Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The cannabis industry increasingly realizes the value veterans bring to cannabis organizations.
Shutterstock
“Veterans have many roles in the cannabis industry, including entrepreneurs, growers, dispensary owners, advocates, CEOs, and policymakers,” says Cherissa Jackson who served active duty in the Air Force for twenty-three years, retired as an Air Force nurse who survived three combat tours (two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan), is the Chief Medical Executive at AMVETS, and manages the HEAL Program.
For many veterans, cannabis is personal. They have histories with the plant, as medical cannabis patients and long-time advocates. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A recent federal study showed that cannabis could help PTSD, just one of a growing number of studies echoing its conclusions.
“And with a grim suicide rate of 53 percent higher than the non-veteran population, many veterans are suffering, and we know that the cannabis plant has many benefits that can help them. Our common goal is to provide resources, uplift, inspire, and give hope to other Veterans,” says Jackson.
But military officials have been slow to catch on. Although legislation says recommending medical cannabis to veterans is approved, neither the…
Original Author Link click here to read complete story..
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The cannabis industry increasingly realizes the value veterans bring to cannabis organizations.
Shutterstock
“Veterans have many roles in the cannabis industry, including entrepreneurs, growers, dispensary owners, advocates, CEOs, and policymakers,” says Cherissa Jackson who served active duty in the Air Force for twenty-three years, retired as an Air Force nurse who survived three combat tours (two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan), is the Chief Medical Executive at AMVETS, and manages the HEAL Program.
For many veterans, cannabis is personal. They have histories with the plant, as medical cannabis patients and long-time advocates. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A recent federal study showed that cannabis could help PTSD, just one of a growing number of studies echoing its conclusions.
“And with a grim suicide rate of 53 percent higher than the non-veteran population, many veterans are suffering, and we know that the cannabis plant has many benefits that can help them. Our common goal is to provide resources, uplift, inspire, and give hope to other Veterans,” says Jackson.
But military officials have been slow to catch on. Although legislation says recommending medical cannabis to veterans is approved, neither the…
