There’s no such thing as “typical” when it comes to the cannabis space. The stoner stereotype has eroded, and everyone from suburban moms to star athletes has a place. One group continuing to make waves in weed is veterans, especially since the plant has shown promise in easing PTSD symptoms for many people. Despite this, one decorated vet made national headlines when he announced he was entering the legal cannabis industry.
Robert O’Neill is best known as the member of the elite SEAL Team 6 who took out Osama Bin Laden in 2011. But now he has another title to add to his resume: pot company founder. O’Neill is launching Operator Canna Co. in the New York market, starting with flower and pre-rolls.
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The military-inspired strains include Warrior, a sativa, Shooter, a hybrid, and Healer, an indica. The brand’s name is a nod to O’Neill’s book and podcast of the same title.
O’Neill told the New York Post he founded the company after seeing his comrades struggle with mental health issues. A portion of Operator Canna’s sales will go toward non-profits supporting disabled veterans.
“I wanted to get into the cannabis business through my experience in the military and watching vets suffer from things like post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said.
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O’Neill added that he consumes cannabis for sleep.
“It’s a good way to take the edge off. It helps to get rid of the noise,” he explained, adding he believes cannabis could help bring world peace.
According to the Post, Operator will initially be available exclusively at The Flowery dispensaries throughout New York City. However, the brand will likely enter other retailers soon.
O’Neill’s brand may help raise the profile of veteran access to cannabis. The federal government has softened its stance on the topic in the last several years, allowing qualifying vets to consume medical marijuana if done lawfully. However, Veterans Affairs doctors may not “recommend or assist Veterans to obtain it,” nor will they reimburse the cost. The decision for the high-profile Navy SEAL to endorse the plant could help revive the conversation in D.C.
