What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
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.
Action Timeline
2025-03-06
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
2025-02-04
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-02-04
Introduced in House
2025-02-04
Introduced in House
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.966 pass?
HR.966 is still alive. Current stage: COMMITTEE. Pass likelihood: 48%.
What does HR.966 do?
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…
Who sponsored HR.966?
HR.966 was sponsored by W. Gregory Steube (R-Florida).
Full Bill Text
119 HR 966 IH: Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-04 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 966 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 4, 2025 Mr. Steube introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL 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. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act . 2. Veteran participation in State-approved marijuana programs (a) Provision of benefits Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not deny a veteran any benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran participating in a State-approved marijuana program. (b) Consultation With respect to a veteran who is enrolled in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, and participates in a State-approved marijuana program, the Secretary shall ensure that physicians and other health care providers of the Veterans Health Administration— (1) discuss marijuana use with the veteran and adjust medical treatment plans accordingly; and (2) record such use in the medical records of the veteran. (c) Provision of information Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall authorize physicians and other health care providers of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans who are residents of States with State-approved marijuana programs regarding the participation of veterans in such programs. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) The term marijuana has the meaning given the term marihuana in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 802 ). (2) The term State has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
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