Veterans Day: Serving Those Who Have Served

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is an official United States public holiday that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Everyone at Bluebird Botanicals holds this day close to their hearts. Over the past several years of providing hemp extracts to the community, we have learned about the pain and struggles that millions of veterans currently face. We’ve heard countless stories about soldiers returning home from conflict only to face an intense battle for their physical and mental wellbeing. We’ve also heard stories from our veteran customers about the positive impact CBD has had on their lives.

Today, we remember and deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by our country’s heroes. We also want to provide the resources and support that veterans need upon returning home.

That is why Bluebird proudly provides its veterans assistance program to help make relief and wellness accessible to those in need. Through this program, all U.S. military veterans and their families are eligible to receive a 20% discount on all Bluebird Botanicals products.

However, veterans need more than discounts. In an interview on the Greener Grass podcast, AMVETS National Communications Specialist Miles (Migs) Migliara shared the variety of services that their organization offers. AMVETS is a non-profit veteran service organization that provides resources and support to former military members. It started in the midst of World War II as a place for veterans to be heard and a rallying organization to fight for their benefits and rights.

Migs currently leads the non-profit’s public affairs efforts, including communications, social media, and lobbying on Capitol Hill. However, you don’t need to be Migs to make a contribution to this organization. Find out what AMVETS volunteer opportunities are near you here.

AMVETS isn’t the only veteran organization we care about. We want to be able to reach veterans everywhere, no matter where they are. That’s why we also provide donations to organizations such as Veteran Sisters, Veterans Cannabis Project, Weed for Warriors Project, Wounded Warrior Project, and Hero Grown.

It’s impossible for many of us to understand the depth of trauma that many veterans continue to face long after combat has ended. That’s why the makers of the documentary “From Shock to Awe” set out to explore the journey of two U.S. soldiers who discovered treatment and healing through the use of psychedelics.

Matt Kahl and Mike Cooley found their lives shattered by the trauma of war. Between anxiety, fear, depression, anger, and an overall inability to find an equilibrium in society and with their families, they were desperate for relief but unable to find success with any pharmaceuticals or traditional therapy methods. Both vets first began to use cannabis as an alternative; eventually, in search of deeper healing, they turned to ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew commonly used as a spiritual medicine by indigenous Amazonian tribes.

Learn about the rest of Matt and Mike’s journeys in "From Shock to Awe." Check their website to watch the video. Additionally, you can make a financial donation to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies to support their scientific research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics for veterans.