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A proposal allowing veterans to receive medical marijuana recommendations from their Department of Veterans Affairs doctors is set for consideration by the full House after being cleared by a key congressional committee.

The amendment, filed by U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (R), Dave Joyce (R) and Dina Titus (D), would block the VA from using funds in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to enforce portions of Veterans Health Directive 1315 that bar VA providers from helping veterans access state-legal medical marijuana programs.

Under existing VA policy, doctors may talk with veterans about marijuana use, but they are not allowed to complete state medical marijuana forms, make referrals or help register veterans for participation in approved programs. Because of that restriction, veterans who may qualify for medical marijuana are often forced to go outside the VA system and pay separate providers for documentation.

The amendment would prevent the department from enforcing the directive’s prohibition on VA providers completing forms or registering veterans for state medical marijuana programs. It would also block enforcement of related instructions requiring VA officials and medical facility directors to ensure staff understand they cannot recommend, refer or complete paperwork for veterans seeking access.

The House Rules Committee on Tuesday cleared the amendment for floor consideration, allowing it to be taken up as part of the broader appropriations bill. A vote is expected later this week.

A similar amendment recently passed the full legislature as part of a budget bill, but it was later removed during reconciliation before reaching final approval. Supporters are now trying again through the VA appropriations process.