With Veterans Day fast approaching we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect back on how thankful we are for those who’ve served for us. As a very small token of our appreciation, we’re offering 25% off for all Veterans this Veterans Day. Additionally, we chatted with one of our own Veteran patients, Dan, to learn more about his service and how he uses cannabis for relief.
Hi Dan! Mind telling us about your experience as a Veteran?
My experience as a Veteran has been mostly positive. I wear U.S. Navy Veteran clothing often and many people have shown their appreciation with their kind words and actions. I never thought that four years of anything would have influenced my life the way that the Navy has. Nor did I know how many brothers and sisters have served their country. I find it comforting.
When did you start using cannabis?
About three years ago. I had been using opiates for over thirty years and suddenly it became a problem. I couldn’t get the dosage that I needed even with records showing exactly what I was taking. Cannabis doesn’t remove my pain but it does relax me enough to allow my body to heal.
What’s your preferred consumption method?
My preferred method of consumption is edibles. I can get 4-6 hours of relief which I support with smoking flower as needed. I was introduced to a butter/oil infuser and now make my own oil which is quite potent and easily used.
What do you wish more people knew about the medical benefits of cannabis?
I wish that more people understood the medical benefits of Cannabis. The ability to control my own dosage is one thing that really helps me. I don’t have to convince a doctor that my pain is bad enough to need treatment before I can get help. I think that education is the key to understanding and understanding is the key to acceptance.
Do you feel like there’s still stigma around cannabis in the Veteran community, or is it becoming more accepted?
I don’t know about acceptance within the Veteran community as a whole. I am seeing more Veterans using cannabis medically. In some cases it’s the only viable option for the treatment of pain that they can use. It seems as if pain has suddenly become illegal. I have thirty years of documented treatment but it was discontinued with the opiate crisis. Many Veterans are facing the same problem.
We hear stories like Dan’s on almost a daily basis. Below we’ve outlined resources for Veterans interested in learning more about the medicinal benefits of cannabis consumption. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please consider sending this to them.
Veterans Cannabis Project: This organization is dedicated to improving U.S. military veterans’ quality of life through the opportunity of cannabis. They believe medical cannabis saves lives and that veterans deserve full, legal access.
Weed for Warriors: A social justice lifestyle brand supporting holistic rehabilitation for veterans through community-based projects, proactive care advocacy, cannabis education and compassion WFWP urges change for the empowerment of the people.
Veterans Cannabis Group: An advocacy group of Veterans for Veterans who use medical cannabis. They provide education, safe access, information on VA resources and benefits, and an opportunity for veterans to work with other veterans within the cannabis industry.
