The U.S. House has passed a provision to allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical cannabis to patients in states where it is legal—a reform that could directly impact millions of veterans.
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As of June 2025, 39 states have legalized medical cannabis, with a couple others having programs for the medical use of low-THC products. These 39 states collectively account for an estimated 12.7 million veterans—roughly three-quarters of the nation’s total veteran population. This means the vast majority of veterans live in jurisdictions where medical cannabis is already legal. Allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis in these states could significantly expand healthcare options for millions of veterans.
Veterans in Medical Cannabis States (data provided by WiseVoter):
| State | Legal Cannabis Status | Veteran Population (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Medical since 2021; no recreational | 324,000 |
| Alaska | Medical since 1998; recreational since 2014 | 64,000 |
| Arizona | Medical since 2010; recreational since 2020 | 491,000 |
| Arkansas | Medical since 2016; no recreational | 192,000 |
| California | Medical since 1996; recreational since 2016 | 1,526,000 |
| Colorado | Medical since 2000; recreational since 2012 | 371,000 |
| Connecticut | Medical since 2012; recreational since 2021 | 160,000 |
| Delaware | Medical since 2011; recreational since 2023 | 65,000 |
| Florida | Medical since 2016; no recreational | 1,416,000 |
| Hawaii | Medical since 2000; no recreational (decriminalized) | 97,000 |
| Illinois | Medical since 2013; recreational since 2020 | 554,000 |
| Kentucky | Medical since 2023; no recreational | 257,000 |
| Louisiana | Medical since 2015; no recreational | 240,000 |
| Maine | Medical since 1999; recreational since 2016 | 102,000 |
| Maryland | Medical since 2014; recreational since 2023 | 357,000 |
| Massachusetts | Medical since 2012; recreational since 2016 | 291,000 |
| Michigan | Medical since 2008; recreational since 2018 | 532,000 |
| Minnesota | Medical since 2014; recreational since 2023 | 291,000 |
| Mississippi | Medical since 2022; no recreational | 165,000 |
| Missouri | Medical since 2018; recreational since 2022 | 392,000 |
| Montana | Medical since 2004; recreational since 2020 | 85,000 |
| Nebraska | Medical legalized in 2024 (pending implementation); no rec. | 114,000 |
| Nevada | Medical since 2000; recreational since 2016 | 206,000 |
| New Hampshire | Medical since 2013; no recreational (decriminalized) | 93,000 |
| New Jersey | Medical since 2010; recreational since 2022 | 314,000 |
| New Mexico | Medical since 2007; recreational since 2021 | 142,000 |
| New York | Medical since 2014; recreational since 2021 | 676,000 |
| North Dakota | Medical since 2016; no recreational | 46,000 |
| Ohio | Medical since 2016; recreational since 2023 | 686,000 |
| Oklahoma | Medical since 2018; no recreational | 267,000 |
| Oregon | Medical since 1998; recreational since 2014 | 274,000 |
| Pennsylvania | Medical since 2016; no recreational | 731,000 |
| Rhode Island | Medical since 2006; recreational since 2022 | 52,000 |
| South Dakota | Medical since 2021; no recreational | 56,000 |
| Utah | Medical since 2018; no recreational | 120,000 |
| Vermont | Medical since 2004; recreational since 2018 | 35,000 |
| Virginia | Medical since 2018; recreational since 2021 | 674,000 |
| Washington | Medical since 1998; recreational since 2012 | 518,000 |
| West Virginia | Medical since 2017; no recreational | 125,000 |
Estimated Total Veteran Population in These States: 12.7 million
This estimate highlights the substantial number of veterans who stand to benefit from the House-approved reform. Given that many veterans face conditions such as chronic pain and PTSD—both of which are commonly cited in state medical marijuana programs—allowing VA doctors to discuss and recommend medical cannabis could mark a significant shift in access to care.
