Memorial Day: Honoring Our Veterans

As Memorial Day approaches, Bloom would like to take the time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Memorial Day holds significant importance to us since many of our own team members are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. That is why it’s important to us to pay tribute to all veterans this upcoming Memorial Day weekend for their valor and their selfless dedication.

We hope you’ll join us in commemorating Memorial Day and supporting our veterans.

Reflecting on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women throughout history. So, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day and remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives in defense of our freedom.

Share stories of bravery and heroism of those who have lost their lives serving our country to ensure their legacies live on. One story we like to share is about the history of cannabis and the U.S. Military.

The U.S. Military Used to Be Cool with Cannabis?

When it comes to the topic of the military and cannabis, most are surprised to hear they have a somewhat complementary history that goes back to the 1600s. Back in 1606, hemp was an important crop used to make canvas, paper, cloth, rope, and sails. It played such a key role in what were then the British Colonies, that in 1619, Jamestown announced an order in 1619 requiring all farmers to grow hemp.1

During this time there was no differentiation between the terms hemp and cannabis. It wasn’t until 1753 that the scientific term cannabis was used to describe the hemp plant in the US.2

One of the most famous hemp farmers from that time was George Washington, Commander of the Continental Army, and our First President.

Did the Commander in Chief, Cheef?

George Washington grew hemp at his Mount Vernon estate. He believed hemp could be a more profitable crop than tobacco due to its wide range of potential uses. Speaking of possible uses … in a diary entry from August 1765, George Washington wrote, “… began to separate the male from the female hemp …”1

There are some who believe that George Washington writing about separating male and female plants could be evidence of his interest in the psychoactive properties of cannabis – since this is usually done to boost THC levels in cannabis plants.

Of course, this is just speculation.

From Cash Crop to Contraband

For the first few hundred years of our country’s history, hemp served as an important crop that provided the material needed to make things like rope, paper, clothing, and canvas.

In 1916, the USDA published findings indicating that hemp could produce four times more paper per acre than trees. In 1938, Popular Mechanics published an article explaining that hemp could be used in 25,000 different industrial applications.

But, just as our country was beginning to understand the industrial potential of hemp, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 came along and essentially banned it nationwide.

Hemp’s Role in the U.S. War Effort

After heavily taxing and essentially outlawing hemp, the US Government had to soften its stance in 1942. That’s when the USDA initiated the “Hemp for Victory” program - which encouraged farmers to grow hemp to make rope and canvas for the U.S. Navy during World War II.

But, once the war ended, restrictions on growing and selling hemp, as well as the heavy taxes, were put right back into place.

Learn more about: History of Cannabis in the U.S.A

Legal Longer Than It’s Been Illegal

Cannabis/Hemp was legal and accepted as a valuable crop in the US since 1606 and was not made illegal until 1937. It remained illegal until California legalized the medicinal use of marijuana in 1996.

Veterans and Cannabis

Although cannabis was legal for more than three hundred years, and only illegal for about 60 years, that illegal status left a lasting stigma.

Unfortunately, many veterans who use cannabis still face this stigma. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says veterans can discuss cannabis use with their VA providers without losing VA benefits, but VA doctors can’t recommend or prescribe cannabis, and VA facilities don’t provide it.3

What Does Research Say About Cannabis and PTSD?

Many veterans live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, depression, anxiety or trouble sleeping, and some have asked whether cannabis could help. Researchers are studying that question, including how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in stress and fear responses. So far, the evidence is mixed: some studies have found people reporting short-term symptom relief, while others have found no lasting benefit or raised concerns about dependence and worsening symptoms with heavy use.

The VA’s National Center for PTSD notes that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend cannabis as a PTSD treatment, and that effective treatments such as trauma-focused therapy are available.3 If you’re a veteran dealing with PTSD, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: dial 988 and press 1.

If you’re reading this and wondering how to support veterans’ access to cannabis research and legal medical programs, there are ways to get involved.

Veterans Cannabis Advocacy

Several groups advocate for veterans on cannabis policy. One is the Veterans Cannabis Project, a nonprofit that works to educate lawmakers and veterans and to expand veterans’ legal access to medical cannabis and research.

Learn how you can: Join the Fight for Veterans’ Cannabis Access.

Read more: Bloom Is Thankful for U.S. Veterans.

Bloom Honors Veterans with Exclusive Discounts

Thank You for Your Service!

Bloom is thankful for the service and sacrifice of our country’s veterans. That’s why we’re proud to offer veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces a 30% veteran discount year-round at every Bloom dispensary in Ohio and Maryland. So, if you’re a veteran, make sure to mention your veteran status to your Bloom budtender so you can enjoy your savings.

Visit a Bloom Dispensary

Maryland Bloom Dispensary

Bloom Germantown offers a wide selection of cannabis products for medical patients and recreational customers 21+, from CBD and THC oils to edibles, topicals, and premium flower.

• Bloom Germantown, Maryland

Ohio Bloom Dispensaries

From premium flower strains to vape cartridges, edibles, and concentrates, Bloom’s dispensaries in Ohio have something for everyone.

• Bloom Akron, Ohio
• Bloom Athens, Ohio
• Bloom Massillon, Ohio
• Bloom Painesville, Ohio
• Bloom Seven Mile, Ohio
• Bloom South Columbus, Ohio
• Bloom West Columbus, Ohio

As we honor the fallen and pay tribute to their courage this Memorial Day, let’s also remember the living heroes who have served our country. Join us in celebrating their dedication and sacrifice this Memorial Day!

Together, let’s make this Memorial Day meaningful and show our veterans that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

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1. Hemp and Our Founding Fathers | World History
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
3. Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans