The conversation surrounding cannabis legalization is always developing and progressing. In 2021, 18 states have fully legalized recreational use of cannabis. While this is an exciting progression, there are still states that haven’t even legalized the medical use of cannabis. For example, many southern states such as Georgia and Tennessee have yet to decriminalize or allow the use of cannabis. There are many factors involved in a state’s decision to legalize cannabis. For many of these states, it is mainly due to a stronger conservative presence. However, the illegality of cannabis might change very soon in these states, and it is largely due to input from U.S. veterans.
Chayse Roth, a former Marine Corps Sergeant, is at the forefront of this complex conversation. After serving multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Roth has dedicated his time to advocating for the medical legalization of cannabis in North Carolina.
While many people are actively advocating for legalization, Roth’s voice seems to resonate much more. Roth is aiming for statewide legalization in North Carolina specifically so that veterans in his state have access to cannabis. Additionally, Roth is hoping medical use of cannabis will assist vets with PTSD and other post-war related conditions.
Using Cannabis to Combat The Side Effects of War
Oftentimes, returning veterans will develop post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the military. PTSD can be a devastating disorder that leaves many veterans in a dark place. “I’ve lost more men to suicide since we went to Afghanistan in ’01 than I have in combat. It’s just unacceptable for these guys to go overseas and win the battle and come home and lose the battle to themselves.” Roth told Stars and Stripes. “If we really want to be the most veteran-friendly state in the union, this is just another thing we can do to solidify that statement.”
For decades, veterans have advocated for medical legalization of cannabis. Some states have already been successful in assisting their vets. For example, in California, an organization called Los Angeles NORML works directly with the Veterans Cannabis Coalition to provide cannabis donations to vets in need. NORML continues to expand to other states as well. Even the southern state of Florida has opened up the conversation about medical cannabis for vets.
Politicians Begin to Hear The Voice of Our Veterans
With veterans pushing this conversation forward, especially in the deep south, there is a solid glimpse of hope for medical legalization in the remaining states. While pro-legalization tends to be a characteristic of the left, many outspoken veterans prove that you can be conservative and still appreciate the value of medical cannabis.
According to former lobbyist Julius Hobson Jr., “When you’ve got veterans coming in advocating for that, and they’re considered to be a more conservative bunch of folks, that has more impact.” Furthermore, Hobson told Stars and Stripes: “Veterans also have the power of numbers in many of these states. That’s what gives them clout.”
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Rep. Dave Joyce is an Ohio Republican who recently co-sponsored two bipartisan bills concerning veterans and medical marijuana. In a conversation with Stars and Stripes, he said the input from veterans is “what drew [him] to cannabis in the first place.”
As veterans continue to speak up, medical legalization is becoming a reality in states that may’ve not seen legalization otherwise. While hearing the stories of these vets, politicians are starting to understand the positive effects of cannabis use for vets. After all, the medical use of cannabis limitlessly benefits those who are in need. Why would anyone deny our veterans those benefits?
