Veterans Advocacy Groups Urge Biden Administration for Swift Marijuana Rescheduling

Leading veterans organizations are advocating for the Biden administration to rapidly modify federal marijuana regulations. This initiative, detailed in a letter shared with NBC News, aligns with a growing demand for the reclassification of marijuana, following a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services six months ago.

These organizations, including notable groups like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, AMVETS, American GI Forum, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association, and Minority Veterans of America, have called on the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration to swiftly make this change. They emphasize the importance of broadening treatment options for servicemembers and veterans, acknowledging the myriad physical and mental challenges they encounter post-service.

Marijuana’s current status as a Schedule 1 substance—categorized alongside drugs like heroin—highlights its perceived high abuse potential and lack of recognized medical benefits. A reclassification to Schedule 3, as suggested by the Department of Health and Human Services, would significantly reduce restrictions.

In response to President Joe Biden’s directive for a review of marijuana policies in October 2022, a decision from the DEA is anticipated imminently, informed by insiders.

The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a policy of not denying health services to veterans who use marijuana in states where it’s legal. However, it doesn’t provide medical marijuana as part of its treatment offerings or cover the costs of such prescriptions, even though cannabis is legal in various forms across over 40 states. Despite this, a joint statement from the VA and the Defense Department last summer recommended against marijuana for treating PTSD.

The advocacy groups highlight a strong desire within their community for medical cannabis to be a federally approved treatment option, referencing an American Legion survey where 82% of participants supported this. They argue that without a DEA ruling, veterans continue to feel uneasy discussing cannabis use with VA providers, fearing negative consequences.