There are 17.4 million veterans in the United States, or about one in 20 citizens, according to the most recent statistics from the US Census.
On Veterans Day, 1906 recognizes their service.
As a rapidly growing company, 1906 has made a commitment to hire veterans when possible, like the newest member of the management team, Director of Operations Juan Esquival.
Veterans may not have the exact experience requested in a job description, but we recognize that military service develops characteristics including leadership, initiative, self-discipline, teamwork, and dedication, which make transitioning service members exceptional civilian employees.
Veterans can benefit from cannabis in other ways as well. A recent article, published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, reviewed four cohort studies, four randomized clinical trials, one case report, and one case series, all from the last 10 years.
Overall, this comprehensive research concluded that “cannabinoids were shown to improve overall PTSD symptoms, including sleep quality and quantity, hyperarousal, and treatment-resistant nightmares.”
We support the ongoing and diverse efforts to remove all barriers (price, policy, legality, and stigma) for veterans interested in cannabis as an alternative to addictive and dangerous opioids and other pharmaceuticals.
Despite the clear need for more research into the potential benefits of cannabis for veterans, and widespread bipartisan support, several bills that would promote veterans’ access to medical marijuana have languished in Congress.
“The very populations who have the greatest need are often the ones who are the most understudied,” Staci Gruber, director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery program at McLean Hospital and an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Politico in response to the Veterans Administration’s continued resistance to cannabis research.
Five years ago, the American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, urged Congress to remove marijuana from its list of prohibited drugs, and asked the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to permit a range of medical cannabis producers to take part in “safe and efficient cannabis drug research development.” According to a 2017 American Legion survey, more than 90 percent of veteran households supported such research.
Officials from the National Institute on Drug Abuse have testified to Congress that there is “substantial evidence” that cannabis is effective at treating chronic pain, and join advocates in asking Congress to support additional research.
For veterans receiving VA health care, cannabis use continues to be stigmatized, which prevents vets from getting the best quality care. While veterans can theoretically talk to their VA doctor about their cannabis, many avoid mentioning cannabis use because it is still illegal at the federal level. Moreover, VA doctors cannot prescribe cannabis or issue medical marijuana cards in any of the 36 states that have legalized medical marijuana, preventing vets from receiving medicinal marijuana at a lower cost.
MAKING CANNABIS AFFORDABLE FOR VETS
While many dispensaries offer discounts to veterans on a regular basis, for the November 11 holiday, we want to highlight some of our retail partners that have made special prices available in recognition of veterans service.
COLORADO
Euflora
The Herbal Care Center
Lucy Sky Cannabis
Oasis Superstore
Rocky Mountain Cannabis
Silver Stem Cannabis
Terrapin Care Station
ILLINOIS
Beyond Hello
Columbia Care
Consume
Curaleaf
EarthMed
Greengate
Hatch
Mission
Nature’s Care
Nu Era
Rise
Verilife
Windy City
ZenLeaf
MASSACHUSETTS
Alternative Compassion Services
Curaleaf
Ermont
The Heirloom Collective
Rise
SIRA Naturals
OKLAHOMA
Bud Brother’s
Mango Cannabis
The Peak
Pura
Seed Cannabis
Vertica