VA and CBD: what veterans need to know
From VA's public health page "VA and Marijuana" (updated August 1, 2023). The page is about marijuana and cannabis products in general.
Your VA benefits
VA says veterans won't lose VA benefits because they use marijuana, and taking part in a state marijuana program doesn't affect VA eligibility.
Tell your VA provider
VA encourages veterans to talk with their providers about marijuana use. Providers record it in the medical record to help plan treatment, and VA says that record is confidential and protected by privacy laws.
What VA clinicians can and can't do
VA clinicians can't recommend medical marijuana or complete paperwork for state programs. VA pharmacies can't fill medical marijuana prescriptions, and VA won't pay for them. VA clinicians may only prescribe FDA-approved medicines. Most products containing THC, CBD or other cannabinoids aren't FDA-approved for medical use.
On VA grounds
VA says federal law applies at VA facilities and grounds, where marijuana use or possession is prohibited. If you're unsure whether a CBD product is allowed, ask your facility.
PTSD and cannabis use
VA's National Center for PTSD says veterans with PTSD who also have cannabis use disorder don't need to stop using before starting trauma-focused PTSD treatment, and that such treatment doesn't worsen substance use outcomes. Effective treatments for cannabis use disorder are also available.
Sources: VA Public Health: VA and Marijuana, What Veterans Need to Know (updated Aug. 1, 2023); VA National Center for PTSD: Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans (updated Sept. 3, 2025).