Department of Veterans Affairs officials will review research that medical marijuana could provide health benefits to veterans undergoing treatment at the VA, Secretary David Shulkin told reporters Wednesday at the White House.

"There may be some evidence that this is beginning to be helpful, and we're interested in looking at that," Shulkin said of medical marijuana.

The VA secretary said federal law presently prohibits doctors at the department's facilities from prescribing medical marijuana for any condition. However, his openness to the concept of introducing cannibis products drew attention on Wednesday, particularly because Attorney General Jeff Sessions has voiced so much opposition to loosening restrictions on marijuana use at the federal level.

Research has shown medical marijuana can ease symptoms of diseases from cancer to glaucoma.