The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a spending bill with a new amendment allowing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to discuss and recommend medical marijuana to patients living in legal states. The amendment was brought forth by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who said, “The only healthcare system in America where a doctor cannot discuss medical marijuana with patients in states where it’s legal is the veterans system. We’re discriminating against our veterans. This is really unacceptable.” The overall legislation provides funding for military construction, veterans affairs, and other items for the 2025 fiscal year. Veterans advocacy groups have wanted this for a while — in 2022 a coalition of more than 20 veterans service organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders requesting approval if marijuana and veterans research bills, which was not approved. Bipartisan House and Senate lawmakers have also filed bills to legalize medical cannabis for military veterans which would make it legal for veterans to possess and use marijuana under federal law, at least temporarily, as recommended by doctors in legal states. Just one step closer to destigmatizing a plant that has been known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.