For Immediate Release 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) recently surveyed its members to gain a better understanding of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use and attitudes about their use among veterans. Among the findings, IAVA members expressed a desire to engage in more open and informed conversations with their medical providers about potential medicinal uses of cannabis.  

“Veterans deserve to have honest, informed conversations with their healthcare providers about alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use, how their use could have a potential impact on their health, evidence-based means of quitting or changing their relationship with the substances they use, and potential medicinal uses of cannabis,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “These findings reinforce the need for continued research, particularly into the long-term health implications for veterans of continued or long-term substance use. Our responsibility is to ensure veterans and their providers have the information they need to make informed healthcare decisions.” 

Alcohol was the most commonly reported substance used, with 76% of respondents reporting alcohol consumption within the past 12 months. Of those who responded to the binge-drinking question, 61% reported at least one episode during that period (defined as 5 or more drinks for men and 4 or more drinks for women in a two-hour period). Approximately 20% of respondents reported drinking interfering with their professional or personal obligations.  

The findings reinforce IAVA’s continued advocacy for tobacco harm reduction and research into potentially less harmful alternatives. Nearly 71% of respondents reported having ever used tobacco or nicotine products, and 34% reported current use. Nearly half of current tobacco or nicotine users reported changing their primary method of consumption. Of those who made a change, 74% cited health reasons.

87% of respondents believe that cannabis should be legal for medical purposes. Among respondents interested in medical cannabis as a treatment option, 70% expressed comfort discussing it with their primary care doctor, yet only 29% reported having those conversations. 

The Veterans Equal Access Act would authorize VA providers to recommend medical cannabis and complete necessary documentation for veterans participating in state-authorized medical cannabis programs. The findings also highlighted the need for rigorous, veteran-specific research to better understand the safety, effectiveness, and potential long-term health implications of cannabis-based treatments, including their potential impacts on suicide-related risk factors. The full findings, including additional information on substance use, medical cannabis, and policy recommendations, are available at IAVA.org. 

Contact Information:  

Ryan Coverdell 
Communications Associate 
Email: press@iava.org