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A new survey released by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) finds overwhelming support for medical marijuana research among veterans, with 91% supporting research into marijuana’s medicinal uses and 88% supporting research conducted through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The report, published October 15, analyzed responses from 470 participants across 47 states and Washington, D.C. Researchers found that 87% supported legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, while 61% supported recreational legalization. Additionally, 69% agreed with moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law.
The survey also identified a substantial gap between veterans’ willingness to discuss medical marijuana with their physicians and how frequently those conversations actually occur. Among 212 respondents interested in marijuana as a treatment option, 70% said they would feel comfortable discussing it with their primary care doctor, but just 29% had actually done so.
Marijuana use was relatively common among respondents, with 271 reporting previous recreational use and 179 reporting previous medical use. Among those with prior marijuana experience, 72% expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoid products as a treatment option if available.
IAVA says the findings support expanding federal research into marijuana’s potential effects on chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health conditions and other symptoms commonly experienced by veterans. The organization also recommends examining whether medical marijuana use influences reliance on prescription opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol, as well as its potential effects on quality of life.
The report specifically highlights the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2026, introduced in Congress on October 1. The bipartisan legislation would direct the VA to conduct research examining marijuana use among veterans with chronic pain and PTSD, including observational studies and clinical trials subject to applicable safety and feasibility requirements.
Under existing VA policy, physicians can discuss marijuana use with veterans as part of their medical care, but cannot recommend marijuana or complete documentation required for participation in state medical marijuana programs. IAVA says expanded research should be accompanied by better clinical guidance and policies allowing veterans to have informed conversations with their healthcare providers.
