17 US Veterans Take Their Own Lives Everyday, Here's How One Cannabis Company Is Trying To Help

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Martin Luther King, Jr.

That silence sometimes doesn't come from a battle but from something more troubling – suicide. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched emergency suicide prevention care, which as many as 50,000 veterans used. According to a 2022 VA report, an average of 17 veterans per day commit suicide. Since 2010, more than 71,000 veterans have taken their own lives.

That is one echoing silence.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Unfortunately, standard treatment for PTSD is often unsuccessful. New treatments are providing hope. Recent studies confirm the potential of cannabis and psychedelics to treat PTSD.

However, because of cannabis is still a Schedule I substance, VA clinicians cannot prescribe it even in states where it is legal. For veterans living in states that don't have adult-use cannabis programs, access to cannabis is nearly impossible. Over recent years, legislators, nonprofits and advocates have been pushing to change this. One cannabis company has joined the fight to help veterans obtain safe access to this natural plant.

The American Weed Co. is advocating for national legalization and access to cannabis for all who need it. A portion of every purchase of its marijuana products and merchandise goes back to the community – supporting the work of Stop Solider Suicide, ResponderStrong and other nonprofits. Benzinga wanted to learn more so we reached out to Ryan Brooks, co-founder and president of the California-based American Weed Co.

"Jess [his wife ] and I are from Texas, and we both have family members who served," Brooks told Benzinga. "We've seen firsthand the profound medicinal benefits that cannabis can offer, while also experiencing the difficulty of gaining consistent, safe access to it. With the support of our community and our experience, we began this journey of creating American Weed Co., and are not only here to de-stigmatize cannabis but to create meaningful change for the industry and beyond."

For Brooks cannabis can help people live healthier and more balanced lives. "Cannabis can be so expansive and help bring people together."

Specially Formulated Products

American Weed Co. offers products specially designed to benefit veterans' medical needs. The company "coined the acronym PADIC—PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Chronic Pain—which are key health challenges common among millions of Americans, and especially veterans and first responders. Our chief product officer formulates many of American Weed Co.'s products with these ailments in mind, developing terpene profiles that target one or more health concerns."

In spite of stigma, decades-long war on drugs, lack of research and difficulty accessing it, a 2023 survey revealed one in 10 US military veterans say they’ve consumed cannabis in the past year.

Brooks adds that 75% of military veterans "would be interested in using cannabis or cannabinoid products as a treatment option if it were available," according to the organization Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Although the stigma continues to exist, public opinion about cannabis continues to expand in favor of legal personal use. With proven medical benefits, creating access to cannabis for those who would benefit from it is the next step to destroying the stigma.

American Weed Co. often meets with people across California, from consumers to industry insiders, who share how marijuana has helped them deal with numerous issues. Brooks shared one of those testimonials.

"I just bought my first American Weed at my local dispensary and I read your story. I'm a veteran who wants to support federal legalization of weed for veterans. My life has changed from always having joint pains to almost completely gone. I will continue to support this movement and I want to thank you for doing all you can for all of us fellow veterans. Thank you." —Asher Leyman.

In addition to using up to 10% of proceeds from the sale of its products to support various veteran-focused nonprofits and lobbying efforts, the company also has one of the few voting seats on the National Cannabis Roundtable in Washington, D.C. – an alliance of operators pushing for fair and equitable cannabis reform.  

Cannabis Rescheduling And Veterans’ Access

As cannabis is set to be reclassified to a Schedule 3 controlled substance Benzinga wondered if that would make veterans' access to medical marijuana easier.

"There's still a lot of uncertainty on how federal rescheduling will affect veterans' access to cannabis," Brooks said. " Moving cannabis to Schedule III should create new pathways for clinicians to prescribe cannabis to those who need it, however, until the public commentary period concludes and a final proposal is released, we can't be certain of the implications."

While the company is hoping for full cannabis de-scheduling, until that happens they’re working on releasing a hemp product line with its original terpene formulations, featuring electrolyte packs, topical roll-ons and gummies. "These terpene formulations will allow for these products to remain consistent with the products that we have available in regulated markets," Brooks said. The company's cannabis products are available in California but should reach Nevada and Arizona this year.

“It's about time to leave the stoner stereotype behind and help educate the world that weed is actually for winners. It's a great tool not only for relaxation and helping with common ailments, but also for deep thinking," Brooks concluded.

Related link: Study: US Military Veterans Achieve Higher Quality Of Life With Medical Marijuana

Photo: Courtesy of Bumble Dee via Shutterstock