Dispense MagazineMedical cannabis is a huge issue with veterans, as it is often the most effective treatment for both pain and PTSD. So we’re proud to bring you profiles of veterans who are making waves in the cannabis industry by helping to make things better for other veterans.
In this episode, we talk with Ron Millward, founder of Balanced Veterans, a Philadelphia based 501-3-C with new chapters sprouting across the country. Ron saw a need for more cannabis education within many Vets organizations, and he seeks to collaborate beside as many as he can.
Ron talks about the network of like-minded medical professionals that he is building to provide wellness services for vets in need. And while cannabis is a large part of the healing path for many Vets, Ron says that healthy community, conversation, and holistic healing practices are vital to living a truly balanced life.
To find out more, visit BalancedVeterans.com
Listen and subscribe to the Dispense Magazine Podcast on Libsyn
Transcription
DM:
So to begin, I’d like for you to give us your definition of “balanced.” What’s that all about?
RM:
Well, I think that’s different for every single person which makes it so exciting because balance is something that I believe we are all trying to achieve on a daily basis. So for me, that’s different for my buddies. It’s really the act of slowing down, figuring out what you need to do, and what’s healthy for you, and what’s going to help you maintain a positive outlook and get you through your day in the best way possible. I know our community deals with more mental health [issues] than normal. I just made it a practice to say “Hey, stay balanced. Find balance.” One of our taglines is “Life has its ups and downs, but stay balanced.” Maybe you argue with your partner or something happens at work, Its ‘how do you choose to react to that? And can you stay balanced in the midst of all that? It really just became an individual practice for me. Then I realized wow, there’s really something here…” and some other people began to take a liking to it.
DM:
Did you start with a mindfulness practice, or how did you come up with the idea of balance?
RM:
All throughout my therapy in the last 10 years, I’ve used different things like yoga and mindful meditation - things like that. So it’s always been a part of my life but I never really understood it or had a word for it. I was just sitting down and thinking about the principle of balance. Once I spoke about it, I began to see balance everywhere. Now I see it all the time.
DM:
What inspired you to start a non-profit organization to promote balance?
RM:
Yeah that’s a great question because you may or may not know that leading a non-profit organization is not fun - at all.
DM:
Are you trying to recreate your military experience?
RM:
Yeah pretty much. So to give you a little bit of backstory, I worked for large non-profits or churches for the last 7 years of my life. So I really understood the infrastructure of a non-profit, and how it can run, and some of the benefits and ways they really can be helpful, and it can be a really helpful vehicle when used properly. So I had this crazy life change due to some trauma I had when I was in the military. I had to have a major back operation which caused me to be bedridden for a little bit so I had to slow down. I’m a fast paced person. I like to keep going. It put a halt on my job, it put a halt on my life, it slowed me down for everything. So I sat back and I realized that I do not love the 9-5. It’s not what I am best at - I have gifts in other areas. So I started to take a look at what that would look like and I realized just how many Veterans Organizations there are - and there’s a ton of them. So I began to research and I specifically targeted my research to cannabis, because that’s what has helped me. So, first and foremost, we are an educational non-profit, so that’s what gives us the unique ability to be able to speak about cannabis freely. So I then spent a considerable amount of time talking with those involved in other Veterans Cannabis Organizations, all over the country. I listened to their needs, their challenges and I tried to understand what they were coming up against. This is not to discredit anyone, but I saw that there was a need - and I found in my research that some of these “organizations” were not even true organizations. They’re facebook or Instagram groups and I just wanted to help them. I immediately decided to apply for a 501C, see what happens, and I want to come alongside other organizations and help them - be a resource, be an additive. We want to be a spice. We’re not trying to take over what anybody is doing, we’re not trying to be something new or recreate something, we really want to be that creative connector and work with civilians, veterans, whoever, and help provide resources to our veterans. I am very passionate about the 20-22 veterans who are committing suicide every single day, and I think it takes all this working together, not just veterans, and so, that’s where I am at.
DM:
So what does this education look like, Website? Events?
RM:
Yes! So our team is growing every day, and I’m really excited about it. We have just brought in an RN out of California and she’s becoming certified in all kinds of cannabis education. SO, in the future, we’re hoping to partner with other healthcare professionals and when we put on events, we have actual education for our veterans. We have a couple of psychologists and psychiatrists that work with veterans and help us as well. Just yesterday, we received a crisis phone call and we had someone that decided to check themselves into an institution and I am so happy that they did. It takes strength and bravery to be able to say, hey, something is wrong, something is not right here. I talked to him for about 40 minutes and he ended up getting the help he needed, but we are not medical professionals. I am not claiming to be a psychiatrist or a doctor - I’m just saying that I’ve been through some stuff - a lot of stuff. I genuinely care about every single person that we talk to so I wanted to assist veterans in finding the help they need. I think it’s important that all of our veterans are plugged into a system, a health network. Some of the veterans will go to the VA, some come to see our professionals.
DM:
So you have partnered with a team of professionals?
RM:
Absolutely. There are about 17 people on our staff across the nation and within the next six months, we will have a physical presence in 9 states. I’m very excited - It’s been a beautiful thing - very organic. We’ve just had people that stepped up, very like-minded like me. It was a very strenuous vetting process (see what I did there?) to see if these guys really wanted to be a part of it, so the team that has come together is really fantastic.
DM:
What kind of services do these professionals provide?
RM:
We’ve got some equine therapy in the works, yoga instructors, mindful meditation, therapy… as I said we have an RN and also have physical therapists. Our goal is to create some one-stop shops in several states, places veterans can come and potentially rehabilitate using cannabis., as well as utilizing the entire medical staff on hand. So, that’s a long-term goal that’s actually moving a lot faster than I thought it would. So, I’m not sure, but we could be looking at something like that in other states in the next year.
DM:
So, you mentioned equine therapy and I’ve seen amazing work done with horses. So, what, where, who? Details?
RM:
I’m personally looking into partnering with a local horse farm and we also have a farm out in Oregon that may be a potential location as well. We’re not sure exactly where that will land yet. Now, the most difficult part of all of this is the laws and legislations. We’ve got to be mindful in every single state and be sure what the laws are, so I think that’s been our biggest hurdle.
DM:
So, medicating using cannabis in conjunction with these therapies is a central part of what you’re doing?
RM:
It’s optional, not essential, but it is a big part of some of us. Cannabis is not for everyone, and I genuinely believe that, so we have people in our community that just come out and hike or just come along and hear stories, just talking with other veterans - so it’s not strictly for cannabis users - we welcome anyone! We don’t want that to be a hindrance to someone getting help.
DM:
It is essential that it is definitely an option in these therapies and things that you are doing.
RM:
Oh, absolutely. I was on 12 pharmaceuticals at one point in my life and I’ve realized now that I don’t want to force it on anyone at all. That’s not our goal, but really, I’m the healthiest, happiest me I’ve ever been. That’s from removing those pharmaceuticals and replacing them with cannabis and I want other people to experience that. I’m just trying to live my truth.
DM:
It seems like a lot of your work is focused on the mental health area. Are you seeing the stigma about going to a mental health professional? Is that easing some in the veteran’s community?
RM:
Oh, man… mental health… that’s difficult because really there is this huge stigma. I mean, when you’re in the military, you just shut up and color, really. You don’t talk about your feelings - you stuff everything down and you get the mission done and that’s what matters. Honestly, I’ve lived my life that way where I’m like, ‘hey, I’ll just get through this. I need to get this done. I need to provide for my family.’ But then for some people, it’s actually crippling - they can’t move forward - they can’t get out of the house and ‘just do it.’ To be completely transparent, I have those days too, it’s a reality. So, I work with professionals and figure out how to do that. I’ve got a community around me that’s giving me a new purpose. So yes, mental health is now one of the biggest things that I wanted to address when I started this organization. I am not afraid to tell you that it’s ok to not be ok, but it really is not ok to stay that way. So, we’re gonna continue to push that message. I have a couple of opportunities coming up to speak on mental health in some larger capacities and I’m really excited about it because honestly, I don’t really care what other people may think because I know what that reality of feeling so dark and so down feels like - I know there are a lot of us and I know that a ton of people are probably listening to this and are like, ‘yeh, I’ve felt that way but I would probably never tell someone.’ I don’t know how many messages we get saying many, I read your posts and I didn’t want to comment publicly, but I just wanted to let you know that something resonated with me for the first time and I cried, or I felt something or I was unable to understand. I didn’t think anything would come from that - it was really me just posting things to motivate myself - it was a phrase that helped me get through my day and it resonated with a bunch of other people. So really, that’s what we’re going to continue to do - I think that’s the best way to break the stigma down - I’ll lead the way and keep talking about it and hopefully, other people will jump on board and if they don’t, I’m still gonna be here talking about it.
DM:
Do you think that with Pennsylvania now allowing anxiety to be one of the qualifying conditions we will see more people willing to admit their anxiety and seek treatment?
RM:
Yeah, I sure hope so. I really do. I’ve heard from a lot of Vietnam Veterans that after returning, they were experiencing aggression, they were mean, they went through all this stuff, abusing their spouses, they have no idea what’s going on. All of these emotions, all of these feelings, a lot of these veterans are still exhibiting today - from the Iraq War and all these other wars. The difference is, there was no name for it back then. So now, we have a name for it. It’s called PTSD and so thousands of veterans are now able to say ‘ there’s something wrong with me.’ So I hope the more that people research anxiety and see how it’s a legitimate disease realize it’s ok to get help.
DM:
Do you find that the mental health issues often go along with the physical issues? There are still guys that have no physical scars but are still a wreck inside.
RM:
Ok, so this is something that drives me nuts. I went into a veteran’s service, I will not mention who they are. So I sat down, and let me remind you that I am a disabled veteran, and he said, ‘there’s no way you’re a disabled veteran.’ You’re dressed well, shaved well, present yourself well, you’re fine you’re not disabled. I then said listen, man, you have no idea what it took for me to get up, get showered, to feel comfortable enough to get in my car and drive here. I was like, you have no idea.’ Thank God that I have it a little bit better than others. It’s really tough because I think that just by looking at someone, whether they have a physical ailment or not, there are so many people walking around wounded and scarred and just beaten up by life and you would never know. They have a smile on their face, they dress nice, they’re millionaires, they’re whatever - so many people are hiding and it’s really, really sad.
DM:
You’ve mentioned yoga as well as mindful meditation. What are the things that have worked best for you in terms of therapies?
RM:
This is really interesting because I never used to, but I’ve been really into hiking - there’s something about going out into the wilderness. I’m able to go over there and hike with my dog and sometimes other vets and it’s just freeing to be able to get out there, turn my phone off, just breathe, sometimes I’ll go live so other people can listen to the wilderness. I have just found the peace and serenity, especially living in the city, being able to escape to where it’s quiet. Obviously, cannabis is a huge part of my life. That’s a regular medication that I use multiple times a day. My dog is a huge part of me - I didn’t realize I was one of those kinds of guys, but my dog allowed me to have this emotional attachment and it really helped me find joy.
DM:
It’s like pets and sports are the traditional ways in society that men are allowed to show emotion.
RM:
Yeah, right. You can cheer and take your shirt off and paint yourself up and get all excited about football, but man you can’t cry.
DM:
Well, I love this line you have on your website: “We wholeheartedly believe that cannabis alone is not the answer but healthy community, conversation, and holistic healing practices are vital in living a truly balanced life.” I don’t think you could say it any better than that.
RM:
Thank you! I mean, it’s what’s helped me. I really hope that other people find freedom through that.
DM:
To kind of put a tail on that, you also have the number for the suicide hotline on your site and you get crisis calls yourself - Talk about the power of conversation.
RM:
That I think has been the most unique thing about Balanced Veterans. It’s been our Instagram and Facebook presence. People are like, it’s all millennials on there but it’s not - we’ve got every single generation communicating digitally and it’s beautiful. There have been really beautiful things happening is just conversation. Again, we do have medical professionals on staff but for the most part, it’s just brothers and sisters like us talking and reminiscing. I also believe there is a bit of a stigma against veterans.
DM:
How so, can you explain that?
RM:
Because, in our community, and this is probably gonna tick some veterans off, and I’m sorry. In our community for so long, we’ve played a “victim role.” It’s very easy to say, I’ve gone to war, I’ve been blown up and you haven’t.” And you know, you’re never gonna understand that and you’re never gonna relate to that. In all honesty, I think it’s time to change that conversation that you may not relate to that but I’m sure you’ve had something happen in your life that’s been traumatic as well, so maybe we can relate to something together. There doesn’t need to be a segregation at all, I think that we can have healthy integrations for veterans that come back from the war and get out of the military service - they are productive members of society. I know some rockstar veterans. Let’s meet each other halfway - It’s an I understand you and you understand me - let’s just love each other and see how we can find common ground and move forward.
DM:
Well, I think you have an amazing program, a great opportunity for veterans to get help and also for holistic healers to provide the help that may want to reach out. Your website is balancedveterans.com and you also have a strong following on Facebook and Instagram. So, what kind of people are you looking to come and join your organization?
RM:
We’re creative. So, if there’s someone is like hey I have this idea that I think will help veterans, we’re gonna sit down and listen to it because that’s what’s helped us get so far along. We’re open to what’s gonna help veterans because what has traditionally has been said to work hasn’t really been working and so we’re trying to change this conversation, and shift it up. We’re talking about putting on a painting class and some other ideas. We’re gonna get crazy with it and do whatever we think somebody might come out to and heal with - that might be art, but specifically, we’re looking for other civilians, especially healthcare professionals - people that want to give back and impact veterans in a real way and I would love to have a conversation and figure out how we could bridge that gap and help each other.
DM:
There are some veterans organizations out there that aren’t necessarily cannabis-friendly.
RM:
We’re really trying to fit into any gap that those organizations are falling in and cannabis is really taking off in our community - as you can see, it’s in the news, headlines, it’s buzzing everywhere - so we are really trying to help that conversation. We have a lot of people who have never touched cannabis and they have so many worries and questions and we’re just trying an answer and be there and be a resource.
DM:
So to begin, I’d like for you to give us your definition of “balanced.” What’s that all about?
RM:
Well, I think that’s different for every single person which makes it so exciting because balance is something that I believe we are all trying to achieve on a daily basis. So for me, that’s different for my buddies. It’s really the act of slowing down, figuring out what you need to do, and what’s healthy for you, and what’s going to help you maintain a positive outlook and get you through your day in the best way possible. I know our community deals with more mental health [issues] than normal. I just made it a practice to say “Hey, stay balanced. Find balance.” One of our taglines is “Life has its ups and downs, but stay balanced.” Maybe you argue with your partner or something happens at work, Its ‘how do you choose to react to that? And can you stay balanced in the midst of all that? It really just became an individual practice for me. Then I realized wow, there’s really something here…” and some other people began to take a liking to it.
DM:
Did you start with a mindfulness practice, or how did you come up with the idea of balance?
RM:
All throughout my therapy in the last 10 years, I’ve used different things like yoga and mindful meditation - things like that. So it’s always been a part of my life but I never really understood it or had a word for it. I was just sitting down and thinking about the principle of balance. Once I spoke about it, I began to see balance everywhere. Now I see it all the time.
DM:
What inspired you to start a non-profit organization to promote balance?
RM:
Yeah that’s a great question because you may or may not know that leading a non-profit organization is not fun - at all.
DM:
Are you trying to recreate your military experience?
RM:
Yeah pretty much. So to give you a little bit of backstory, I worked for large non-profits or churches for the last 7 years of my life. So I really understood the infrastructure of a non-profit, and how it can run, and some of the benefits and ways they really can be helpful, and it can be a really helpful vehicle when used properly. So I had this crazy life change due to some trauma I had when I was in the military. I had to have a major back operation which caused me to be bedridden for a little bit so I had to slow down. I’m a fast paced person. I like to keep going. It put a halt on my job, it put a halt on my life, it slowed me down for everything. So I sat back and I realized that I do not love the 9-5. It’s not what I am best at - I have gifts in other areas. So I started to take a look at what that would look like and I realized just how many Veterans Organizations there are - and there’s a ton of them. So I began to research and I specifically targeted my research to cannabis, because that’s what has helped me. So, first and foremost, we are an educational non-profit, so that’s what gives us the unique ability to be able to speak about cannabis freely. So I then spent a considerable amount of time talking with those involved in other Veterans Cannabis Organizations, all over the country. I listened to their needs, their challenges and I tried to understand what they were coming up against. This is not to discredit anyone, but I saw that there was a need - and I found in my research that some of these “organizations” were not even true organizations. They’re facebook or Instagram groups and I just wanted to help them. I immediately decided to apply for a 501C, see what happens, and I want to come alongside other organizations and help them - be a resource, be an additive. We want to be a spice. We’re not trying to take over what anybody is doing, we’re not trying to be something new or recreate something, we really want to be that creative connector and work with civilians, veterans, whoever, and help provide resources to our veterans. I am very passionate about the 20-22 veterans who are committing suicide every single day, and I think it takes all this working together, not just veterans, and so, that’s where I am at.
DM:
So what does this education look like, Website? Events?
RM:
Yes! So our team is growing every day, and I’m really excited about it. We have just brought in an RN out of California and she’s becoming certified in all kinds of cannabis education. SO, in the future, we’re hoping to partner with other healthcare professionals and when we put on events, we have actual education for our veterans. We have a couple of psychologists and psychiatrists that work with veterans and help us as well. Just yesterday, we received a crisis phone call and we had someone that decided to check themselves into an institution and I am so happy that they did. It takes strength and bravery to be able to say, hey, something is wrong, something is not right here. I talked to him for about 40 minutes and he ended up getting the help he needed, but we are not medical professionals. I am not claiming to be a psychiatrist or a doctor - I’m just saying that I’ve been through some stuff - a lot of stuff. I genuinely care about every single person that we talk to so I wanted to assist veterans in finding the help they need. I think it’s important that all of our veterans are plugged into a system, a health network. Some of the veterans will go to the VA, some come to see our professionals.
DM:
So you have partnered with a team of professionals?
RM:
Absolutely. There are about 17 people on our staff across the nation and within the next six months, we will have a physical presence in 9 states. I’m very excited - It’s been a beautiful thing - very organic. We’ve just had people that stepped up, very like-minded like me. It was a very strenuous vetting process (see what I did there?) to see if these guys really wanted to be a part of it, so the team that has come together is really fantastic.
DM:
What kind of services do these professionals provide?
RM:
We’ve got some equine therapy in the works, yoga instructors, mindful meditation, therapy… as I said we have an RN and also have physical therapists. Our goal is to create some one-stop shops in several states, places veterans can come and potentially rehabilitate using cannabis., as well as utilizing the entire medical staff on hand. So, that’s a long-term goal that’s actually moving a lot faster than I thought it would. So, I’m not sure, but we could be looking at something like that in other states in the next year.
DM:
So, you mentioned equine therapy and I’ve seen amazing work done with horses. So, what, where, who? Details?
RM:
I’m personally looking into partnering with a local horse farm and we also have a farm out in Oregon that may be a potential location as well. We’re not sure exactly where that will land yet. Now, the most difficult part of all of this is the laws and legislations. We’ve got to be mindful in every single state and be sure what the laws are, so I think that’s been our biggest hurdle.
DM:
So, medicating using cannabis in conjunction with these therapies is a central part of what you’re doing?
RM:
It’s optional, not essential, but it is a big part of some of us. Cannabis is not for everyone, and I genuinely believe that, so we have people in our community that just come out and hike or just come along and hear stories, just talking with other veterans - so it’s not strictly for cannabis users - we welcome anyone! We don’t want that to be a hindrance to someone getting help.
DM:
It is essential that it is definitely an option in these therapies and things that you are doing.
RM:
Oh, absolutely. I was on 12 pharmaceuticals at one point in my life and I’ve realized now that I don’t want to force it on anyone at all. That’s not our goal, but really, I’m the healthiest, happiest me I’ve ever been. That’s from removing those pharmaceuticals and replacing them with cannabis and I want other people to experience that. I’m just trying to live my truth.
DM:
It seems like a lot of your work is focused on the mental health area. Are you seeing the stigma about going to a mental health professional? Is that easing some in the veteran’s community?
RM:
Oh, man… mental health… that’s difficult because really there is this huge stigma. I mean, when you’re in the military, you just shut up and color, really. You don’t talk about your feelings - you stuff everything down and you get the mission done and that’s what matters. Honestly, I’ve lived my life that way where I’m like, ‘hey, I’ll just get through this. I need to get this done. I need to provide for my family.’ But then for some people, it’s actually crippling - they can’t move forward - they can’t get out of the house and ‘just do it.’ To be completely transparent, I have those days too, it’s a reality. So, I work with professionals and figure out how to do that. I’ve got a community around me that’s giving me a new purpose. So yes, mental health is now one of the biggest things that I wanted to address when I started this organization. I am not afraid to tell you that it’s ok to not be ok, but it really is not ok to stay that way. So, we’re gonna continue to push that message. I have a couple of opportunities coming up to speak on mental health in some larger capacities and I’m really excited about it because honestly, I don’t really care what other people may think because I know what that reality of feeling so dark and so down feels like - I know there are a lot of us and I know that a ton of people are probably listening to this and are like, ‘yeh, I’ve felt that way but I would probably never tell someone.’ I don’t know how many messages we get saying many, I read your posts and I didn’t want to comment publicly, but I just wanted to let you know that something resonated with me for the first time and I cried, or I felt something or I was unable to understand. I didn’t think anything would come from that - it was really me just posting things to motivate myself - it was a phrase that helped me get through my day and it resonated with a bunch of other people. So really, that’s what we’re going to continue to do - I think that’s the best way to break the stigma down - I’ll lead the way and keep talking about it and hopefully, other people will jump on board and if they don’t, I’m still gonna be here talking about it.
DM:
Do you think that with Pennsylvania now allowing anxiety to be one of the qualifying conditions we will see more people willing to admit their anxiety and seek treatment?
RM:
Yeah, I sure hope so. I really do. I’ve heard from a lot of Vietnam Veterans that after returning, they were experiencing aggression, they were mean, they went through all this stuff, abusing their spouses, they have no idea what’s going on. All of these emotions, all of these feelings, a lot of these veterans are still exhibiting today - from the Iraq War and all these other wars. The difference is, there was no name for it back then. So now, we have a name for it. It’s called PTSD and so thousands of veterans are now able to say ‘ there’s something wrong with me.’ So I hope the more that people research anxiety and see how it’s a legitimate disease realize it’s ok to get help.
DM:
Do you find that the mental health issues often go along with the physical issues? There are still guys that have no physical scars but are still a wreck inside.
RM:
Ok, so this is something that drives me nuts. I went into a veteran’s service, I will not mention who they are. So I sat down, and let me remind you that I am a disabled veteran, and he said, ‘there’s no way you’re a disabled veteran.’ You’re dressed well, shaved well, present yourself well, you’re fine you’re not disabled. I then said listen, man, you have no idea what it took for me to get up, get showered, to feel comfortable enough to get in my car and drive here. I was like, you have no idea.’ Thank God that I have it a little bit better than others. It’s really tough because I think that just by looking at someone, whether they have a physical ailment or not, there are so many people walking around wounded and scarred and just beaten up by life and you would never know. They have a smile on their face, they dress nice, they’re millionaires, they’re whatever - so many people are hiding and it’s really, really sad.
DM:
You’ve mentioned yoga as well as mindful meditation. What are the things that have worked best for you in terms of therapies?
RM:
This is really interesting because I never used to, but I’ve been really into hiking - there’s something about going out into the wilderness. I’m able to go over there and hike with my dog and sometimes other vets and it’s just freeing to be able to get out there, turn my phone off, just breathe, sometimes I’ll go live so other people can listen to the wilderness. I have just found the peace and serenity, especially living in the city, being able to escape to where it’s quiet. Obviously, cannabis is a huge part of my life. That’s a regular medication that I use multiple times a day. My dog is a huge part of me - I didn’t realize I was one of those kinds of guys, but my dog allowed me to have this emotional attachment and it really helped me find joy.
DM:
It’s like pets and sports are the traditional ways in society that men are allowed to show emotion.
RM:
Yeah, right. You can cheer and take your shirt off and paint yourself up and get all excited about football, but man you can’t cry.
DM:
Well, I love this line you have on your website: “We wholeheartedly believe that cannabis alone is not the answer but healthy community, conversation, and holistic healing practices are vital in living a truly balanced life.” I don’t think you could say it any better than that.
RM:
Thank you! I mean, it’s what’s helped me. I really hope that other people find freedom through that.
DM:
To kind of put a tail on that, you also have the number for the suicide hotline on your site and you get crisis calls yourself - Talk about the power of conversation.
RM:
That I think has been the most unique thing about Balanced Veterans. It’s been our Instagram and Facebook presence. People are like, it’s all millennials on there but it’s not - we’ve got every single generation communicating digitally and it’s beautiful. There have been really beautiful things happening is just conversation. Again, we do have medical professionals on staff but for the most part, it’s just brothers and sisters like us talking and reminiscing. I also believe there is a bit of a stigma against veterans.
DM:
How so, can you explain that?
RM:
Because, in our community, and this is probably gonna tick some veterans off, and I’m sorry. In our community for so long, we’ve played a “victim role.” It’s very easy to say, I’ve gone to war, I’ve been blown up and you haven’t.” And you know, you’re never gonna understand that and you’re never gonna relate to that. In all honesty, I think it’s time to change that conversation that you may not relate to that but I’m sure you’ve had something happen in your life that’s been traumatic as well, so maybe we can relate to something together. There doesn’t need to be a segregation at all, I think that we can have healthy integrations for veterans that come back from the war and get out of the military service - they are productive members of society. I know some rockstar veterans. Let’s meet each other halfway - It’s an I understand you and you understand me - let’s just love each other and see how we can find common ground and move forward.
DM:
Well, I think you have an amazing program, a great opportunity for veterans to get help and also for holistic healers to provide the help that may want to reach out. Your website is balancedveterans.com and you also have a strong following on Facebook and Instagram. So, what kind of people are you looking to come and join your organization?
RM:
We’re creative. So, if there’s someone is like hey I have this idea that I think will help veterans, we’re gonna sit down and listen to it because that’s what’s helped us get so far along. We’re open to what’s gonna help veterans because what has traditionally has been said to work hasn’t really been working and so we’re trying to change this conversation, and shift it up. We’re talking about putting on a painting class and some other ideas. We’re gonna get crazy with it and do whatever we think somebody might come out to and heal with - that might be art, but specifically, we’re looking for other civilians, especially healthcare professionals - people that want to give back and impact veterans in a real way and I would love to have a conversation and figure out how we could bridge that gap and help each other.
DM:
There are some veterans organizations out there that aren’t necessarily cannabis-friendly.
RM:
We’re really trying to fit into any gap that those organizations are falling in and cannabis is really taking off in our community - as you can see, it’s in the news, headlines, it’s buzzing everywhere - so we are really trying to help that conversation. We have a lot of people who have never touched cannabis and they have so many worries and questions and we’re just trying an answer and be there and be a resource.
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