Here at Ethereal Gold Dispensary in Waukesha, Wisconsin, we follow developments in cannabis policy closely. On June 26, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives took a momentous and long-overdue step forward for our nation's veterans. In a move we wholeheartedly applaud, the House passed a bipartisan amendment to a military funding bill that would finally allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical cannabis to their patients in states where it is legal.
What the Landmark Amendment Does
For years, a federal directive has gagged VA doctors, prohibiting them from discussing or recommending medical cannabis as a potential treatment option, even if the veteran lives in a state with a well-established medical cannabis program. This created a significant barrier, forcing veterans to choose between the healthcare providers they trust and their right to explore all available therapeutic avenues.
This new amendment, based on the Veterans Equal Access Act, specifically blocks the VA from using funds to enforce this prohibitive policy. If it becomes law, it will empower VA doctors to have open, honest conversations about medical cannabis with their veteran patients and to fill out the necessary recommendations for them to participate in state-legal programs without fear of penalty. This is a profound change that prioritizes veterans cannabis access and patient-doctor relationships.
A Champion for Veterans: The Story Behind the Vote
This victory was powerfully championed by lawmakers like Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), a decorated Army veteran who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan. Rep. Mast, a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, has spoken compellingly about his own difficult recovery and the laundry list of pharmaceuticals he was prescribed. He has argued that veterans deserve to have every tool possible to deal with the impacts of battle, both seen and unseen.
His personal experience and tireless advocacy highlight the core of this issue: veterans should be able to discuss all legal treatment options with the doctors who know their history best.
Ethereal Gold Dispensary's Position: A Resounding Approval
We believe this amendment is a fundamental issue of respect, dignity, and healthcare freedom for the men and women who have served our country. Veterans often face significant health challenges, including chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety. For many, cannabis has become a viable alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals that can carry a heavy burden of side effects.
Denying them the ability to even discuss VA medical cannabis with their doctor is an injustice. This amendment begins to right that wrong, ensuring veterans receive the same access to medical advice that their civilian counterparts have in legal states.
The Broader Impact on Cannabis Perception
Beyond the direct impact on veterans, this vote in the U.S. House is a significant step in the de-stigmatization of cannabis as a whole. When a bipartisan majority in Congress acknowledges cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option for our nation's heroes, it sends a powerful message. It reinforces that cannabis, when used responsibly and for therapeutic purposes, has an important role to play in health and wellness.
Our Unwavering Commitment to Safe, Legal Access
While this amendment focuses on state-legal medical marijuana programs, the principle behind it — safe, legal, and informed access to cannabis — is universal. It perfectly aligns with our mission at Ethereal Gold Dispensary. We provide access to federally legal, hemp-derived cannabis products that are available to adults across the country. Our focus has always been on ensuring that access is backed by rigorous safety standards. We believe that every consumer, veteran or civilian, deserves to know exactly what is in their product, which is why we stand by our commitment to providing safe, lab-tested products.
A Step Forward for Our Nation's Heroes
The journey for this amendment is not over; it must still pass the Senate and be signed into law. However, its passage in the House is a massive victory and a source of great hope. It’s a sign that policymakers are listening to the needs of veterans and recognizing the therapeutic potential of cannabis. We will continue to support this and similar measures, and we invite you to stay informed on cannabis policy news as this story develops.
FAQ
Does this mean the VA will start dispensing cannabis?
No. This amendment does not authorize the VA to give cannabis to veterans. It simply allows VA doctors to recommend it and fill out the required paperwork for veterans to access state-legal medical cannabis programs.
Is this amendment law now?
Not yet. It has passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a funding bill. To become law, the bill must also pass the Senate and be signed by the President.
Why couldn't VA doctors recommend cannabis before?
Because marijuana is still a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, a VA directive prohibited its doctors — who are federal employees — from recommending it, even in states where it's legal.
How does this impact federally legal hemp products?
Directly, it doesn't change the legality of hemp products sold by Ethereal Gold Dispensary. Indirectly, it’s a major step in legitimizing cannabis as a whole, which helps normalize the responsible adult use of all legal cannabis products, including those from hemp.
How does Ethereal Gold Dispensary support veterans?
We support veterans by advocating for their right to access all forms of legal cannabis, by providing education on cannabis products, and by ensuring the products we sell are rigorously tested and held to the highest safety standards.
