It ’ s a shame that our veterans , who have already made so many sacrifices for our country , are now being denied the opportunity to gain valuable skills in a burgeoning industry . Now , it is time for the VA to update its policies and recognize the changing landscape of the cannabis industry . Our veterans deserve access to education and training in all fields , including cannabis , so that they can build successful careers and thrive in civilian life . We owe it to them to do everything we can to support their transition and ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed . It ’ s time for the VA to do its part .
This month ’ s Veteran Spotlight is on U . S . Air Force Veteran George “ Papa Biz ” Biswell . George ( photo on left ) is a Vietnam-era veteran based in Kansas City . His silky-smooth voice was heard across KC for decades as a radio personality . He retired from the KC Parks and Rec and is a Vietnam Veterans of America Veteran Service Organization leader . I first met George at a KCNORML event , and we became fast friends bonding over our service to the nation and our desire to help end the veteran suicide and overdose crisis . I have developed a deep reverence and respect for George as a stalwart and dedicated activist dedicated to legalizing cannabis . Happy growing , George ! Your hard work and activism led to this moment when you have the right to grow your own medicine . You can even share it with other adults — like me , for instance . Enjoy , my friend !
Thanks to GrowGeneration who provided this 5 x 5-foot grow tent kit to The Hemp For Victory Foundation , a 501c3 . With our veteran tent giveaway program , we are trying to determine how many lives we can save with a 5 x 5-foot grow tent . Through this program , we are distributing ten grow tent sets to veterans in Missouri ( for cannabis ) and Kansas ( for food ). Our nonprofit , Hemp For Victory , is focused on hosting conversations about the military and cannabis with senior military officials , veteran leaders , and decision-makers whenever and wherever possible . We will be at the KC CannaFest on April 14-15 . I hope to see you there to continue the conversation .
Todd Scattini is a 27-year veteran LTC , U . S . Army ( Ret .). A West Point graduate , Scattini commanded troops at the platoon and company level , and served as a military diplomat and Defense Attaché in numerous countries . He deployed twice to Afghanistan , serving as a senior advisor to the coalition commander . He has been an activist pushing for medical cannabis access for veterans across the country , serving in board advisory positions at the Veterans Cannabis Project , Kansas Cannabis Coalition , and the Hemp For Victory Foundation . His company , Harvest 360 , is a full-service cannabis consulting firm specializing in helping clients become licensed operators . Todd . scattini @ harvest360 . co .
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