For years, I've sought to deliver something that should be irrefutable for America’s veterans: alternatives to addictive pain medications. I remember after my own injuries, I was handed a laundry list of narcotics. These are not pleasant drugs, but unfortunately, for too many of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, they are literally the only option our VA doctors can prescribe. 

Here’s why: marijuana’s federal classification as a Schedule I categorizes it with non-medical and highly abusive drugs like heroin and meth. This means that when fighting PTSD, or any other post-combat trauma, the very opportunity to talk to a Veterans Affairs (VA) doctor about medical marijuana isn’t an option.

This week, the Department of Justice took action to change that and moved FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III. Rescheduling means we can finally lift that legal barrier. It also supports the goal of my bill, the Veterans Equal Access Act — telling the VA, in plain language, that a veteran’s doctor can do their job. 

Studies show cannabis can help with neuropathic pain, depression, and the invisible wounds so many of our heroes carry home. In one 2015 study on Canadian military personnel, it led to a significant reduction in PTSD-associated nightmares. And another from 2021 showed improvement and promise in mitigating symptoms of PTSD. 

If we can help even just one veteran avoid narcotic dependency, or turn away from the terrible path that too many of us don’t come back from, it's worth it. They served this country—the least we can do is make sure their doctor is allowed to treat them.