The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2026 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research on how cannabis affects veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill requires a large-scale observational study lasting 18 months that will examine veterans' electronic health records and conduct interviews to assess both positive and negative health outcomes from cannabis use, including its effects on pain, medication use, sleep, and quality of life. If the initial study shows it is feasible and safe, the VA must then conduct clinical trials testing different forms of cannabis with varying ratios of active compounds to evaluate their therapeutic effects on these two veteran populations. The VA has 180 days from the bill's enactment to start the study and must report findings to Congress within 90 days of completion, with additional annual reports during any subsequent five-year clinical trial period. The legislation ensures that participating veterans' data will be kept anonymous, does not affect their other VA benefits, and maintains compliance with federal drug approval processes.