FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 19, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – On Wednesday, April 20, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will partner with the Balanced Veterans Network and the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation to host a panel discussion on alternative therapies such as cannabis for veterans. 

IAVA’s Sr. Director of Digital Engagement, Victor Bohm, will join the Founder and President of the Balanced Veterans Network, Ron Milward as well as the Executive Director of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation, Sarah Chase to discuss top-line issues from the results of IAVA’s recent membership survey in respect to alternative therapies for veterans, current cannabis legislation, and research and development within the alternative therapies space and more!

“Nearly ninety percent of IAVA members have expressed just how important alternative therapies, like cannabis, have been in treating health conditions sustained during their service,” said Victor Bohm, US Air Force veteran and IAVA’s Senior Director of Digital Engagement. “Events like this are critical because they allow us to share pertinent information about the alternative therapies available to veterans and help explain what leaders like IAVA, the Balanced Veterans Network, and the Council on Federal Cannabis Regulation are doing to help increase access for our community.”

​​“In our community, we have thousands of veterans utilizing cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals,” said Ron Millward, Founder, and President of the Balanced Veterans Network. “We have witnessed countless people take their health and wellness into their own hands and advocate for a better, more balanced way of living. Veterans deserve options and should not be penalized for how they choose to heal post-service.”

“Access to safe and legal cannabis is critical for many veterans who return from service with physical or mental wounds. We have the responsibility to work with the VA, veterans groups, patient advocacy groups, and the federal government to ensure that safe and legal products are available to help them, either as medicine or as therapy,” said Sarah Chase, Executive Director of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation. “Our veterans have done their duty and it’s time the government does right by them. Now is the time for our government to make cannabis safe and legal for our veterans by decriminalizing and destigmatizing at the highest federal level.”

This event will provide an overview of the state of legal cannabis in the United States, highlight current legislation and summarize IAVA’s alternative therapies priorities. There will be time allotted for questions.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)  is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

The Balanced Veterans Network (BVN) provides education, advocacy, and empowerment of alternative therapies for veterans and their families. BVN is a community that shares knowledge and camaraderie to combat the suicide epidemic, addiction, homelessness, and loss of purpose after leaving the military service. Finding balance in life is a mental, physical, and spiritual journey. Learn more about Balanced Veterans Network at www.balancedveterans.com or on social media @balancedveterans.

The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) is 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Washington, DC. The mission of CFCR is to assist the government, and specifically federal regulatory agencies, to rethink, develop, and implement evidence-based cannabis regulations. Our overarching goal is the de-stigmatization, normalization, and legitimization of cannabis on behalf of consumers, the professions, organizations, and businesses who support and serve them. We do this by serving as a conduit for informed scientific research, inclusive education, and by mainstreaming the best practices that enable the industry to maximize its potential. For additional information please visit www.uscfcr.org and follow us on social media @USCFCR.  

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