Here at Blüm our motto #blümFREELY is a nod to the hard work forged by the cannabis movement that affords all of us the freedom to consume cannabis openly and without fear of stigma. Freedom to consume cannabis is something that we are all very blessed to have, but that freedom is rooted in something much bigger than all of us. Our true freedom as American citizens has been fought and won by the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving in our Armed Forces.
Memorial Day is a day to reflect upon the greatest sacrifice of all, paid by our fallen soldiers who have given their lives in service to our country and our freedom. The origin of Memorial Day is thought to be rooted in the practice of decorating the tombstones of fallen Civil War Soldiers. While many of us spend the day honoring loved ones who were killed in combat, it is essential that we remain aware that our beloved veterans are at great risk to suicide. Statistics show 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide every day.
If you or a loved one is a veteran in crisis, please reach out to the Veteran’s Crisis Line which is completely confidential and available 24/7 via phone, text, and chat.
Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance is a brand owned by three veterans who began cultivating cannabis to serve their own needs for relief while avoiding pharmaceuticals. Combat veterans often return home with physical and psychological wounds that can have lifelong implications. Veterans who use cannabis report that they can find relief from pain, anxiety, depression and PTSD without the long list of side effects from pharmaceuticals.
Because the multitude of wounds inflicted by combat can often interfere with an individual’s ability to integrate back into society, cannabis can often be an out-of-reach option for financial reasons. Blüm is so passionate about the work SCVA is doing because they are not just growing FIRE weed. SCVA is defining social equity in the cannabis industry by fulfilling their passion for assisting veterans through a program designed to alleviate the financial burden of medical cannabis. The SCVA Monthly Veterans Compassion Program serves 1300 veterans out of their shop in Santa Cruz where members can pick up zero cost cannabis on a monthly basis.
SCVA has also stayed true to their medical-cannabis roots by continuing to cultivate the same strains for consistency. By offering the same Kosher Kush (heavy indica), Combat Cookies (hybrid), and Super Sour Diesel (peppy sativa) regularly, medical cannabis patients can rely on a consistent strain to treat their needs. SCVA also focuses on sustainable cultivation practices by using 30% reclaimed water. All SCVA flower is fully compliant and tested which is essential to protecting consumers of legal cannabis. Veterans can often be exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxins when deployed. For individuals who maybe suffering lasting effects from that exposure, it is essential that they can trust their cannabis is safe for consumption and will not exacerbate any existing respiratory issues.
If you are a veteran questioning if medical cannabis is the right choice for you, seek out a licensed dispensary who carries SCVA in your area. SCVA is a brand that you can rely on for clean, compliant, and consistent cannabis. The official position of the VA is that veterans residing in states where medical cannabis is legal may partake in cannabis without the risk of losing their VA benefits. That being said, VA doctors are not allowed to recommend medical cannabis to veterans — however a licensed dispensary with well-trained budtenders can help you find the right cannabis products for you.
Blüm has long thanked our veterans with a 20% discount off their entire purchase all day, every day. This Memorial Day weekend, buy any SCVA concentrate or 1/8th, get an SCVA cookies 1g pre-roll for $0.99.
The Veteran’s Crisis Line can be found online or by calling 800-273-8255. This service is free, completely confidential and available 24/7 via phone, text, and chat.
