Veterans and Hemp: Relief We Should Protect, Not Restrict

For many North Carolina veterans, hemp is more than a wellness product—it's a lifeline.

After serving our country, thousands of veterans return home facing challenges that are hard to explain and harder to treat: chronic pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and post-traumatic stress. For years, these conditions were managed with opioids and prescription medications, many of which brought unwanted side effects or risk of dependency.

Today, thanks to the legal hemp industry, veterans have access to a range of safe, non-addictive alternatives. Products like CBD, THCa, and Delta-8 have become essential tools for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

But if restrictive hemp legislation passes, that relief could disappear.

Why Hemp Matters to Veterans

North Carolina is home to nearly 700,000 veterans. Many have found hemp-derived cannabinoids to be a critical part of their daily routines—not to get high, but to feel human again.

These veterans report using:

CBD for inflammation, stress, and sleep
THCa for pain relief and relaxation without intoxication
Delta-8 as a gentler alternative to traditional THC

These products aren’t about recreation. They’re about recovery.

Legislation That Could Eliminate Access

The Senate's version of SB328 (often referred to as HB328) proposes a ban on nearly all hemp-derived cannabinoids except Delta-9 THC under 0.3%. If passed, this would:

Outlaw THCa, Delta-8, HHC, and many full-spectrum CBD products
Disrupt the daily care routines of veterans relying on hemp
Force individuals toward more costly or less effective pharmaceutical options

Banning these products doesn’t protect veterans. It abandons them.

Real Relief, Backed by Responsibility

At NCHAA, we support responsible regulation. That means:

Setting age restrictions (21+) for psychoactive hemp products
Requiring testing, labeling, and packaging standards
Ensuring consumer safety without denying access

We believe veterans deserve high-quality, reliable hemp products—not blanket bans that erase their options.

Listening to Those Who Served

Lawmakers and regulators must hear directly from the people impacted most. Many veterans are asking for one thing: don’t take away what’s working.

Instead of pushing out a one-size-fits-all prohibition, North Carolina can lead by crafting smart, inclusive legislation that respects both public safety and personal freedom.

Let’s honor our veterans by trusting them to manage their health. Let’s support them with policy that listens, not restricts.

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