Edward Sachetti – He/Him
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
4 years
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
Been an avid user most my life. I enjoy the reward of helping others find relief especially my fellow Vets!
What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?
I’m inspired by seeing how much Cannabis helps others. My life wouldn’t be the same without Cannabis. PTSD is rough and without Cannabis, I wouldn’t be able to function as well. The industry has helped me learn what’s best for me and brought me together with like minded people.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
I would say better discountw. Deals on Veterans' day specific to Vets Only. Vets get 1 DAY A YEAR for remembrance. Let’s make it worth it!
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
Donate when you can and show support ALWAYS. Lend a helping hand if needed and try to understand the thinking of a Vet compared to the everyday normal person.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
I enjoy Animal Face by RYTHM. Great indica strain, mild temps. Great strain for group sessions.
Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?
Regina George from Good Green is new strain. Vibrant green with smooth taste, beautiful size buds for cheap, great quality density and smell.
Jeremiah Rowe – He/Him
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
2 years
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
Honestly, it started from being a Veteran looking for something better than pills to deal with stress and pain. I saw how many of us were getting loaded up on prescriptions that didn’t fix the root problem and often made things worse. Cannabis gave me balance without all the side effects. That’s what first got me curious, and the more I saw how it could help others, the more it became something I wanted to be part of.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?
What inspires me is the people, seeing someone walk hurting or struggling and then finding real relief is powerful. For me, the industry has been life changing. It gave me a career where I can lead teams, build community, and actually feel like I’m making an impact. I get to use my leadership background to help my employees grow, while at the same time helping guests find something that improves their quality of life. That’s meaningful to me.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
Start by making it easier for Veterans to access cannabis, through better pricing, medical programs, and just cutting through the red tape. Beyond that, create more jobs and leadership opportunities for Veterans in the industry, and on a bigger scale, keep pushing for federal policy change so Vets aren’t punished for choosing cannabis as medicine.
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
It doesn’t always have to be about money, you can just show up. Go to local events, volunteer for a few hours, or support Veteran-owned businesses. If you can donate, that helps too, but sometimes the most important thing is just being present and showing that Veterans matter to their community.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
Flower: L’Orange | Concentrate: Brownie Scout
Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?
Pennywise and Blackjack! I was just in Canada at my friend’s dispensary and tried the rosin of both and they were amazing!
Looking to share more?
Green Box - It's a local and family-owned cannabis subscription and on-demand delivery service. Co-Founder Bob Wayman is a Vietnam veteran. (Based out of Oregon).
Jasmine Buckhorn – She/Her
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
1 year
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
I was prescribed multiple pill medications and started using cannabis. I was able to get off all the pills and switch completely over to cannabis.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?
Using products that I know will help is something that motivates me to spread the information about cannabis.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
Offering military related Questions and Answers would benefit elderly users so they know they can use cannabis and still receive their benefits.
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
Volunteering with the DAV or local VA would benefit.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
Fantasy Melons and Rose Gold Runtz
Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?
Looking to share more?
Elev8 offers cannabis vaporizers with military discounts, they are also owned and operated by Veterans.
Ronald Amerson – He/Him
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
1 year
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
Cannabis helped with my PTSD, and some pain, once I left the service. I prefer natural methods, and cannabis has been my main go to.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?
Learning all the benefits cannabis can help with, I am also a grower, so picking up on the knowledge I learn here is priceless and helpful.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
Prioritize Veteran Voices and Leadership
Hire veterans across all levels — from cultivation and compliance to management and ownership. Their discipline, leadership, and sense of mission are assets.
Include veterans on advisory boards and policy discussions, especially when shaping products or outreach programs targeting the veteran community.
Support veteran-owned cannabis businesses through partnerships, mentorship programs, or supplier diversity initiatives.
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
Create safe spaces where veterans can share experiences about cannabis use without judgment.
Highlight veteran stories in marketing and media — authentically, not tokenistically.
Collaborate with veteran nonprofits on events, retreats, or service projects that promote healing and reintegration.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
Fruitcake
Pacman Rodriguez – He/him
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
8 years
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
Cannabis has always been around, my mom, aunt’s, grandma used it. I never really understood what it did for them and why they used it. After my life started to fall apart, I found a friend who reintroduced me, I was around 30 at the time, well after my military career. I had been diagnosed with cPTSD, and I found that the bud helped me to not be afraid of the thoughts I have. I have been able to use the medicine to help me sleep better at night. This has helped me a lot.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?
We are healing people with the power of cannabis. There is no better mantra, I’ve had plenty of family and friends who have died from pills and other more toxic medicine. Marijuana is a safer alternative to help people lead a better life. I have my med card to avoid pills and harmful chemicals. This is a plant, I still have no idea why a plant is illegal.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
I really appreciate the 2 charities that GTI donates to help Vets. I would love to see some feedback after the donations. I would like to see someone start an Employee Resource Group for Veterans who are in GTI. People that may need to talk to someone that’s been through what they have.
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
Round up your change at RISE stores to help support our Vets.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
I like a lot of what the &Shine and Good Green are bringing to the table. I appreciate the lower price points for the same great quality herbs. I generally like to taste all our items.
Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?
Don’t sleep on our grinds. When you’re on a budget, they are a convenient way to enjoy the flower
Patrick Ryan – He/Him
Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI
2 industry / 1 GTI
What sparked your interest in cannabis?
The relaxing, uplifting and medicinal values cannabis has to offer
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our Veteran community?
Encourage the passage of legislation like the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, which would authorize VA doctors to discuss and recommend cannabis in states with legal programs.
How can readers support their local Veteran celebrations or organizations?
Look into the VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warrior Foundation for local fundraisers or events. And always participate Toys for Tots events or donations around the holidays to support the USMC reserve in their mission to support their local communities!
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?
Gastro Pop or a good Apples and Bananas.
Wrapping Things Up
The dedication and resilience of Veterans continue to shape not just our nation’s history, but our cannabis community’s future. By championing access, empathy, and education, these stories remind us what it truly means to rise together. This Veterans Day, we honor those who served — and those who keep serving, every day, in new and inspiring ways.
