As a veteran of the United States Army, I will proudly advocate for veterans, promote strong national security, and ensure the well-being of those who’ve served our country. My time in the Army gave me a deeper appreciation for this sense of camaraderie and today, I join that mission by calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This change is not radical—it’s a necessary, compassionate, evidence-based step that can improve the lives of countless veterans.
Rescheduling to Schedule III would be transformative. It would formally recognize cannabis as having accepted medical utility, significantly easing restrictions on research. Scientists and researchers could conduct studies with less bureaucratic burden and VA doctors would finally be able to discuss cannabis therapy as part of a treatment plan. Today, patients and researchers still must navigate special licensing, use limited supply, and contend with outdated stigma—hindering potential breakthroughs in treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and other patients living with chronic pain.
This is not about legalizing recreational use, which is done at the state level —it’s about medical access grounded in science. Veterans often tell us how cannabis has helped relieve trauma-related insomnia or reduced dependency on opioids, with many various studies confirming this. These stories matter. But we also rely on clinical evidence, and rescheduling would unlock real data to guide practice.
President Donald Trump has publicly voiced support for rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, emphasizing the need “to unlock the medical uses of marijuana.” His support indicates that this issue crosses party lines. With support of leaders from both sides of the aisle and clear evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment, newly confirmed DEA Administrator Terrance Cole should not hesitate to finalize this change.
Our veterans answered the call when this nation needed them. They risked life and limb overseas—and many returned home carrying invisible wounds. If rescheduling cannabis can offer relief with fewer side effects than opioids; if it can legitimize research and reduce barriers to care; if it can ease a veteran’s pain or quiet their nightmares—then rescheduling is not only smart policy, it is moral policy.
I invite my fellow veterans, lawmakers, caregivers, and concerned citizens to consider the evidence, hear the stories, and join us in advocating for reform. Rescheduling cannabis is consistent with the values of limited government, individual dignity, and common-sense support for America’s heroes.
Blake Holbrook, United States Army Infantry and founder of VetRecOutdoors. Blake was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, Paratrooper Wings, National Defense Ribbon, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.