VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct research on how cannabis affects veterans with chronic pain or PTSD. It mandates an 18-month observational study (using existing VA health records and surveys) to compare health outcomes - like pain levels, opioid use, mental health, and sleep - between veterans who use cannabis and those who don’t. If the study supports it, the VA could later run clinical trials on cannabis use for these conditions. The research directly involves VA-enrolled veterans with chronic pain or PTSD, but does not change access to cannabis or VA benefits.
Bill status
in committee
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2023
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Feb 9, 2023
Last action Apr 26, 2023
Floor votes · Senate Apr 26, 2023
How they voted
57–42
Failed · 1 other
Total votes 100
Apr 26, 2023
D
Democratic47
95% Yea
I
Independent4
100% Yea
R
Republican49
83% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 26, 2023
Vote failed
Senate Vote: Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (57-42-1)
senate
Mar 23, 2023
Upper · Passed
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester without amendment. Without written report.
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
upper
Feb 9, 2023
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
upper
Feb 9, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 326
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand S 326. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline