Veterans Day is approaching and I hope you will call or visit with your favorite veterans . Please thank them for their service to the Nation , but also ask them what they think about medical cannabis and what it means to the veteran community . Veterans and their family members have played a significant role in the fight for cannabis legalization . The veteran community has been at the forefront of advocating for the medicinal benefits of cannabis and pushing for its accessibility for a very long time , as they see firsthand the effects PTSD , chronic pain , addiction , and other issues that come with service to the Nation have on veterans and their families . Jack Herer and Dennis Peron , both Vietnam veterans , spearheaded the call and the movement that led to the legalization of cannabis in California . Since they have both passed away , numerous former service members continue to lead the charge . This article aims to shed light on the historical connection between veterans and cannabis , emphasize the importance of supporting veterans in their pursuit of cannabis legalization , and highlight the potential benefits for all Americans .

Cannabis has deep roots in military history , dating back centuries . It is widely known that the first General of the Army , George Washington , was a cannabis grower . Of course , our first president grew the plant using slave labor and for the valuable fiber of the industrial hemp plant , but still , this plant is a thread that runs through the fabric of our Nation ’ s military history . Throughout history , veterans have turned to cannabis for its therapeutic properties , using it to alleviate physical and mental health issues resulting from their service .

Veterans , although a small fraction of the U . S . population , hold immense respect and influence across society . They are teachers , doctors , elected officials , farmers , and professionals in various fields , and their collective voice in the fight against cannabis prohibition carries significant weight . By advocating for cannabis legalization , veterans are not only fighting for their own access to alternative treatments but also for the well-being of all Americans .

10 November 2023

Supporting veterans in their fight for cannabis legalization has far-reaching implications . It opens the door for the Veterans Administration ( VA ) to research the potential benefits of cannabis . This research can contribute to our understanding of how cannabis can address pressing issues faced by all Americans , such as elevated suicide rates since COVID-19 and the impacts of the devastating opioid crisis . In Canada , for example , where cannabis is legal for medical and adult use , the Veterans Health Administration pays for medical cannabis for their veterans , and the major impacts include a reduction in suicide rates and alcohol consumption among that population . We should encourage our VA to learn from Canada ’ s experience and follow suit .

Todd Scattini ( on left ), with Navy Veteran , George Hanna at the Topeka State House after speaking to the Legislature about veterans and the need for legalization in Kansas .

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), the opioid crisis claimed the lives of over 70,000 Americans in 2019 alone , and studies suggest that upwards of 10 veterans die each day from an overdose of some sort . By providing veterans with access to medical cannabis , we can explore alternative treatments and potentially reduce reliance on opioids , which not only benefits veterans but also has the potential to save countless lives across the Nation .

While progress has been made in cannabis legalization in Missouri and many other states , it is crucial to acknowledge the disparities that exist across state lines . Veterans just across the Missouri River in Kansas , as well as those in neighboring states like Nebraska and Iowa , still lack access to cannabis and are heavily criminalized when caught possessing or using the drug . This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cannabis reform , ensuring all veterans have equal access to the treatments they deserve .

The tireless efforts of organizations like Hemp For Victory , a 501c3 non-profit , have been instrumental in advocating for veterans ’ access to medical cannabis . I recently spent the day at the Capitol in Kansas , where cannabis is still heavily criminalized . I was asked by fellow veteran and Kansas resident George Hanna to speak to the Silver Haired Legislature , a group representing Kansas citizens aged 60 and above , to discuss the benefits of medical cannabis for veterans and the wider population . Following the presentation , the Silver Haired Legislature submitted a resolution supporting medical cannabis legalization in Kansas , demonstrating the growing recognition of the positive impact cannabis can have on veterans ’ lives .

As we honor our veterans on this Veterans Day , let us not forget their crucial role in the fight for cannabis legalization and that the fight is not yet over . Supporting veterans in their pursuit of accessible medical cannabis is not only a win for them but a win for all Americans . By ensuring veterans have access to alternative treatments , we can advance research and development , address critical issues like the opioid crisis , and pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive society .

Todd Scattini is a 27-year veteran LTC , U . S . Army ( Ret .). 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 .

The EVOLUTION Magazine November-2023 | Page 10

A Driving Force in Cannabis Legalization

The Veteran Voice

A Driving Force in Cannabis Legalization