“If the NDAA is about having the best military, then SAFE should be added. We must be a nation that is both prepared to fight and, when it’s over, prepared to heal,” Hess concluded.
He noted that Since September 11th, 2001, just over 7,000 US service members have lost their lives in combat. During that same period, over 120,000 veterans have committed suicide – with no end in sight.
Veterans come home facing a mountain of chronic health issues and many are increasingly turning to cannabis as an alternative to the “combat cocktail” of pills prescribed by the Veterans
Administration and private practices throughout America. Increasing access to medical cannabis offers hope to those who have lost it and many are finding effective treatments to catalyze post-traumatic growth.
Hess also said, “Tens of thousands of veterans like me already work in the cannabis industry while millions of others are turning to it for therapeutic options and future employment opportunities. While there are many reforms that veterans need in order to truly thrive, the SAFE Banking Act is a critical first step that would help small, veteran-owned businesses and bring safe medical cannabis to those in need.”
The SAFE Banking Act has already passed the House 6 times and enjoys bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Only procedural roadblocks have prevented it from becoming law before now.
It would provide legal access to the same banking services offered to every other legal business, while keeping bad actors, like cartels, out of the U.S. cannabis marketplace. Most importantly, SAFE opens the doors to small entrepreneurs to finance, grow businesses, and create jobs.
The NDAA will be deliberated during the current legislative session and is expected to be one of the last bills to move through Congress at the end of the year.
Hess concluded, “The call to serve should be backed by service and support when the troops come home. Offering SAFE in the NDAA is a matter of national security and preparedness and a reflection of our country’s strength.”
For immediate release contact: Info@vahahealth.com Tuesday, Jul 13, 2022