Veteran Cannabis Legislation Tracker
Federal cannabis policy has moved, slowly and unevenly, over the past decade. This section tracks the major pieces of legislation and federal action that affect veterans: the Veterans Equal Access Act, the SAFE Banking Act, DEA rescheduling, the 2022 Research Expansion Act, and the Cannabis Caucus. As of April 2026, most major reforms remain unenacted, but the landscape has shifted substantially.
Where Things Stand
Marijuana remains Schedule I as of April 2026. The 2022 Research Expansion Act is the only standalone federal cannabis reform ever enacted. DEA rescheduling is in process under Trump's December 2025 EO 14370 but not yet finalized. The Veterans Equal Access Act has passed both chambers multiple times but has been stripped in every conference committee.
Active Federal Legislation
What Has Been Enacted
Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (2022)
Signed into law December 2022, this is the first and only standalone federal cannabis reform ever enacted. It streamlined research registration for cannabis studies, required HHS to report on therapeutic potential, and created pathways for expanded manufacturing of research cannabis beyond the long-standing NIDA/University of Mississippi monopoly.
The act does not change marijuana's Schedule I status, does not legalize cannabis for any purpose, and does not affect VA policy. Its practical effect is to ease the research friction that has limited cannabis science for decades.
Cannabis-Related Appropriations Amendments
Several appropriations amendments have been enacted through annual budget cycles:
- Rohrabacher-Farr / Blumenauer Amendment: Prohibits DOJ from using funds to interfere with state medical cannabis programs. First enacted in 2014, renewed annually.
- Veterans Equal Access Act language as appropriations amendments: Has passed individual chambers multiple times but has been stripped during conference committee negotiations every time.
What Has Not Been Enacted
Veterans Equal Access Act (Pending)
Introduced in every Congress since 2015, originally by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). After Blumenauer's retirement in January 2025, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) became lead sponsor with H.R. 1384 in the 119th Congress. Most recent House passage: June 25, 2025 (218–206). Not enacted as of April 2026. Full history.
SAFE Banking Act (Pending)
Would create safe harbor for financial institutions serving cannabis businesses. Passed the House multiple times, never enacted. Full history.
MORE Act, CAOA, and Comprehensive Reform Proposals
Several comprehensive cannabis reform bills have been introduced over the years:
- Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act: Would deschedule cannabis federally and implement social equity provisions. Passed the House in 2020 and 2022, never enacted.
- Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA): Senate reform proposal introduced by Majority Leader Schumer and others. Not enacted.
- States Reform Act: More modest bipartisan proposal that would deschedule federally while leaving regulation to states. Introduced multiple times, not enacted.
None of these reforms has been enacted. Each congressional session produces new versions, but the comprehensive legislative pathway remains blocked.
DEA Rescheduling — Executive Branch Action
Beyond legislative action, significant executive branch action is underway:
- August 2023: HHS recommends Schedule III reclassification
- May 2024: DOJ/DEA issues proposed rule to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III
- January 2025: Administrative hearings stayed due to allegations of DEA bias
- December 18, 2025: President Trump signs Executive Order 14370, directing the Attorney General to complete rescheduling "expeditiously"
- April 2026: Rulemaking not finalized; marijuana remains Schedule I
The Congressional Cannabis Caucus
Founded February 16, 2017, the Congressional Cannabis Caucus was the first marijuana-focused congressional member organization. It serves as a forum for coordinating cannabis legislation, briefing members, and providing political cover for veterans cannabis advocacy. Current co-chairs include Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN). More on the Caucus.
Why Legislative Progress Is Slow
Despite public support for cannabis reform (polling consistently shows 60–70% support for federal legalization), legislative progress has been limited. Key reasons:
- Cannabis policy crosses party lines in both directions, making it hard to build stable coalitions
- Conference committee negotiations often strip cannabis provisions that individual chambers have passed
- Senate filibuster rules have blocked most comprehensive reform proposals
- Administration priorities have fluctuated across Obama, Trump I, Biden, and Trump II administrations
- Cannabis industry lobbying has at times conflicted with patient-focused advocacy, creating mixed messaging
- VA institutional resistance has slowed the Veterans Equal Access Act specifically
What Veterans Can Do
- Contact your congressional representatives in support of specific legislation like the Veterans Equal Access Act. Veteran constituents are particularly influential.
- Support authentic advocacy organizations rather than commercial interests masquerading as advocacy. Distinguishing authentic advocacy.
- Participate in VSO-led cannabis initiatives through American Legion, DAV, VFW, IAVA, or other organizations that have taken positions on cannabis reform.
- Monitor appropriations cycles — cannabis policy changes often happen in appropriations amendments rather than standalone bills.
- Share your story with advocacy organizations and media. Personal narratives have been effective at moving the policy debate.