Hello supporters,

This Tuesday 19th March 2024,  Dr James, Frosty, Missy and myself are having a face to face meeting with DVA Deputy Sec of Policy and Programs, Mr Andrew Kefford, to talk about the reasons why veterans urgently need DVA to approve the use of medicinal cannabis to treat their PTSD & TBI, these reasons are:

- empirical evidence showing how DVA’s current medications are causing severe levels of harm and suicide in our veteran population.

- empirical evidence showing how medicinal cannabis works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate mood, maintain homeostasis and link every body organ and system together to effectively and safely treat the symptoms of PTSD & TBI.

- how DVAs Medicinal cannabis policy of not approving MC for PTSD & TBI is discriminating against disabled veterans, is out of step with the rest of the country, and is forcing veterans to either; 

1. continue on DVA’s dangerous and ineffective medication regimen, 

2. source dangerous black market cannabis and face a criminal conviction and possible prison time like some veterans are experiencing.

In the past 3 years of correspondence with the No More Zombie Veterans campaign, DVA have continually stated that their decision to reject veterans desperate pleas for medicinal cannabis is due to being advised there are insufficient studies showing the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis to treat PTSD & TBI, and, as such DVA have also been advised it is safer to keep veterans on the current medication regime of antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, mood stabilisers, benzos & Z-drugs then to approve the use of safe and effective medicinal cannabis.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide was started almost 3 years ago. Sadly veterans are still committing suicide and veteran families are breaking up because DVA refuses to approve safe and effective medicinal cannabis.

If you believe our veterans deserve a safer, cheaper and more effective medication than the suicidal cocktail DVA are feeding them, then write an email to DVA’s chief policy maker, Andrew Kefford at andrew.kefford@dva.gov.au and ask for Andrews help in saving our veterans from suicide.

Thank you, your support will save an Australian war veteran from suicide and help keep their young vulnerable families together.

Kindest regards,

Derek