OPINION:
I spent more than a decade in the U.S. Army, including multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I survived serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and debilitating damage to my back. But coming home was the beginning of another fight.
My doctors prescribed me a medicine cabinet of pills to help with chronic pain, PTSD, migraines and sleepless nights. No treatment helped me get my life back — until I was introduced to hemp.
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But my access to those products could disappear any day now if Congress moves forward with a ban on Dec. 11. A new federal definition of hemp that would make a majority of today’s lawful hemp products illegal is scheduled to take effect. Lawmakers considering this ban are not taking the consequences seriously.
Hemp-derived products have become a lifeline for veterans like me who did not see positive results with the opioids and antidepressants often (over)prescribed for our health challenges. The 6,000-plus pills I was taking each year created a fog around my life.
But hemp had a different effect, one that gave me my life back. I advanced professionally, became a better husband, father and grandfather and eventually had the honor of serving as state commander of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars. I have not needed opioids, antidepressants or prescription sleeping medications since 2018.
That is why I am asking Congress to act before Dec. 11. Lawmakers should pass regulations, such as age verification, independent lab testing, child-resistant packaging, clear labels and real consequences. But they should not eliminate hemp.
I spent years fighting overseas, then additional years at home, fighting to regain control of my life. Veterans like me should not have to battle Washington simply to make our experiences part of this debate.
Lago Vista, Texas
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