Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-20T18:19:20Z

Explore the details of House Bill 966 Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/20/2025, 6:19 PM

Summary of Bill HR 966

Bill 119 HR 966, also known as the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act, aims to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying benefits to veterans who participate in state-approved marijuana programs. The bill recognizes that many veterans use marijuana as a form of treatment for various medical conditions, and seeks to ensure that they are not penalized for seeking relief through this method.

The bill specifically prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying benefits to veterans solely based on their participation in a state-approved marijuana program. This means that veterans who use marijuana for medical purposes will still be eligible for benefits administered by the VA, such as healthcare services, disability compensation, and education assistance.

In addition to protecting veterans' access to benefits, the bill also includes provisions for research on the potential benefits of marijuana for veterans. It directs the VA to conduct studies on the effects of marijuana on veterans with PTSD, chronic pain, and other conditions commonly experienced by those who have served in the military. Overall, Bill 119 HR 966 seeks to ensure that veterans have access to all available treatment options, including marijuana, without fear of losing their benefits. It recognizes the potential benefits of marijuana for veterans' health and well-being, and aims to support their right to choose this form of treatment if they so desire.

Congressional Summary of HR 966

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records.

Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 966

Bill HR 966 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill HR 966 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 4, 2025. Bill HR 966's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of March 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 966

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 966

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 966

To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran benefits administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran participating in a State-approved marijuana program, and for other purposes.