For the reason that the marijuana plant contains chemicals that may help treat range of illnesses or symptoms, many people argue that it should be legal for medical purposes. In fact, a growing number of states have already legalized marijuana for medical use.

But recently, the U.S House voted 213-210 against an amendment that would have allowed Veterans Administration doctors to discuss medical marijuana with soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. The amendment contains the veterans’ rights to access medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes. It also encourages all legislative bodies to endorse veterans’ rights to use medical cannabis therapeutically and responsibly and to end all prohibitions associated with such use. Opponents of the amendment underscored marijuana’s federally illegal status and said veterans should not be prescribed pot for psychological problems.

The proposal was created by Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore). It would have removed a restriction preventing Veterans...