What cannabis brands and organizations are currently supporting veterans?

The battle on the front lines can have different effects on soldiers who courageously represent their country. We see this firsthand in the various psychological and physical issues many veterans return home with after a tour or special assignment. Many of these veterans have found that the mental and wellness effects of cannabinoids in cannabis are very helpful in solving some of these problems. This is mainly due to the entourage effect of the cannabinoids and the wellness and calming effects of special cannabinoids such as CBD.

Unfortunately, evaluating medical marijuana programs is not as straightforward for veterans as it is for civilians in states where adult or medical cannabis use is legal. The illegality of cannabis at the federal level after its classification as a List I drug means that veterans are denied access to cannabis. Several studies have shown the effects of cannabis in dealing with PTSD, insomnia, and other mental health problems common in such work. Nonetheless, the FDA is still standing still for the foreseeable future, which means veterans will need to find a safe and legal way to get access to the natural product for their medical needs.

Some organizations have seen the need to improve and improve the situation surrounding the use and access to cannabis for veterans. This organization aims to call for a reform of cannabis laws and change the prohibition and stigma of the natural herb. Such reforms will include free access to veterans’ medical marijuana programs, and it is fitting that many of these organizations are run by veterans who can do something with the struggle.

Here’s a closer look at 5 cannabis brands and organizations that support veterans.

Veterans for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA)

First and foremost is the Veterans for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA) brand, founded by veteran Gary Hess. As the name suggests, the brand is looking for new and improved ways to help veterans manage their post-service physical and mental problems. One of the key forms that the brands have identified as a viable alternative approach is the use of cannabis and cannabis products. The effects of cannabis on pain relief are also a major proponent of VAHA’s move to advocate open access to medical marijuana programs for veterans. The group has established numerous avenues to bring the vision of open access to life. Some of these include educational research (which is the foundation for advancing legalization), volunteer support, and policy reform. The organization will also provide resources to provide veterans with access to medical marijuana.

MOTA glass

Support for veterans isn’t limited to just advocating reform as there are brands out there taking stronger steps to show their appreciation and support for veterans through the cannabis industry. This is the role of the second brand under this list, namely MOTA Glass in Los Angeles. Owned by a veteran itself, MOTA glass is a cannabis brand that specializes in the manufacture of glassware and accessories for cannabis and cannabis products. Examples are bongs, glass pipes, and accessories. The brand wasn’t launched until November 2020 and has since grown in the Los Angeles cannabis industry. The brand has shown considerable support to veterans by hiring them to work in their retail stores. The brand also introduced a 25% discount for military personnel to help veterans gain access to cannabis products for medical purposes.

Platinum vapes

Problems veterans face include mental and physical health problems alone. Because of this, some brands looking to help veterans access cannabis with medical issues are also addressing other socio-economic issues they face. Platinum Vapes is a special brand that holistically supports veterans in a variety of ways. A percentage of the revenue from the brand’s REACT cartridge lines will be donated to various charities. These include special veteran charities like Shelter to Soldier. The brand also uses a portion of its donations to address common issues plaguing veterans, such as homelessness, family support, and general health wellbeing. Medical marijuana is one of the functions that aid general wellbeing and promote the general mental and physical health of veterans. Because of this, the brand is also campaigning for cannabis law reform and better access for veterans.

Veterans Cannabis Coalition (VCC)

Veteran Eric Goepel founded the Veteran Cannabis Coalition, a support organization that seeks to end the stereotype surrounding cannabis use. One of the most important differentiating factors against cannabis legislation has always been the stigma surrounding use, as many cannabis users think they are crack heads. Veteran’s Cannabis Coalition is seeking reforms and educational research to end this stigma. The coalition aims to use political initiatives and advocacy to give veterans across the country full and legal access to medical cannabis. The coalition also has another arm called the Veterans Compassion Network, which is responsible for finding and donating cannabis for military veterans residing in California.

Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA)

The final organization on our list of 5 brands and organizations that support full access to cannabis for veterans is the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance. The Alliance is a group of California-based military veterans who are pushing for cannabis law reforms to allow full access. The company uses its Veteran Cannabis Program to provide free, laboratory-tested cannabis to over 100 veterans each month. This helps the veterans deal with myriad mental and physical health problems. The Alliance also teaches veteran cannabis growing processes as part of their horticultural therapy sessions. To enable donations for medical cannabis products, these veterans must provide evidence of veteran status and a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis products.

MEDICAL CANNABIS AND VETERANS, READ MORE …

MEDICAL MARIJUANA APPROVED FOR VETERANS BY SENATE COMMITTEE