WWII when we lost access to hemp , which was necessary for the war effort . It hearkens back to the first time the U . S . re-legalized cannabis because of military necessity . Because of the high suicide and opioid abuse rates among veterans , I believe we are once again in a moment of military necessity .
Hemp For Victory started following a very successful event that we held in Dallas , TX , following the Army-Air Force Football game ( Army won , if you ’ re wondering ). Many activists and business leaders from Missouri and even Kansas joined us for the event that hosted approximately 300 guests , including General Officers , active duty personnel , veterans , and family members . It was a huge success and ignited the somewhat defeated Texas activist community . We intend to replicate this in numerous forums and formats , from large-scale events to small-scale gatherings with influential military leaders , and to inform , educate , and inspire leaders to action . Our board consists of military leaders such as Major General Tod Bunting , the former Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard , Dr . Corey Burchman , Navy veteran and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist , combat aviators , medics , and committed activists .
I am also a member of the Veterans Action Council , an all-volunteer group of international veterans founded during COVID as a method to do a “ buddy check ” during quarantine . Together we promote and coordinate efforts on issues facing veterans ’ access to alternative treatments to improve physical and mental health and their families . We recently went to Washington , D . C ., to speak with legislators about how medical cannabis is helping veterans across the country and around the world .
Thankfully , Missouri has now legalized the adult use of cannabis . We are excited to see that the new law includes the potential for research licenses , which helps set the stage to do a deep dive into the potential of cannabis to treat numerous maladies and improve patient outcomes . We hope that the VA and academic institutions in Missouri will take this opportunity to give this plant and the veteran issue the attention it deserves . As I pointed out in the May issue of this magazine , Missouri stands on the precipice of an incredible opportunity to be the most exemplary state in the U . S . for research of medical cannabis . Other states such as Michigan and New York , are now providing funding for cannabis research for the veteran population . Missouri should follow suit .
While we revel in our victory of legalization in Missouri , I ask that you not forget the veterans suffering in neighboring Kansas and help them pass legalization as soon as possible to help relieve the suffering they continue to experience under prohibition .
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 .