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Louisiana Congressional Testimony

Gary and Brianna Hardy testify before Louisiana State Congress in support of medical cannabis treatment in Louisiana.

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• Brianna Hardy Congressional Testimonyspouse Of Gary Hess
• Gary Hess Congressional Testimonial

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• Brianna
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Inhalation Delivery Allowed in Louisiana

Louisiana unanimously passes legislation to allow medical cannabis inhalation delivery systems.

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• Gary Hess Doctors Can Recommend Marijuana To Treat Any Illness Under New Law In Louisiana

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• Doctors Can Recommend Marijuana Treat Any Illness Under New La Law

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• Bill Allow Medical Marijuana Be Smoked Moves Forward La House

Louisiana’s First Patient

Gary Hess becomes the first patient and veteran to receive a medical cannabis recommendation in the state of Louisiana.

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• Gary Hess After Years Of Waiting Medical Marijuana Sold In Louisiana

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• Louisiana Launching Medical Marijuana After Years Of Waiting

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• Louisiana Patients Finally Get Their Medical Marijuana
• After 4 Year Wait, Louisiana Medical Patients Can Get Some Weed
• Louisiana Pharmacies Launch Medical Cannabis Sales
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• First Louisiana Veteran Receive Approved Marijuana Treatment Tuesday

Advocacy Begins

Gary Hess becomes a public advocate for medical cannabis and is invited to present to a panel at Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week 2020.

Pennington Biomedical Presentation

Gary Hess is invited to speak on the efficacy of medical cannabis to the healthcare community at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Facility.

VAHA Executive Director Gary Hess was invited to speak at a closed-door breakfast in Washington, D.C., hosted by Ohio Rep.

Dave Joyce for newly elected Republican representatives. The event takes place every two years, covering various topics of interest. This year's focus was on cannabis and the role the federal government can play in its regulation and policy.

Hess emphasized “Although research is an incredibly important issue, the focus needs to remain on access, especially for the veteran community. It is abundantly clear that the pharmaceutical strategies being employed to treat our conditions are not working. Veterans in every state need real, viable options to heal. These options should be open for discussion and available to us through our local VA.”

Cannabis industry titans and vaha collaborate to drive the safe banking act forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Between June 12th and 15th, cannabis industry leaders, including Cresco Labs, Curaleaf, the National Cannabis Roundtable, and the U.S. Cannabis Council, along with the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), converged in a joint effort to urge congress members for the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act this legislative session

Among the attendees were Charlie Bachtell, Founder and CEO of Cresco Labs; Gary Hess, Executive Director of VAHA; Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf; and Toi Hutchinson, President and CEO of Marijuana Policy Project, alongside other significant figures from the cannabis industry and advocacy groups.

This united advocacy initiative garnered the attention and support of numerous congressional members such as Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), and Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH), along with 17 other members of Congress.

VAHA was a standout contributor in this collective effort, using its powerful voice to convey the dire need for SAFE Banking Act directly to lawmakers. Through personal conversations with Representatives and Senators from both sides of the aisle, VAHA painted a vivid picture of the pressing issues faced by the cannabis industry and the transformative potential of the SAFE Banking Act.

The core discussions were focused on extending the current definition of financial institutions that governs the hemp industry to the regulated cannabis market, thus providing a safe harbor and fostering an environment of economic fairness.

The SAFE Banking Act is being hailed as a public safety bill with the intent to quell the burgeoning $75 billion illicit cannabis market, thereby leveling the playing field against foreign competitors.

Gary Hess, the Executive Director of VAHA, gave an impassioned explanation of the SAFE Banking Act's far-reaching implications for the Veteran community:

"As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we use medical cannabis to save lives and improve the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of veterans and trauma survivors. However, we are hindered in our efforts to scale our business and help more veterans due to a lack of access to capital and financial resources available to other industries. By providing access to financial institutions and capital markets, VAHA and its affiliates can effectively combat the suicide and opioid epidemic plaguing the Veteran and Trauma communities."

In conclusion, with the SAFE Banking Act of 2023, Congress must afford domestic cannabis companies the same access to the regulated financial institutions and services enjoyed by other domestic industries, thus fostering equitable growth, creating jobs, and driving economic development across the U.S.

Modern Health Alliance Holds Inaugural Meeting, Advocating for Revolutionary Approaches to Medicine with Psilocybin and Cannabis

Washington, D.C., September 14, 2023 – The Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives had the honor of speaking at the first-ever meeting of the Modern Health Alliance (MHA) this past week. The meeting focused on advocating for federal policies that promote the development and usage of safe and effective medicines derived from psilocybin and cannabis.

About the Modern Health Alliance

MHA aims to be at the forefront of legislative, regulatory, and policy development, encouraging research and education on alternative medicines like psilocybin and cannabis. Their mission is to address the unmet medical and mental health needs by promoting evidence-based therapies. By engaging researchers, business leaders, patients, and policymakers, MHA aims to push forward the frontiers of medical research for the benefit of society.

The Urgent Need for New Approaches to Medicine

"The medical field is at an exciting crossroads," said Gary Hess, Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives. "The data show these compounds can be safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective when used in the right set and setting. It's time we looked past the stigma and considered the science."

Mental Health Crisis in America

"As a nation, we are facing a mental health crisis that can no longer be ignored," Hess emphasized. "The alarming rise in suicide rates and opioid addiction clearly indicates that our current approach is insufficient. We need urgent action and innovative therapies now more than ever."

Regulatory Pathways

Recent ballots in states like Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, and California are setting legislative precedent for the medical use of psilocybin. The challenge lies in ensuring these therapies are brought to market in a regulated, responsible manner. "Through proper channels and rigorous clinical trials, we can revolutionize how we treat a range of mental and physical conditions," added Hess.

Notable Attendees

The event featured an esteemed panel, including Ed Perlmutter, Partner at Holland & Knight and Former U.S. Rep. (D-Colo.), Dr. Anna Yusim, Director of the Yale School of Medicine Spirituality & Mental Health Center, and other leading experts from the fields of law, healthcare, and policy.

Moving Forward

As MHA kicks off its advocacy efforts, it promises to be a vanguard in promoting safe, regulated, and effective alternative therapies. Their initial meeting serves as a call to action for society to recognize the need for a holistic approach to medicine that marries scientific rigor with human well-being.

VAHA and Ukraine: Uniting for Veteran Mental Wellness

Houston, TX – In a significant international collaboration, Gary Hess, the Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), was honored to brief the Ukrainian Ministry of Veterans Affairs delegation on pioneering mental health therapies. This groundbreaking event, in association with 'Combined Arms', a renowned non-profit, focused on the integration of medical cannabis and psychedelic-assisted therapies into mental health programs for Ukrainian veterans and civilians amid an ongoing conflict.

"Amidst the turmoil, our Ukrainian friends endure daily; there is a ray of hope through the adoption of ancestral medicines and contemporary therapeutic practices," stated Hess. "The symbiosis of psychedelic-assisted therapies with proven methods like cognitive behavior therapy and EMDR presents a formidable force against the shadows of treatment-resistant conditions."

The delegation, including Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Svitlana Vasylivna Kashenets and other esteemed members, we explored the science and soul of plant-based medicines. Discussions centered on medical cannabis, psilocybin, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and 5-MEO-DMT – all under the umbrella of ancestral medicines.

"The profound exhaustion and moral injury afflicting our Ukrainian counterparts are palpable," Hess observed. "What we're proposing here could be the catalyst for a paradigm shift in treating conditions like PTSD, substance abuse, moral injury, and suicide; which traditional modalities struggle to address."

VAHA's presentation meticulously explained the mechanisms of action for these therapies, emphasizing their potential to enhance neuroplasticity, disrupt detrimental patterns, open critical learning periods, reprogram the default mode network, and ultimately lead to deep healing and trauma release.

"Our aim is clear – to offer solace and strength through science-backed, holistic approaches," Hess explained. "The outcomes speak for themselves: profound healing, reduction in pharmaceutical reliance, and a rekindled connection with the self."

As Ukraine faces unprecedented challenges, the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies offers a beacon of hope. The heartfelt Q&A session reflected a shared commitment to adopting these modalities for Ukrainian defenders, paving the way for a future where mental well-being is within reach.

"In the face of adversity, we stand united," Hess concluded. "Together, we can redefine the landscape of mental health and usher in an era of recovery and resilience for those who have sacrificed so much."

Veterans Deserve Access to Life-Saving Ibogaine Therapy: Marine Corps Veteran and Advocate Gary Hess Calls for Urgent Policy Reform

MEXICO – February 2025 – After years of advocating for alternative therapies for veterans, Marine Corps veteran and founder of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), Gary Hess, has experienced the most profound healing of his life through the recently launched Beond Service ibogaine treatment program. Despite decades of suffering from PTSD, Moral Injury, chronic pain, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Hess now declares that no medicine has been more effective in his healing journey than ibogaine.

Hess, a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer, traveled to Mexico as part of Cohort 2 in Beond's groundbreaking ibogaine treatment program for Veterans, where he underwent an eight-day intensive healing experience featuring ibogaine therapy combined with ice baths, breathwork, meditation, yoga, massage, aqua therapy, and professional coaching.

"I've spent years searching for true healing after my time in combat. I’ve experienced the power of psilocybin, ayahuasca, Huachuca, MDMA, 5MEO-DMT, ketamine, and others, but none of them have had the impact that ibogaine did in just one week. This medicine has brought me to a state of peace, balance, and, most importantly, self-forgiveness. For the first time, I can say that I have fully forgiven myself—for the things I’ve done and the things I failed to do," said Hess.

Hess was joined by five other veterans who also underwent the Beond Service program. Each of them left transformed, reporting profound healing that they had never thought possible. Despite the overwhelming evidence of ibogaine’s efficacy in treating PTSD, TBI, moral injury, and substance use disorders, the U.S. government continues to classify ibogaine as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it is deemed to have no medical value—an unjust and harmful stance that continues to deny veterans life-saving treatment.

Backed by Science: Ibogaine’s Unparalleled Efficacy
The Beond Service program builds upon Stanford University’s groundbreaking research, which found that ibogaine led to an 88% reduction in PTSD symptoms and significant cognitive improvements among special operations veterans with TBI. Led by Dr. Nolan Williams at Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab, this study demonstrated ibogaine’s remarkable ability to reset the brain’s neural pathways, effectively breaking the cycles of trauma and addiction.

Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently funded its first psychedelic therapy study in decades, signaling a potential shift toward recognizing these treatments. However, while Texas has launched the Ibogaine Initiative to begin clinical trials for opioid use disorder, veterans across the nation cannot legally access this medicine within U.S. borders.

“This isn’t just about me—it’s about the thousands of veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors who are trapped in cycles of suffering, given ineffective pharmaceuticals and talk therapy, and left with no real solutions,” Hess stated. “The fact that this medicine is still classified as Schedule 1 is not just outdated—it’s a human rights violation.”

A National Crisis Demands Immediate Action
The United States is facing an epidemic of veteran suicides, overdoses, and untreated trauma. An average of 20+ veterans die by suicide every day, which doesn’t include pharmaceutical overdoses, many of whom have struggled with TBI, PTSD, and moral injury—wounds that ibogaine has shown the potential to heal.

Despite this crisis, veterans and first responders must travel outside the U.S. to receive the care they desperately need, while federal and state governments continue to resist policy changes that would allow legal access to ibogaine.

Beond Service: Setting the Gold Standard in Veteran Healing
Beond’s nine-week comprehensive treatment program is uniquely designed for veterans and first responders, combining medically supervised ibogaine therapy with extensive pre- and post-treatment protocols, including:

Neurological and cardiac screening for safety
Four weeks of preparation with combat veteran coaches
Medically-supervised ibogaine therapy
Cognitive rehabilitation protocols
Four weeks of post-treatment integration
Family support programs
Long-term outcome monitoring

Beond’s expert team includes veteran facilitators, exceptional medical professionals, and some of the world’s leading psychedelic researchers.

A Call to Action: Legalize Ibogaine for Veterans Now

The time for action is now. Veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors should not have to leave their own country to receive effective medical treatment. Policymakers must move swiftly to:

Decriminalize ibogaine for clinical research and treatment. Expand funding for psychedelic research within the VA and DoD. Recognize ibogaine as a viable treatment option for PTSD, TBI, and substance use disorder.

“The science is there. The success stories are there. And yet, we’re still forcing our veterans to go abroad for treatment that could save their lives. This is not just a policy failure—it’s a moral failing,” Hess emphasized.

For veterans who have given everything to their country, denying them access to life-saving treatment is unacceptable. The government must act now to ensure that those who served are given a real chance to heal.

Texas Leads Historic Push to Bring Groundbreaking Ibogaine Therapy to Veterans through HB 3717

Austin, TX – March 2025 – In a landmark moment for veteran mental health care, a coalition of national leaders, advocates, policymakers, and veteran service organizations gathered this week in Austin to rally behind the Texas Ibogaine Initiative (HB 3717). This transformative legislation proposes a $50 million state investment, matched by $50 million from private sector partners, to fund FDA-approved clinical trials with ibogaine as a breakthrough therapy for opioid use disorder, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and co-occurring mental health conditions.

With this bold initiative, Texas is poised to become the epicenter of ibogaine research in the United States—creating a path to healing for veterans who have long been forced to seek treatment outside the country they served.

The event brought together an extraordinary coalition of leaders and organizations committed to reshaping the future of veteran care:

• Adam Marr, COO of the Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition, has been a key architect in rallying veteran communities and mental health advocates nationwide behind this crucial effort.
• Representative Cody Harris, Texas State Legislature, emerged as a legislative champion for HB 3717, helping to move this game-changing bill through the Texas House.
• Logan Davidson, Executive Director of Texans for Greater Mental Health, contributed vital leadership to the mission of expanding innovative mental health resources for Texans.
• Marcus and Amber Capone, Founders of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), brought the power of their personal story and national platform to advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans and their families.
• Gary Hess, Founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), emphasized the critical need for Texas to offer veterans integrative and holistic healing options at home.
• Bryan Hubbard, Director of the Reid Foundation’s American Ibogaine Initiative, delivered expert insight into the critical importance of bringing ibogaine into regulated, clinical settings in the United States.
• Rex Elsass, Founder and Chairman of the Reid Foundation and the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, is the visionary leader behind this movement, spearheading the philanthropic partnerships and legislative momentum driving this effort forward.
• Jon Stevens, a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raider and facilitator at Beond Ibogaine Treatment Center, shared firsthand how veterans are experiencing profound healing through ibogaine therapy abroad—and why Texas must bring these life-saving treatments stateside. “As someone who has walked the path of combat and carried the invisible wounds of war, I can tell you firsthand—ibogaine is unlike anything else available to us,” said Stevens. “It saved my life and the lives of so many others. Texas has an opportunity to lead the charge, to give our veterans access to a tool that can truly help them come home, mentally and spiritually.”
• Tom Feegal, Cofounder and CEO of Beond Ibogaine Treatment Center, detailed Beond’s medical protocols, which deliver ibogaine therapy with gold-standard safety measures, including advanced cardiac monitoring and comprehensive care teams. “At Beond, we’ve seen the incredible outcomes that occur when ibogaine is delivered safely, with the right medical oversight and peer support,” said Feegal. “This is not an experimental concept anymore—this is proven science combined with compassionate care. Texas can be the first state to bring this level of treatment to veterans inside U.S. borders.”
• Former Texas Governor Rick Perry delivered a passionate address, stating, “This is not about politics—it’s about saving lives and bringing hope to the heroes who defended our freedoms. Texas can and must lead the nation in giving our veterans access to breakthrough therapies like ibogaine.” He added, “Veterans should not have to cross international borders to access the care they deserve. Ibogaine has already shown remarkable results, and with Texas leading the way, we can build a national model right here that will change—and save—countless lives.”

This unified front represents a pivotal moment in U.S. healthcare policy. Backed by Stanford University’s groundbreaking findings in Nature Medicine, ibogaine has demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in resetting opioid receptors, restoring dopamine and serotonin production, and facilitating brain regeneration. For veterans battling PTSD, TBI, opioid addiction, and treatment-resistant depression, ibogaine offers a path to rapid, transformative healing.

"Texas is stepping up to meet a moral imperative,” said Gary Hess. “No veteran should be forced to leave the country they served to find hope and healing. HB 3717 ensures we bring that healing home.”

With this public-private partnership, Texas will also secure its stake in pioneering a new frontier of biomedical innovation, benefiting not only veterans but the millions of Americans struggling with addiction and unresolved trauma.