Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1442004
23 cannapatientcare.com december 2021 | cannabis patient care feature A: Buckley: Battle Brothers Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit. It operates with a three tier approach of personal, medical, and economic. We work to help veterans transition out of the military, help with VA disability claims, connect veterans who are suffering to treatment centers to help them get back up on their feet, medical cannabis research, job placement, and so forth. We want veterans to have that sense of purpose like they did while serving our country, with the hopes of stopping a veteran from making a mistake they cannot come back from. We customize our program to meet the needs of the individual. Q: How does the stigma surrounding cannabis affect your work? A: Buckley: It has not been as bad as many would think. It seems like each day, people are understanding that cannabis is not the "devil's lettuce." It is becoming normalized and the genie has been far removed from the bottle. This movement has a lot of positive momentum. Q: Are there any regulations that you would like to see pass such as federal legalization? A: Buckley: I would love to see cannabis be moved from schedule 1 to a schedule 3. This would destroy tax code 280E and it would open up more research opportunities. Q: What would you like to see change in the medical cannabis landscape over the next 5 years? A: Buckley: I would want to see medical cannabis be offered in the VA medical system, which would make it federally legal. This would not only benefit veterans, but the countless patients in America that could benefit from cannabis. I will never say that cannabis is for everyone, however, it should be a tool in the toolkit. Q: Would you like to add anything more? A: Buckley: If you would like to help support us on this mission, please donate at www.battlebrothersfoun- dation.org. About the Interviewee As a Special Operations Team Commander with Marine Raiders, BRYAN led multiple teams in deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara (Africa), South East Asia, and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan (Helmand Province). Developed rapport with numerous host nation forces, enhanced capability and capacity within the host nation units, and briefed US Ambassadors. Additionally, he led a 20 man Marine Raider Team to Afghanistan that mentored, trained, and conducted over 40 combat operations with an Afghan Special Operations Battalion. Bryan also deployed twice to Operation Iraqi Freedom with Marine Infantry and Marine Reconnaissance. Br yan is an accomplished sales and operations leader. His credentials include a distinguished background in leadership, policy, training, management, operations, and strategic decision making. Furthermore, Bryan is adept in negotiation, alliance formation, and organizational communication. His ability to forge productive partnerships among stakeholders and reach high-level decision makers within sophisticated organizations helps ensure the free and productive flow of information. In addition, he counsels and assists those within and in association with governmental agencies, along with private sectors, to adopt best practices in compliance with applicable regulations and statutes. Bryan is a graduate of Villanova University. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with "Combat Distinguishing Device" for Heroic Service and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received during combat operations. The founders of Helmand Valley Growers Company, left to right: Andy Miears, Bryan Buckley, and Matt Curran.