CA Treasurer, US Veterans discuss Cannabis Policy for Service Men and Women

Millions of veterans suffer from chronic pain and mental health diagnoses, among other conditions, stemming from their time spent in service. Medical cannabis is increasingly seen as a viable option to help treat health challenges and prevent crises among veterans, including the opioid epidemic and suicide.

“However, the efficacy of medical cannabis as a form of treatment continues to be realized, and it is through initiatives like these that Weedmaps is able to further educate individuals on cannabis’ potential and ultimately work towards moving legislation forward.”

“Cannabis legalization is still a hotly debated issue across state lines. Many congressional bills come and go without securing solutions that directly address some of the most pressing health issues that servicemen and women face,” said Dr. Bonni Goldstein, M.D., Weedmaps Medical Advisor and Medical Director for Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. “However, the efficacy of medical cannabis as a form of treatment continues to be realized, and it is through initiatives like these that Weedmaps is able to further educate individuals on cannabis’ potential and ultimately work towards moving legislation forward.”

“At Weedmaps, we recognize that many veterans depend on cannabis for their medicinal needs. However, the current policies in place for medical cannabis are simply not enough to ensure safe and reliable access for vets,” said Steven Jung, Chief Operating Officer at Weedmaps and U.S. Army veteran. “From implementing social equity programs to driving awareness around policies or impeding issues that directly impact them, we will continue to support and advocate for military veterans.”

In addition to providing free entry for veterans, Weedmaps has partnered with Weed for Warriors, the Veterans Cannabis Group, Operation E.V.A.C., and others to facilitate panel discussions, which will address the benefits of cannabis for veterans as well as some of the policy barriers that currently inhibit access.

“The State of California supports our veterans. They have been willing to put their lives on the line for our freedoms. We should do everything in our power, as politicians, to help support them when they leave service,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “That’s why I am honored to be supporting this valuable forum to help raise awareness to the obstacles these heroes face in accessing medical cannabis but also to find workable policy solutions to bring relief to the nearly two million veterans living in this great state.”

The event is scheduled to take place at Weedmaps’ Museum of Weed on Saturday, September 14, beginning at 12pm PDT, with the panel discussion at 3pm PDT, which will include the following:

Unlocking Benefits of Cannabis for Veterans and Policy Solutions to Remove Barriers to Access:

• Honorable Fiona Ma, Treasurer, State of California
• Aaron Augustis, Founder and CEO of Veterans Cannabis Group
• Sean Kiernan, CEO, Weed for Warriors
• Ryan Miller, Founder, Operation E.V.A.C.

U.S. veterans, active service members and first responders interested in visiting Weedmaps’ Museum of Weed free of charge should visit themuseumofweed.com, select their desired time on September 14 or 15 and click the Veterans/First Responders button on the right.

About Weedmaps

Founded in 2008, Weedmaps is a leading technology and software infrastructure provider to the cannabis industry. Our suite of cloud-based software and data solutions includes point of sale, logistics and ordering solutions that enable customers to scale their businesses while complying with the complex and disparate regulations applicable to the cannabis industry.

In addition, our platform provides consumers with information regarding cannabis products across our web and mobile platforms, including listing local retailers and brands, facilitating product discovery and allowing consumers to educate themselves on cannabis and its history, uses and legal status. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Weedmaps employs more than 500 professionals around the world, including in Barcelona, Berlin, Denver, New York, Phoenix, Sacramento and Toronto. Visit us at https://weedmaps.com.