Pick: Medical cannabis first for chronic pain
For veterans with chronic pain, medical cannabis is a first option. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found conclusive evidence that cannabis reduces chronic pain in adults. About 1 in 5 veterans live with chronic pain, per VA data. Medical cannabis is legal in 38 states and D.C. as of 2024.
VA providers cannot recommend or prescribe medical cannabis. VA policy prohibits it. Veterans who use state medical cannabis programs do not lose VA benefits. But federal law still bans cannabis. That affects firearm purchases and employment in some jobs.
medical cannabis for veterans with ptsd
Traditional medications for veterans
Traditional medications for chronic pain include opioids, NSAIDs, gabapentin, and antidepressants. VA prescribes these. VA covers them. Opioids carry risk of dependence. NSAIDs carry risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Antidepressants can cause nausea and weight gain.
Military Veterans and Medical Marijuana Research Guide
FDA has approved three cannabinoid medications: Epidiolex for seizures, Marinol for nausea and appetite, and Syndros for nausea and appetite. These are not the same as whole-plant cannabis. They are available by prescription.
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Side effects and risks
Medical cannabis side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired memory. About 3 in 10 people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, per NIDA. Traditional medications have different risks. Opioids can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure. Gabapentin can cause sedation.
Veterans should discuss both options with a VA doctor or a civilian doctor. Doctors in states with medical cannabis programs can recommend cannabis. VA doctors cannot. That is a key difference.
Cost and access
VA covers traditional medications. VA does not cover medical cannabis. Veterans pay out of pocket for cannabis. Prices vary by state. In some states, an ounce of medical cannabis costs $200 to $400. Traditional medications may have copays of $5 to $20 per prescription.
Options list
- Medical cannabis: for chronic pain, PTSD, and nausea. Requires state medical card. Not covered by VA.
- Opioids: for severe pain. Covered by VA. Risk of dependence.
- NSAIDs: for mild to moderate pain. Covered by VA. Risk of stomach and kidney problems.
- Gabapentin: for nerve pain. Covered by VA. Risk of dizziness.
- FDA-approved cannabinoids: Epidiolex, Marinol, Syndros. Prescription only. Covered by some insurance.
Bottom line
For veterans with chronic pain, medical cannabis is a reasonable first choice if state law allows. Traditional medications remain the only option covered by VA. Veterans should weigh relief, side effects, cost, and legal risks. No single option works for every veteran.