring that you have access to the care you need. Joining Mendry not only expands your network but also allows you to be part of a movement that is reshaping veteran healthcare.
If you are a veteran, the conversation is changing. For the first time, your VA doctor may be able to discuss cannabis with you without fear or restriction. Mendry can help you find providers who are already ahead of the curve.
And if you’re a sponsor or advocate, your support is not just crucial, but profoundly appreciated. You are the backbone of this movement, making it possible, funding the infrastructure that connects veterans to dignity, relief, and empowerment. Your role is not just important, but integral to this cause.
Conclusion
The passing of this amendment isn’t just a legislative victory. It’s a cultural shift—one that recognizes the lived experiences of veterans and honors their right to explore healing beyond the limits of old medical dogma. DOs, by their training and ethos, are not just partners, but the driving force behind this journey, valued and integral to this movement.
At Mendry, we are proud to amplify their voices, connect them with those who’ve served, and shape a future where every veteran has the support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
Learn more or join the network at Mendry.org.
