Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1442004
22 cannabis patient care | vol. 2 no. 4 cannapatientcare.com feature V ETER ANS PUT THEIR lives on the line for our coun- try, but are often met with obstacles upon returning home. Bryan Buckley, the president and CEO of Hel- mand Valley Growers Company (HVGC), is no stranger to the challenges veterans face as a Marine veteran himself. Along with his cofounders, Buckley is set to make a big change for the veteran community and is using his company to push research and access forward for his comrades. Q: What is Helmand Valley Growers Company's (HVGC) mission and objective? A: Bryan Buckley: HVGC was conceived from the stresses of battle, to help everyone battling day-to-day life. We're on a mission to help put an end to the opioid and suicide epidemic plaguing our Nation's Heroes. We believe that exploring the benefits of medical cannabis is the most effective way to combat these issues and bring proper aid to those who gave so much for our great country. Q: How do you educate others on the benefits of medical cannabis? Does HVGC take part in educa- tional outreach outside of the organization? A: Buckley: We work with various veterans groups, hold Patient Appreciation Days (PADs) at dispensaries, and speak at public events. This has provided us with amazing opportunities to discuss our mission with others while learning from them. We want to know how we can better help serve our veteran community. Upcoming, we have a medical cannabis study to collect the data to see if the plant can reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and we have many veterans who are eager to assist. Q: How involved is HVGC in the veteran community? How does HVGC support veteran medical cannabis research? A: Buckley: We are very active in the veteran community. We are proud members of the Veterans Action Council and we also work with members of the United States Congress. We have also been awarded an Institutional Review Board (IRB) with NiaMedic Healthcare and Research Institute along with the University of California at Irvine Health. We fund our research by donating 100% of our profits from HVGC to our veteran medical cannabis research initiative. Q: How are HVGC products different from other cannabis products currently on the market? A: Buckley: We listen to our veterans and find out what helps them the most to combat the injuries they received, both physical and emotional, during their service. Again, 100% of our profits goes back to fund veteran medical cannabis research. Not only are you getting a great product, you are also going to help support veterans. Q: How should new consumers and those curious about medical cannabis reach out to your organiza- tion when it comes to education and finding the right products or dosing? A: Buckley: We cannot give medical advice, but if you want to get into medical cannabis treatment, we would refer you to NiaMedic. However, we can point you in the right direction and provide recommendations from our own experi- ence, by reaching out to us on our Instagram @hvgcompany. Q: How do the different state-by-state regulations on medical cannabis affect your work with veterans and the plant? A: Buckley: It has not had much of an impact on us. We currently only operate in California, so we just adhere to the state law. In terms of our study, we received a private Institutional Review Board (IRB). As a result, we do not need to work with the federal government. This provides us with a little more flexibility in terms of how we can adjust and adapt to findings in our study. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the Battle Brothers Foundation? Veterans Helping Veterans: Taking Products and Research to the Next Level B Y M A D E L I N E C O L L I A N D M E G L' H E U R E U X