WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) condemned the House of Representatives’ approval of two amendments to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill—Amendment #84 and Amendment #32. Amendment #84, sponsored by Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans. Amendment #32, sponsored by Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA), would direct the VA to recommend ways to integrate psychedelic drug use into treatment plans for veterans.
Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of SAM and a former White House drug policy, advisor released the following statement:
“These amendments represent a serious step backward for evidence-based veteran care. While we support research into cannabinoids and other psychedelic substances that may offer medical value, bypassing rigorous FDA review and pressuring the VA to normalize mind-altering drugs is reckless and irresponsible. We are moving far too fast on these powerful substances before fully understanding the potential harms.
“Veterans are being exploited by the addiction-for-profit industry, which markets high-potency THC products and powerful psychedelics that can exacerbate mental health conditions. Rather than prioritizing veteran wellness, the industry is leveraging their trauma to push addictive, unproven treatments.
“Amendment #84 fails to require that marijuana-based medications receive FDA approval before being recommended by VA doctors. To date, not a single marijuana-derived product has been approved by the FDA for treating any mental health condition.
“Amendment #32 presupposes that psychedelic drugs should and will be made available to veterans struggling with PTSD and addiction. Yet the FDA rejected a psychedelic drug (MDMA) for PTSD treatment just last year.
“In 2023, the VA/DoD PTSD Work Group declared, ‘There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against’ psychedelics for PTSD. The same work group strongly recommended against cannabis or cannabis derivatives for the treatment of PTSD.
“Veterans should not be used as guinea pigs for addictive, intoxicating substances that lack proven safety and efficacy.”
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