Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant often used for managing conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia. As cannabis products become more common, many veterans seek clarity regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policies on CBD oil. The question of whether the VA prescribes CBD oil requires an answer based on federal regulations and established VA health policy. The agency’s official stance is governed by its adherence to federal law, which maintains a strict position on cannabis-derived products.
The VA’s Official Stance on Prescribing CBD Oil
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not prescribe, recommend, or dispense commercial CBD oil or other cannabinoid products to veterans. This policy applies across all VA medical facilities, regardless of state laws regarding cannabis. As a federal agency, VA providers are bound by federal law, which prohibits prescribing most cannabis-derived substances.
VA clinicians may only prescribe medications that have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for medical use. This restriction includes products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD, or other cannabinoids that lack FDA approval. Consequently, VA pharmacies cannot fill prescriptions for these products, nor will the VA pay for them.
VA providers are also not permitted to complete paperwork allowing a veteran to register for a state-approved medical marijuana program. However, clinicians are encouraged to discuss a veteran’s use of any cannabis-related product to ensure coordinated and safe treatment, recording the information in the confidential medical record.
Understanding the Federal Regulatory Environment
The VA’s policy is rooted in the federal classification of cannabis. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning the federal government considers it to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This federal classification supersedes individual state laws regarding cannabis legalization.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) and its derivatives, the FDA retains regulatory authority over products marketed with therapeutic claims. The FDA has approved only one cannabis-derived drug: Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution used to treat specific, severe forms of epilepsy.
Because Epidiolex has FDA approval, the VA may cover or dispense it, but only for its approved indications, not for general conditions like pain or anxiety. All other CBD products, even those derived from legal hemp, are generally treated as dietary supplements. VA providers cannot prescribe supplements or products lacking full FDA approval for general medical use.
Disclosure and the Impact of CBD Use on VA Treatment Plans
Veterans who independently choose to use CBD products are strongly encouraged to disclose this use to their VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for safety reasons. Disclosing CBD use will not result in the denial of VA benefits or services, as this assurance is a formal part of VA policy. This information is recorded in the confidential medical chart.
Open communication is important because CBD can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, potentially leading to harmful drug interactions. CBD can inhibit certain liver enzymes, which may alter the concentration of prescribed drugs in the bloodstream. Knowing about CBD use allows the provider to safely manage the overall treatment plan and adjust dosages to prevent adverse effects.
Veterans should also be aware that while the VA does not typically screen for CBD itself, some commercial products may contain trace amounts of THC. This could lead to a positive result on a standard drug test that screens for marijuana, especially with full-spectrum products or those with poor quality control. Although the VA will not deny services for marijuana use, a positive drug screen could have implications for veterans who are VA employees or who hold certain federal jobs or security clearances.