12 cannabis brands and organizations supporting veterans

Many military veterans are denied access to medical cannabis because it is illegal at the federal level. While there are some promising studies and many personal anecdotes about pot’s positive effects on PTSD, veterans without safe or legal access to the plant may never receive the care they need or even face criminal charges.

To address the deep-rooted stigma that still surrounds cannabis use, particularly among those who have served in the U.S. military, many veteran-led organizations are advocating for reform and supporting open access to cannabis for veterans and for all.

Below are 12 brands and organizations that support veterans and advocate for cannabis legalization.

Weed for Warriors Project (WFWP) – CA

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The Weed for Warriors Project is a social justice organization pushing for change at the federal level by advocating for compassionate alternative care for veterans. Weed for Warriors Project volunteers are dedicated to educating lawmakers and supporting veterans seeking legal access to cannabis.

Join us here and support the WFWP.

Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC) – CA

Proceeds from Helmand Valley Growers Co. (HGVC) go directly to the nonprofit Battle Brothers Foundation, where veterans are placed in individual and community-based mentorship programs to promote personal growth and community connection. Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Bryan Buckley founded both organizations.

Donate directly to the Battle Brothers Foundation or provide support by purchasing cannabis products from HGVC.

HVGC was the first veteran-owned brand accepted into Weedmaps’ TEAL program.

Veterans for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA) – LA

The Louisiana-based Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives, founded by veteran Gary Hess, is an organization committed to ensuring veterans’ open access to medical cannabis. Through education, volunteer support and policy reform, VAHA aims to empower veterans and provide resources for access to medical cannabis.

Donate here and support VAHA.

Veterans Cannabis Coalition (VCC) – CA

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Through research, reform and recovery, the Veterans Cannabis Coalition, founded by veteran Eric Goepel, aims to end the negative stigma surrounding cannabis. Advocacy, education and policy initiatives are all part of the organization’s efforts to provide veterans nationwide with full and legal access to medical cannabis.

Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA) – CA

The Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance is a team of California military veterans advocating for cannabis access. It grows cannabis for its fellow veterans, and through the company’s Veteran Compassion Program, SCVA provides free, lab-tested cannabis to more than 100 veterans each month.

Any veteran with proof of veteran status (DD214 or VA card) and a valid doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis can receive a donation of medical cannabis products at the SCVA dispensary in Soquel, California.

CNA Stores – MA

With pharmacies in Haverhill and Amesbury, Massachusetts, veteran-owned CNA Stores support East Coast veterans by donating to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center (VNEOC). The organization provides ongoing care for veterans and their families by addressing housing needs, community support services and mental health support.

Donate here and support the VNEOC.

Brothers Mark Cannabis – CA

Courtesy of the Mark Cannabis brothers

Founded and operated by U.S. military veterans, Brother’s Mark Cannabis advocates for access to medical cannabis as a means to alleviate the symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-connected disabilities.

The brand offers flower, concentrates and vape cartridges. Proceeds from the sale will go to the nonprofit Veterans Cannabis Group, which provides support and resources related to veteran care, job placement and networking opportunities, and education on all things cannabis.

Veterans Walk and Talk (VWAT) – APPROX

A passionate advocate for social justice, veterans’ rights, and cannabis and psychedelics research, the Veterans Walk and Talk was founded in 2016 with the mission of connecting veterans to nature and community and providing space for healing and reflection.

Each month, the VWAT hosts community outreach events, experienced solo psychedelics and cannabis and talk therapy, and group hikes throughout Southern California, with additional chapters in Sacramento, California, and Oklahoma.

Show your support by becoming a member.

Trulieve – AZ, FL, WV and GA

Trulieve recently partnered with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a nonprofit organization that provides a range of personal, employment and medical services to veterans and their families.

Through this partnership, Trulieve will support DAV in multiple states:

• Florida: For every TruSalute pre-roll produced in November, the brand will donate $1 to a DAV fundraising fund, with expanded discounts for veterans. Select stores will also host patient certification events with on-site physicians on Veterans Day.
• Arizona: Customers in Arizona can support DAV by rounding up their purchase total as a donation, with extended discounts for veterans.
• West Virginia: Extended discounts for veterans.
• Georgia: Select stores will host patient certification events with on-site physicians on Veterans Day.

Donate directly to DAV – this year, Friends of DAV will match all Veterans Day donations up to $75,000.

Charlie’s – AZ

Named after founder Quinn’s sweet dog, Charlie’s flower cones are not only full of award-winning flowers, but sales also benefit the nonprofit organization Soldier’s Best Friend, also founded by Quinn, which pairs veterans with either their own dog or a dog from a nonprofit organization adopted from a local animal shelter. They then provide training that includes basic obedience, public outings, and tasks specifically tailored to each veteran’s PTSD or TBI symptoms.

The website states: “Once the dog has fully learned all of these skills, it will qualify as a service dog or be classified as a therapeutic service dog.”

Donate directly to Soldier’s Best Friend or show your support by shopping at Charlie’s.

SBF is a beneficiary of the 3rd Annual MITA Winter Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by Weedmaps.

Veteran Access Program (VAP) – WED

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The Michigan-based Veteran Access Program is helping to bridge the gap between veterans and medical cannabis by providing access to the plant and connecting patients with dispensaries. The program received permission from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) to provide eligible products to veterans by “dispensing” cannabis products through METRC, a cannabis compliance tracking system.

According to their website, the program also accommodates veterans who are unable to leave their homes: “Alternative accommodations such as licensed deliveries are used to ensure access for veterans who are unable to attend a care center.” Each veteran receives an allotment of licensed, tested cannabis products , who have gone through the right regulatory path.”

If you are a veteran, you can apply here.

Xtreme Couture GI Foundation (XCGIF) – NV

The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, was founded by six-time UFC champion and Army veteran Randy “the Natural Couture” to raise money and awareness to help combat veterans and their families struggling with financial burdens have returned to civilian life.

XCGIF operates four programs to support veterans:

• Support and help: XCGIF provides financial assistance to veterans in need through grants funded by donations – 100% of donations go to veterans.
• Transitional mental health: XCGIF provides mental health support to veterans and their families by funding therapy sessions and plant medicine retreats. It also makes it easier for veterans to meet in the community.
• Physical well-being: Through Merging Vets and Players (MVP), XCGIF offers weekly training sessions and “huddles” where veterans can work on their physical and mental fitness and spend time in the community with their brothers and sisters.
• Troop morale visits: Randy travels the world and spends time with troops at home and abroad. He also visits the USO Warrior and Family Center in Bethesda, Maryland annually.

Donate here to support XCGIF.

If you are a veteran and need assistance, contact XCGIF here.

This article was reviewed by Jason Moore-Brown, Vice President of Veterans Advocacy and Engagement and Weedmaps’ first veteran hire when it was founded in 2008. Jason was a US Army Captain and GWOT veteran before joining Weedmaps.