The Veterans of Foreign Wars in the United States sent an open letter to House and Senate leaders requesting continued cannabinoid research to support veteran treatment alternatives.
In response to the legislation related to the end of the government shutdown, the nonprofit organization Veterans of Foreign Wars in the United States (VFW) sent a letter on November 12, 2025, to House and Senate leaders, calling for continued research efforts for hemp-derived cannabinoids (1). The letter, signed by VFW National Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore and Adjutant General Dan West and written on behalf of the VFW and Auxiliary, is addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
As the letter explains, research has indicated that some hemp compounds can support the symptom management of pain, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep issues, conditions that many veterans face. Additionally, these compounds offer alternatives to the medications prescribed by doctors, which may result in side effects or carry addiction risks. The letter referenced three studies published in peer reviewed journals in recent years.
Cannabis Science and Technology recently reached out to veteran Steve Ellmore, filmmaker and founder of the nonprofit organization The Unprescribed, for more insight into veteran access to medical cannabis and symptom management with cannabis.
The Senate voted to reopen the government on November 13, but the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bill included a section that redefines hemp and can ban hemp products with a greater amount of 0.4 mg total THC (2).
The VFW letter addresses the potential detrimental effects of the new restrictions, for businesses and for consumers. “A blanket ban on hemp cannabinoids would make it nearly impossible for researchers and VA hospitals to study these compounds legally,” it states. “It would also hurt veteran-owned small businesses already playing by the rules. Critically, it would drive veterans looking for relief straight to black-market junk— making things riskier, not safer.”
Ultimately, the letter requests a “balanced approach” to cannabis regulation, protecting public health but also promoting alternatives in medical care for veterans.
The stated mission of VFW is, “To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans,” with a vision to “Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country,” (3).
Multiple cannabis and hemp stakeholders spoke out against the potentially devastating impacts on the industry.
The message from Kim Sanchez Rael, Azuca CEO and co-founder, echoed the sentiments in the VFW letter (2). “For farmers, brands, and consumers who embraced full-spectrum hemp, adult-use cannabinoid beverages and edibles, the potential outcome represents more than regulatory change, it’s a setback for consumer choice, progress and opportunity,” stated Rael in an emailed message. “But this moment also reminds us what we’re fighting for: a smarter, sustainable regulatory framework that prioritizes access and safety. We believe the path forward lies in regulation, not prohibition — one that reflects the 'one plant' reality and honors hemp and cannabis as part of the same evolving industry.”
The US Hemp Roundtable also commented on the passing of the legislation. “Businesses are deeply disappointed by the decisions of Congress and their openness to receiving false information so easily,”
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