Many military veterans are barred from accessing medical cannabis due to its illegality at the federal level. While there are some promising studies and many personal anecdotes on the positive effects of weed on PTSD, veterans with no safe or legal access to the plant may never receive the care they need or may even face criminal charges.
To counter the deep-rooted stigma still surrounding the use of cannabis, especially by those who've served in the US military, many organizations led by veterans are advocating for reform, supporting open access to cannabis for veterans and for all.
Below, find 13 brands and organizations supporting veterans and advocating for legal cannabis.
Weed for Warriors Project (WFWP) - CA
Gina Coleman/WeedmapsThe Weed for Warriors Project is a social justice organization urging change on the federal level by advocating for the use of compassionate alternative care for veterans. Volunteers with the Weed for Warriors Project are dedicated to educating lawmakers and providing support to veterans seeking legal access to cannabis.
Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition (VMHLC) - Nationwide
Led by retired Marine Lt. General Martin Steele with 40+ partner organizations, VMHLC focuses on breakthrough therapies, including cannabis for veteran mental health. The coalition partners with Field to Healed Foundation, part of the Scottsdale Research Institute, for FDA cannabis trials and actively lobbies Congress on breakthrough therapy legislation, having funded 1,065+ veterans for alternative treatments.
Learn more about VMHLC's advocacy work and support their mission for veteran mental health innovation.
American Legion - Nationwide
The American Legion officially supports using opioid settlement funds to research breakthrough therapies for veterans, including cannabis and psychedelic-assisted treatments for PTSD and opioid use disorder. Through resolutions like Montana Post #426's 2024 initiative, the organization advocates for alternatives to traditional approaches, citing over 125,000 veteran suicides since 2001 and rising overdose mortality rates.
Grunt Style Foundation - Nationwide
The Grunt Style Foundation, led by Marine Corps veteran President Tim Jensen, champions alternative healing for veterans through its "Cannabis Helps" campaign. The foundation fights state hemp restrictions and advocates for cannabis over traditional pharmaceuticals. In November 2024, it partnered with the VFW to expand its national reach and impact.
Donate here to support the Grunt Style Foundation or show your support by purchasing their advocacy apparel.
Curaleaf - Nationwide
Multi-state operator Curaleaf partners with the Veterans Cannabis Project to support veteran cannabis access nationwide. The company offers a 20% veteran discount across all locations and collaborates on research and advocacy initiatives. Their commitment extends beyond discounts to meaningful partnerships that advance veteran cannabis access and reduce stigma.
Find Curaleaf on Weedmaps.
MOTA Glass - Nationwide
Veteran-owned MOTA Glass combines quality cannabis accessories with military community support. The company offers a 25% discount to veterans and active-duty service members, making premium glass products more accessible. Founded by veterans who understand their community's needs, MOTA Glass represents the growing veteran entrepreneurship in cannabis.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Nationwide
The VFW officially supports federally funded research of medical cannabis for veterans through Resolution No. 627, approved at their 118th National Convention in 2017. The organization advocates for VA doctors to discuss cannabis treatments with veteran patients for service-connected disabilities, citing evidence that medical cannabis effectively treats chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions while reducing opioid dependence by 15% to 35% percent in legal states.
Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC) - CA
Proceeds from the Helmand Valley Growers Co. (HGVC) go directly to the nonprofit Battle Brothers Foundation, where veterans are placed in individual and community-based mentorship programs to foster personal growth and community bonding. Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Bryan Buckley founded both organizations.
Donate directly to the Battle Brothers Foundation or offer support by purchasing cannabis products from HGVC.
HVGC was the first veteran-owned brand to be onboarded onto the Weedmaps TEAL program.
Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA) - LA
Based in Louisiana and founded by veteran Gary Hess, the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives is an organization advocating for open access to medical cannabis for veterans. Through educational outreach, volunteer support, and policy reform, VAHA aims to empower veterans and provide resources for accessing medical cannabis.
Donate here and support VAHA.
Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA) - CA
The Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance is a team of California-based military veterans advocating for access to cannabis. It grows cannabis for its fellow veterans, and through the company's Veteran Compassion Program, SCVA provides free lab-tested cannabis to more than 100 veterans every month.
Any veteran with proof of veteran status (DD214 or VA Card) and a valid doctor's recommendation for medical cannabis can receive a donation of medical cannabis products at the SCVA dispensary in Soquel, California.
CNA Stores - MA
With dispensaries in Haverhill and Amesbury, Massachusetts, veteran-owned CNA Stores support East Coast veterans through donations to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center (VNEOC). The organization provides continuous care for veterans and their families by addressing housing needs, community support services, and mental health support. Donate here and support the VNEOC.
Trulieve - Nationwide
Gina Coleman/WeedmapsTrulieve offers veterans a 20% to 22% discount across all locations nationwide, with some states providing up to 30% off when stacked with other eligible discounts. As Disabled American Veterans' exclusive national partner since 2020, Trulieve continues its ongoing partnership with the DAV through multiple initiatives.
From May 1 to May 31, 2025, Trulieve invites customers in Maryland, Connecticut, and Arizona to round up at the register to donate to DAV. Donate directly to DAV or support through Trulieve's ongoing veteran programs.
Xtreme Couture GI Foundation (XCGIF) - NV
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and created by six-time UFC Champion and army veteran Randy “the Natural Couture,” the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation was formed to raise money and awareness to assist combat veterans and their families struggling with financial burdens as they return to civilian life.
XCGIF runs four programs that support Veterans:
- Support and assistance: XCGIF provides financial assistance to veterans in need via grants funded by donations — 100% of donations go to veterans.
- Transitional mental health: XCGIF provides mental health support to veterans and their families by funding therapy sessions and plant medicine retreats. It also facilitates opportunities for veterans to gather in the community.
- Physical wellness: With Merging Vets and Players (MVP), XCGIF provides weekly workout sessions and “huddles” where veterans can work on their physical and mental fitness and spend time with their brothers and sisters in the community.
- Troop morale visits: Randy travels the globe, spending time with troops at home and abroad. He also annually visits the USO Warrior and Family Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Donate here to support XCGIF.
If you're a veteran needing support, reach out to XCGIF here.
This article was reviewed by Jason Moore-Brown, Vice President of Veterans Advocacy and Engagement and Weedmaps' first Veteran hire at its inception in 2008. Jason was a Captain in the US Army and GWOT Veteran prior to joining Weedmaps.
