Veteran Compassion Care provides free cannabis to Veteran’s suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2022 – Ann Arbor, MI – Hero Project USA in partnership with the Canna Social Equity Foundation (CSEF) has secured preliminary approval to move forward with its Veteran Compassion Care program in the State of Michigan. Regulators with the Cannabis Regulatory Agency supported the group’s efforts to provide Veterans in Michigan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with free cannabis through the commercially regulated cannabis industry in Michigan. Becky Burton, Chair of CSEF said, “The goal of the Canna Social Equity Foundation is to ensure that those receiving the resources, profits, and power have the opportunity to provide aid to the very communities that they serve. The State of Michigan is taking real steps to acknowledge and support exactly what science has already proven…weed works!”
Retailers, cultivators, and processors will have the opportunity to legally donate commercially tested products to designated retail locations for Veteran distribution, locally. This is a huge step forward in managing such debilitating conditions. Free access to cannabis medication will be essential to those suffering from the effects of active military duty and deployment.
In 2023, 25 Michigan Veterans will be screened and entered into the Veteran Compassion Care program, pairing them with local retailers and producers, delivering them the medicine they so desperately need, at no cost. Those Veterans interested in participating should check the Hero Project USA website often for program development updates. Those Veterans who have a valid Michigan medical marijuana card with the diagnosis of PTSD or TBI will be considered for participation.
Veteran Compassion Care is in the beginning stages of development, Hero Project USA and CSEF staff are interested in recruiting retailers, cultivators, secure transporters, and processors licensed in the State of Michigan who are interested in becoming a part of Veteran Compassion Care.
Connie Maxim-Sparrow, who is the executive director of the Canna Social Equity Foundation said, “Seeing brands across the state step up and jump on board this quickly is pretty amazing. I know that there are several brands who are interested in helping the Veteran Community, and on this Veteran’s Day, I hope to see brands signing up to become a part of this program!”
Several operators have already shown interest in becoming partners with Veteran Compassion Care. Michigrown and Premier Grow were the first cultivators to step up. Our other partners include retailers: JARS Cannabis, Light N’ Up, Verts Neighborhood Provisioning, Lake Effect, and Doja.
As the Volunteer Veteran Advisor for Hero Project USA, former Army Officer, and disabled veteran of the Iraq war, Anton Harb has built a much needed bridge between the veteran community and the Michigan cannabis industry. “I want Michiganders and decision makers to recognize the validity of cannabis as a medicine for our veterans. I appreciate CRA Director Hanna’s willingness to ensure this program is within the regulatory confines of what Michiganders overwhelmingly voted for. As a veteran himself, Director Hanna has become a tremendous ally to MI veterans, patients, and consumers. This program has the capacity to truly change the lives of veterans who are historically left with few options for care.”
Those licensed operators interested in becoming a part of Veteran Compassion Care should email Samantha Perysian at samantha@hatchaplanmi.com.
About the Canna Social Equity Foundation
The Canna Social Equity Foundation is a community foundation established to help assist licensed cannabis operators with meeting their social equity expectations through a safe donation process that allows non-profit organizations a seat at the cannabis table. The Canna Social Equity Foundation was established in 2017, officially launching in 2020.
About Hero Project USA
Hero Project USA is dedicated to raising funds to support and implement Veteran Compassion Care and Veteran Discharge Upgrade clinics throughout the State of Michigan. Often active duty military members lose their benefits if caught in possession of cannabis. Discharge upgrades will provide Veterans otherwise without their benefits because of cannabis possession with reinstated benefits as it should be after serving your Country.
Contact Information
:Canna Social Equity Foundation
Connie Maxim-Sparrow
Executive Director
231-670-5863
connie@hatchaplanmi.com
Hero Project USA
Anton Harb
Veteran Advisor to the Board
716-553-6935
aharb@heroprojectusa.org