Veterans organizations across the nation are intensifying pressure on the Biden administration, urging swift action to relax federal restrictions on cannabis use. Joining a chorus of voices advocating for rescheduling the drug, these groups are calling for urgent action, spurred by a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services half a year ago.

In an exclusive obtained by NBC News, prominent veterans groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, AMVETS, American GI Forum, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association and the Minority Veterans of America, appealed to the Justice Department, which holds jurisdiction over the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to expedite the process.

“The men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces often face difficult physical and mental challenges upon returning home,” the groups wrote in their letter. “As such, we hope that in treating the wounds of war – both visible and invisible –  that our servicemembers and veterans would have access to the widest array of possible treatments.”

Cannabis Currently a Schedule I Drug

Currently classified as a Schedule I drug, cannabis is grouped with substances such as heroin due to its perceived high potential for abuse and lack of recognized medical use in treatment. However, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed downgrading it to Schedule III, which would significantly loosen restrictions.

President Joe Biden initiated a review of federal marijuana policy in October 2022. According to sources familiar with the matter, a formal decision from the DEA is anticipated soon.

Despite the legalization of cannabis in various states, the Department of Veterans Affairs refrains from offering medical marijuana as a treatment option for veterans or covering medical marijuana prescriptions.

Veterans Want VA to Offer Cannabis Option

Last summer, the VA, in conjunction with the Defense Department, jointly recommended against marijuana use for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, veterans organizations underscored their members’ desire for this option, pointing to a survey conducted by the American Legion where 82% of respondents advocated for medical cannabis as a federally recognized treatment.

Expressing the urgency of the situation, the groups emphasized the discomfort many veterans feel discussing cannabis use with their VA providers due to concerns about potential repercussions. They implored the DEA to expedite the reclassification process, emphasizing the potential integration of cannabis into the Veterans Health Administration, the nation’s largest healthcare system.

This letter comes amid a growing momentum in Congress to reform federal cannabis policies, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle introducing various bills related to veterans and cannabis. Despite significant support for legalization among voters, progress on legislative initiatives has faced obstacles, including a bipartisan package blocked by Republicans last year.

As public opinion continues to shift in favor of legalization, pressure mounts on the Biden administration and federal agencies to respond to calls for reform. With increasing bipartisan support and a favorable political climate, advocates believe there is a unique opportunity to enact meaningful change in federal cannabis policy.