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Operation 1620
Operation 1620 is the medical cannabis initiative of Balanced Veterans Network, focused on education, advocacy, and responsible access to plant-based medicine for veterans. As laws and research continue to evolve, medical cannabis has become a widely used option for symptom management across many states and is increasingly recognized as a lower-risk alternative to certain federally approved treatments for some individuals.
For many veterans, cannabis including CBD and regulated THC products may help support sleep, reduce chronic stress, ease pain, and quiet hypervigilance when used intentionally and within legal and medical guidelines. While cannabis has minimal risk associated with it, education around dosage, frequency, product selection, and integration is critical to establishing a healthy relationship with any modality used in a healing journey. Overuse is possible, and balance, self-awareness, and informed decision-making matter.
Operation 1620 exists to address the real barriers veterans face including access, affordability, stigma, and lack of reliable information. Through education, peer insight, legal awareness, and advocacy, BVN helps veterans determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option for their personal goals and circumstances. Our aim is not promotion, but normalization, responsibility, and empowerment so veterans can make informed choices that support long-term balance and wellbeing after service.
Community, Education, Access, & Advocacy
Community
Through our online safe & secure platform, veterans and family members can connect with other veterans utilizing cannabis in their wellness journey. There are mentors available to assist veterans in navigating this expansive plant. We also offer assistance to veterans seeking to grow their own medicinal cannabis (where legal) through equipment giveaways and mentors to guide growers along their journey.
Education
Education is the key to empowerment. The Balanced Veterans Operation 1620 team is devoted to providing up-to-date and relevant cannabis education, including research on cannabinoids, terpenes, and cultivation. Mentors offer educational live and recorded classes, Q&A sessions, articles, legislative updates, consumption tips, and more.
Access
If you live in one of the states listed above, click below to apply for certification. Veterans in any state qualify for state fee reimbursement.
Many veterans face real barriers to accessing medical cannabis, including cost, and lack of clear guidance, the outdated stigma of the plant. While the VA does not currently recommend cannabis as a treatment option, a veteran’s VA benefits and healthcare eligibility are not jeopardized solely by choosing to use cannabis where it is legal. Understanding your rights, options, and responsibilities is critical, and informed access matters.
Through trusted partners, BVN’s Medical Marijuana Certification program helps veterans navigate this process responsibly and legally. Our program is currently available in the following locations:
Arizona
Arkansas (renewals only)
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia (low THC/CBD oil only)
Hawaii (renewals only)
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire(renewals only)
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Texas(low THC/high CBD only)
Vermont
Virginia
Washington (renewals only)
Washington, DC
West Virginia
Our team is actively working to expand Medical Marijuana Certification services nationwide so more veterans can access education, support, and legal pathways to care. BVN remains committed to advocacy, harm reduction, and helping veterans make informed decisions that align with their health goals and life after service.
Our ability to support veterans is directly tied to available funding and partner capacity. If you would like to contribute financially to help expand access, or if you are a licensed certifying provider interested in donating your time to support veterans, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
We also offer reduced certification rates for family members. A portion of each certification fee is reinvested directly into Balanced Veterans Network, helping us extend education, advocacy, and support to more veterans and families.
MMJ Card Certification providers:
VETERAN MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Medical Cannabis State Fee Reimbursement Program
In addition to medical marijuana card certifications, Balanced Veterans Network offers a State Fee Reimbursement Program to help reduce the financial burden of obtaining a medical cannabis card. This program is available in all states with a state-run medical cannabis program, subject to available funding.
The program reimburses state application and re-certification fees up to $50 per veteran, per year, with proper documentation.
What the Program Covers
Reimbursement of state medical cannabis application or re-certification fees
Maximum reimbursement of $50, regardless of state or license length
Available for initial certifications and renewals
Open to veterans participating in any state-run medical cannabis program
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must submit:
Proof of veteran status
A paid state medical cannabis application receipt
Receipt date must be within 31 days of form submission (no exceptions)
Name on receipt must match government-issued ID
Limitations:
One reimbursement per veteran, per year
Priority is given to service-disabled veterans
Non-service-disabled reimbursements are first come, first served
Reimbursements are available only while funding remains
Important Program Details
All applications are reviewed and verified
Reimbursements are processed once per month
Funds may take up to two months to be received after approval
If funding is exhausted, older eligible applications are paid first
Only state fees are reimbursable
(processing fees, transaction fees, or third-party up-charges are not covered)Spousal and caretaker reimbursements are not eligible at this time
Multi-year licenses exceeding $50 will still be reimbursed at the $50 maximum
Our Commitment
This program exists to remove financial barriers and increase access to education and legal pathways for veterans exploring medical cannabis as part of their wellness journey. Availability is dependent on community support and funding, and we remain committed to expanding access whenever possible.
Advocacy
Advocacy is foundational to everything we do. Access does not happen without it. Many of the non-traditional and whole-person modalities available to veterans today exist because individuals and organizations were willing to speak up, show up, and push for change.
When we meet with legislators and policymakers, we bring the real stories of our community into the room. Every number represents a person. Every person carries a story. Those stories drive policy, influence legislation, and create lasting impact for veterans and their families.
BVN actively participates in advocacy efforts that have contributed to multiple pieces of legislation directly supporting veterans. We regularly provide opportunities for veterans and supporters to engage in advocacy through legislative outreach, public testimony, rallies, and policy-focused initiatives. If you are interested in helping shape policy, protecting veteran access, or participating in advocacy efforts, we invite you to share more about yourself and join our legal and advocacy team.
FAQs
Veterans who are new to cannabis often have questions, and access to accurate information matters. In addition to the FAQ below, we encourage you to join our community for deeper discussion, shared experiences, and ongoing education. Cannabis laws and regulations vary by state, so it is important to review your local requirements before deciding whether this option is right for you.
If you do not see your question answered in the FAQ, please reach out to us directly. Our team is here to help guide you toward informed, responsible decisions.
Can I still purchase a firearm if I use cannabis?
Firearm laws related to cannabis use are complex and vary by state and circumstance. We strongly encourage you to review your state and local laws or consult with a qualified legal professional before making decisions related to firearm ownership.
Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. As a result, purchasing firearms from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer presents legal limitations for individuals who use cannabis, whether medically or recreationally. Federal law currently prohibits FFL dealers from transferring firearms to individuals who are unlawful users of controlled substances under federal law.
That said, firearm ownership itself is generally not automatically affected by medical cannabis use, and state-level rules vary. For example, in states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania, medical cannabis cardholders may still hold a FOID card or a concealed carry permit under state law. In some states, private firearm sales may also be permitted under specific conditions.
Because laws continue to evolve and enforcement can vary, it is essential to stay informed and seek legal guidance when navigating firearm ownership and cannabis use. For additional information, please review current federal and state guidance or consult a firearms attorney.
Will I lose my VA benefits if I use cannabis?
According to the VA, veterans will not be denied benefits solely due to medical cannabis use, and the VA encourages open communication between veterans and their healthcare providers regarding cannabis use. Transparency with your care team is important for overall safety and continuity of care.
Veterans with a documented substance use disorder should approach cannabis use thoughtfully and with caution. Some veterans within our community have reported being diagnosed with “Cannabis Use Disorder” by their primary care provider, which may become part of their medical record. Understanding potential implications before disclosure is important.
It is also critical to note that while the VA recognizes state-level medical cannabis programs, the VA is a federal institution and follows federal law. As a result, possession of recreational or medical cannabis remains illegal on all VA medical center property, including buildings, parking lots, and grounds.
We strongly encourage veterans to stay informed, understand their rights and responsibilities, and review current VA guidance before making decisions related to cannabis use. Learn more here.
How can CBD help me?
CBD is commonly explored by veterans as a non-intoxicating option for supporting anxiety, sleep, pain management, and overall nervous system regulation. Some research suggests that CBD may influence anxiety by supporting cerebral blood flow and interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in stress response, emotional regulation, and memory processing. For some individuals, this interaction may help reduce persistent mental overactivation associated with trauma-related stress.
Certain terpenes often found in CBD products, such as pinene, are being studied for their potential effects on respiratory function and alertness, which may be relevant during episodes of acute anxiety. Veterans also report using CBD to help manage discomfort related to service-connected injuries, including inflammation, stiffness, and sleep disruption, which can impact mobility and recovery when left unaddressed.
CBD is federally legal and does not require a medical cannabis card. As with any wellness modality, individual responses vary, and veterans are encouraged to approach use thoughtfully, consider product quality and sourcing, and consult appropriate medical or legal professionals when needed.
Click here to read this educational article from our friends at Leafwell. We also recommend this article.
Ready to partner with us?
If you are a dispensary, cultivator, organization, or corporate supporter interested in contributing to BVN programs, we welcome the opportunity to explore a partnership. Strategic partnerships play a critical role in expanding education, advocacy, and access to wellness resources for veterans and their families.
Supporting partners receive visibility across BVN platforms, including our website, digital channels, and select events. If your organization is aligned with our mission and interested in a values-driven partnership, please contact us through this form. We look forward to discussing how we can work together to create meaningful impact.