August 2023
Beta Program Invite for Dads Who Want to Quit Chewing Tobacco
"In the military a lot of people begin their use of tobacco, especially "dip" or "chew" to help them stay awake, pass the time on a mission, etc. If you started using tobacco in the military and are looking to stop, especially if you're a Dad now and want to have a healthier life and create a better role model for your children, this program may be for you."  

This offer is currently free to our Veteran Community, the program facilitator, my brother, is only asking for your feedback and a testimony if it worked for you. So, if you've been thinking about quitting, what do you have to lose by trying this offer out, only your addiction to tobacco..! "

Aaron Augustis, OIF Veteran and Co-Founder of Veterans Cannabis Group
There's a massive health problem that's 100% preventable amongst men: mouth + throat cancer.

Next month a brand new coaching program launches to help dads quit chewing tobacco. 

Please pass this along to anyone you know who may be interested. You might very well save their life.

Beta Launch

Before the official launch they are starting with a beta program and offering three people the chance to be private beta clients. It's a short 4 week program, where they'll be walked through the exact steps to getting tobacco free. The program will be $3,000 when launched, though they are covering that cost entirely for beta clients.

All they ask in return is feedback and a testimonial if they're happy with the result.
Medical Cannabis Advocate Remembered
July 19, 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the death of Kenny Jenks, AIDS patient and medical cannabis advocate. 

Project 50 has prepared a video to commemorate Kenny's death and honor the efforts of Kenny and his wife Barbra.  "Cannabis & AIDS: The Trailblazers" is comprised of contemporaneous news reports from the time, including the Jenks' December 1, 1991 appearance on 60 Minutes.

The plight of Barbra and Kenny Jenks captivated America. A hemophiliac, Kenny was infected with HIV by tainted blood in the mid-1980s. He unwittingly infected his wife Barbra. The Jenks struggled with the powerful medications that they hoped would keep them alive until a cure was found. For Barbra the medicine was worst than the disease. She lost more than 40 pounds and was in a downward spiral when a support group member advised them to try marijuana. The result was miraculous. Barbra regained weight and the couple settled into a relatively stable period until their arrest for marijuana cultivation-- two plants in their Panama City Beach, FL home -- in April 1990.

The local court refused to accept the medical necessity plea and found them guilty. The Florida Court of Appeals quickly over-ruled the lower court and declared the couple not guilty by reason of medical necessity. But in a move that was indicative of the gratuitous cruelty of the time, especially with respect to AIDS patients, the State of Florida appealed the case to the Florida Supreme Court which refused to hear it, thus upholding the Appeals Court decision.

In the period of two short years, Kenny and Barbra became the face of the medical cannabis movement. With the help of Robert C. Randall, the couple obtained legal access to federal supplies of cannabis. They teamed up with Randall to launch MARS -- Marijuana AIDS Research Service -- in early 1991. The program helped AIDS patients apply for federal marijuana and was hugely successful with hundreds of AIDS patients sending in requests. The federal government responded by closing the Compassionate IND Program that, at the time, allowed a small number of patients to legally use federal cannabis. It was closure of this program that led directly to California's Prop 215 in 1996.

Barbra died on March 28, 1992. Kenny died on July 19, 1993, the day before what would have been Barbra's 27th birthday. Kenny was 31 years old.
Documentary about Operation Surf on Netflix
"what they lost in the war, they found in the waves"
There are shots of our VCG Co-Founder Aaron Augustis in this film, and you can read more about Operation Surf and his experience
Legislation Reintroduced in Congress Would Allow VA to Prescribe Medical Cannabis to Veterans
Under current law, VA doctors can discuss medical cannabis with veterans in states with legal programs, but it is unclear whether veterans are protected from federal prosecution if they choose to use cannabis.

Legislation reintroduced in Congress this week aims to remedy this situation by allowing the VA to prescribe medical cannabis to veterans in states and territories where it is legal.
Check out a recent Veterans Action Council Roundtable and Subscribe!
The Veterans Action Council (VAC) promotes and coordinates efforts on issues facing veterans' access to alternative treatments and therapies, promoting veterans' physical and mental health and their families.
This episode is a deep dive into Humboldt Grace Project and the Legacy Genetics Project with our guest Lelehnia DuBois. She grew up in the Emerald Triangle and took us on her journey through the fog to the garden and beyond.
Outward Bound Fall Veterans Expeditions Available

We thank you for your service to our country and are happy we can continue to offer expeditions at no cost to those of you who have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe. You can find the new expeditions in the link below. We will publish Winter/Spring expeditions in November. 

Remember that you may attend one Outward Bound Veteran course per calendar year and only two maximum. When applying for a course, applicants are only allowed to be on one course roster at a time whether that is an application for an open spot or a waitlist. Choose your top pick and only apply to that course. 

Please also note that for any courses beginning after April 15th, 2023, we are no longer requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Years ago I went on the rafting trip on the Colorado River and it was amazing! Outward Bound Veteran trips are very cool and for me I was able to talk to and hear other Veterans military experiences that were similar to mine helping me process and heal. Rafting, campfires, sleeping under the stars, and being with fellow Veterans on the river. And, thanks to the supporters that contribute to Outward Bound, its totally paid for all the way from the airplane, hotel, etc. So, really you just need to budget your time, and the rest is paid for. What are you waiting for!?

Thank you Outward Bound providing this amazing experience for Veterans!"

Aaron Augustis, OIF Veteran and Co-Founder of Veterans Cannabis Group
Veterans Cannabis Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
We are an advocacy group of veterans for veterans who use cannabis. We provide education, safe access, information on VA resources and benefits, employment, and networking opportunities in the cannabis industry, and support veteran owned cannabis businesses from cultivation to retail. Thank you for your support!