Can Veterans Safely Talk About Cannabis Use?

The Distrio currently provides technical support for UNCO, NC AMVets, and Vantage Hemp’s clinical study of CBD use amongst veterans.  In supporting this effort, we have noticed a recurring theme: Will I lose my VA benefits if I admit to using cannabis or hemp-derived CBD? 

That fear is real and understandable, but a lot has changed since the days of strict cannabis prohibition. While the following should not be construed as legal advice, we took a deep dive with DistrioGPT to produce a full report on the current state of affairs for veterans who use medicinal cannabis. Let’s unpack that briefly and I’ll leave the rest for you to discover in the full report (which you can access by completing the survey at the end of this post).

Report: Privacy Rights for Veterans Using Cannabis as Medicine

👉 No, you will not lose your VA benefits because of medical cannabis or hemp-derived CBD use.
👉 Yes, your privacy is protected under federal law.
👉 Yes, your VA doctor can and should talk with you openly about medical cannabis and hemp-derived CBD.

Will I Lose My VA Benefits If I Use Medical Cannabis?

Short answer: No.

The VA has made it clear. Veterans will not lose their benefits because they use medical marijuana, especially if it’s legal in their state. You can, and should, talk to your VA care team about your cannabis use, just like you would with any other treatment.

Federally, hemp-derived CBD is a legal product covered by the 2018 Farm Bill. While there is only one plant called cannabis, the amount of THC in the plant determines whether it is considered marijuana or hemp – and which rules govern the plant and its derivatives.

Your doctor can’t prescribe cannabis products (with one rare exemption), but they also can’t penalize you for using them. Doctors are encouraged to consider cannabis as part of your treatment picture.

Is It Safe to Tell My Doctor About It?

Yes. And it’s probably the smartest thing you can do.

Your medical records are protected under HIPAA and VA privacy policies. What you share with your care provider stays there. It won’t go to law enforcement, your employer, or anyone else.

There are even extra federal protections in place for medical info related to substance use. The VA treats this data as extra sensitive, and they lock it down accordingly.

Why Should I Complete This Survey?

Because we need your voice.

This survey is designed to collect real insights from veterans who use cannabis as part of their medical care. If you don’t tell your stories, safely and privately, policy doesn’t move.

When you complete the survey, you’ll also receive access to the full report – a deep dive into your rights, risks, protections, and what’s changing fast in the legal landscape.

We’ve done the hard research to show where veterans stand in 2025. But it’s your participation that will push things forward.

Take the Survey Now

If you’re a veteran using cannabis, or thinking about it, please take five minutes to share your experience. Your privacy is safe. Your story is needed. And your rights are stronger than you might think.  When you complete the survey, you will be emailed a full copy of the report Privacy Rights for Veterans Using Cannabis as Medicine

👉 Take the Survey