Veterans in New York and across the country are being denied access to medical cannabis—an option many say helps more than traditional medications—because federal law still prevents VA doctors from recommending it. We call on New York representatives and federal lawmakers to support legislation that allows VA physicians to recommend medical cannabis in legal states.

Veterans deserve access to every safe and effective treatment option available—especially when it comes to PTSD, chronic pain, and mental health. But right now, federal law prevents VA doctors from recommending or prescribing medical cannabis, even in states like New York where it is fully legal.

This gap between state policy and federal restrictions leaves thousands of veterans without access to a treatment they say genuinely helps them. Many veterans report that medical cannabis improves sleep, reduces anxiety, decreases reliance on opioids, and offers hope when traditional medications fall short or produce harmful side effects.

The barrier is not medical evidence—it’s outdated federal scheduling.
Under Schedule I classification, VA physicians are prohibited from even discussing medical cannabis as an option. This prevents clinical guidance, safe access, research expansion, and insurance coverage for a treatment that is already legal in most of the country.

By signing this petition, you support:

Allowing VA physicians to recommend medical cannabis in states where it is legal;
Removing cannabis from Schedule I, enabling research and veteran-centered prescribing;
Expanding safe, supervised access so veterans don’t have to navigate alternative systems alone;
Bringing VA policy into alignment with the real needs of today’s veterans.
Veterans served our country. They should not have to fight a second battle just to access the care that works for them.

We call on New York representatives—including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, and Representative Brandon Williams—to support federal legislation that expands access to medical cannabis for veterans.

Your signature helps make this issue visible and pushes lawmakers to act.