Why It Matters:
Tom Rand, a US Marine Corps veteran, is helping other veterans grow their own cannabis. Through his non-profit organization Patriots Helping Vets, he provides veterans with equipment, support, and education for horticultural therapy. Rand has never charged a veteran for anything that has been donated and teaches veterans how to cultivate their own herbal medicine.
What They Are Saying:
Tom Rand learned about the benefits of using cannabis medicinally 25 years after leaving the military. He believes that it’s unfair that veterans who have a true passion for growing medicine seem to have a much harder time than greedy bottom liners. Massachusetts has added no benefits to veterans as part of its legalization programs.
The Big Picture:
As more states legalize cannabis, it’s important to remember that access to cannabis is still limited for many veterans. Organizations like Patriots Helping Vets play a critical role in providing education, resources, and support to help veterans grow their own medicine. However, it’s also important for advocacy efforts to focus on ensuring that veterans have equal access to the benefits of cannabis legalization.
What To Watch:
Patriots Helping Vets is currently working on becoming a 501(c)(4) nonprofit charity to officially give more veterans nationwide the opportunity to become a self-sustaining, productive grower in their gardens. It will be interesting to see how this nonprofit expands its services to veterans across the country.
My Take:
It’s inspiring to see organizations like Patriots Helping Vets providing resources and support to help veterans grow their own medicine. It’s also important to remember that cannabis legalization is still an ongoing battle, and we must continue to advocate for equal access to its benefits. As more veterans gain access to cannabis, we may see positive changes in their mental and physical health outcomes.
