The American Weed Company (AWC) announced today that it is launching a campaign to support cannabis reform for veterans, and will be visiting Capitol Hill next week to raise awareness of the issue and urge legislators to support the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act (H.R. 394), bipartisan legislation authored by US Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) that would ensure Veterans receive the appropriate treatment to address their health care needs by prohibiting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a Veteran benefits due to the use of medical marijuana in states where the substance is legal.
The AWC is a California-based company that produces high-quality cannabis products for both medical and recreational use. The company has a strong commitment to supporting veterans, and is calling for reform of the current laws surrounding cannabis use for those who have served in the military.
According to a recent study conducted by the American Legion, 1 in 5 veterans use cannabis to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. However, current federal laws make it difficult for veterans to access cannabis as a treatment option, even in states where it is legal.
The AWC hopes to change this by pushing for reform on Capitol Hill. AWC co-founders and co-CEOs Ryan Brooks and Sean Gilfillan, says that they are determined to make a difference for veterans who have served their country and that the mission is personal for every member of the AWC team.
"We believe that veterans deserve access to safe and effective cannabis products, and that the current laws are holding them back," said Gilfillan and Brooks. "We are committed to fighting for reform, and we are confident that we can make a real impact."
The AWC is planning a series of events on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the issue, including a march and rally on the National Mall. The company is also partnering with veterans' organizations and other groups to build support for reform.
"We know that we have a tough fight ahead of us, but we are not giving up," the Co-CEO's added. "We believe that we can make a difference for veterans, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make it happen."
The AWC's campaign comes at a time when there is growing momentum for cannabis reform at the federal level. Several states have already legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, and there are calls for the federal government to follow suit.
The company hopes that its efforts will help to push the issue forward, and that veterans will soon have access to the cannabis products they need to improve their quality of life.
"What Sean and Ryan are doing is admirable, and my guess is it's also going to be pretty effective," said former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). "Hearing directly from veterans and veterans' advocates about the healing potential of cannabis is what made me start to re-examine my position when I was in office, and these guys have a very powerful message."
AmWeCo will also be donating up to 10 percent of its net profits each year to Stop Soldier Suicide, where Sean is on the advisory board. AmWeCo revenues also fund the company's involvement in the National Cannabis Roundtable, an alliance of cannabis companies and other stakeholders working to modernize federal cannabis policy on behalf of veterans and other Americans from all walks of life.
