Bill · H.R. 10655· House(119-HR-10655)
VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 10/1/2026
- Last activity
- 10/1/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- J. Correa
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study and clinical trials regarding the effects of cannabis on veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Under Section 2, the Department of Veterans Affairs must conduct a large-scale, mixed methods, retrospective, and observational study lasting 18 months to examine both positive and negative health outcomes of cannabis use. Section 3 mandates that the Secretary carry out a series of clinical trials on cannabis, provided the initial study reports that the criteria to proceed are met. Section 4 ensures that a veteran's participation in these studies or trials will not affect their eligibility or entitlement to any other benefits. Finally, Section 5 provides definitions for key terms used throughout the legislation, such as covered veteran and the Secretary.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this help veterans get medical care?+7
The legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct comprehensive studies and clinical trials regarding cannabis use and its health outcomes for veterans.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+7
The bill directly investigates therapeutic options for veterans with chronic pain and PTSD while protecting their existing benefits and data privacy.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+6
The bill directs studies and clinical trials on cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain among veterans, which can improve mental health treatment options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Benefits: Under Section 4(d), a veteran's eligibility or entitlement to any other benefits administered by the Secretary or under any other provision of law will not be affected by their participation in the study or clinical trials. This is positive because it ensures veterans do not risk losing their current benefits just for helping the government research cannabis.
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Anonymity of Participant Data: Under Section 4(c), the Secretary must ensure that all data related to any study or clinical trial is anonymized and cannot be traced back to an individual patient. This protects the privacy and personal information of the veterans who take part in the research.
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Diverse Demographic Representation: Under Section 4(a), the Secretary must ensure that the demographics of the veterans in the study and trials represent the actual population of veterans in the United States, based on Census Bureau data. This ensures fairness and that results reflect a diverse group of people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Trial Termination Due to Hazards: Under Section 3(e)(1), the Secretary is explicitly allowed to terminate the clinical trials if it is determined that the trials would create excessive risk to the participants. While stopping dangerous trials protects people, the existence of this provision highlights the inherent physical risks and negative health burdens that participants might face during the research.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7Improves Mental Health Access+6Increases Research Funding+6Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5Improves Healthcare Access+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+7Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For Seniors+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+5Improves Government Transparency+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan
Val HoyleDemocrat · Oregon
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada