Championing Veterans’ Access to Cannabis
We owe our freedoms to the courage and sacrifice of military veterans. But freedom isn’t free, and our veterans are paying the ultimate price. Faced with physical, mental and emotional pain and trauma, veterans too often don’t have access to the support and services they need.
In the US, veterans are at a significantly increased risk of suicide as the general population. Veterans with chronic conditions are commonly treated with opioids, which put them at risk of substance abuse and — worse — death, as opioid overdoses increase at alarming rates. Many veterans see cannabis as a critical alternative to help manage pain and other issues following their service.
“Veterans’ access to cannabis is about more than just a basic right, it’s about saving lives,” said Steven Jung, Chief Operating Officer at PAX and former U.S. Army officer. "Cannabis provides a natural path to wellness, yet too many face barriers like the high cost of regulated cannabis products. It’s urgent that we not only drive legislative reform, but support programs that provide veterans with access to affordable cannabis as an alternative treatment."
In honor of our nation’s heroes, we’re joining that call — supporting two organizations doing critical work to improve veterans’ health in both the United States and Canada.
Weed for Warriors Project
Weed For Warriors is a leading compassion organization, supporting holistic rehabilitation for veterans through community-based projects, proactive care advocacy, cannabis education and a compassion program that provides access to cannabis for patients in need.
“Proposition 64 created significant access issues in California, especially those who are dependent on disability income” says Sean Kiernan, CEO and Founder of Weed For Warriors. "We were pleased to fix this through The Dennis Peron And Brownie Mary Act (CA SB 34), but now we need the support of brands in the space, like PAX and their partners, to actually get critical medicine directly in the hands of veterans.”
This Veterans Day, we’re donating $20,000 to Weed for Warriors and launching Veterans Releaf PAX Era pods in partnership with Oakland Extracts, Happy Valley, 5150 N'Fusion, Oregrown and Leafwerx. Pods will be available at selected retailers in California, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon and Washington and a portion of proceeds will benefit Weed for Warriors and their mission to expand veteran access to cannabis.
Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider utilizing clinical best practices and evidence-based care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency and hope for Canada’s veterans, first responders and their families. Their work includes a myriad of impact programs, including trauma informed workplace training, operational stress injury programs, spousal and youth programs, and K9-assisted therapy.
“Now more than ever, we are aware of the challenges and tragic impact mental health injuries have on our veterans, first responders and their families,” says Steven Topham, National Partnership Director at Wounded Warriors. “We’re excited to partner with PAX to make a direct impact in support of our life changing mental health programs.”
From 11/1/21-11/11/21, a limited-time PAX 3 and PAX Era Classic bundle will be available online at a $50 CAD discount. For every “Complete Care” package sold, PAX will donate $25 CAD directly to Wounded Warriors.
