On what started as a wonderful day with my son, we visited the Shadow Ridge Fossil Farm before heading home to prepare for a t-ball game. On our way, a man not wearing his seatbelt ran a red light, and I t-boned his vehicle. He lost his life that day. My son and I were transported to the hospital, and thankfully, we were physically unharmed aside from whiplash and burns from the airbags. I was honest with law enforcement, admitting I was a medical cannabis patient who last medicated the night before. I volunteered for a blood test, and despite passing three field sobriety tests, an officer obtained a search warrant for additional blood analysis.

Thirty-two days later, a SWAT team burst into my home, arresting me for felony DUI death and child endangerment. My bail was set at $250,000, and I was labeled a danger to society. After six months in jail, my bail was reduced, and I was finally released—but my savings were gone, my reputation shattered, and my life in ruins. Despite multiple testimonies from officers stating I showed no signs of impairment, Nevada’s per se DUID laws meant I was “under the influence” simply because I had THC in my blood. I was coerced into taking a plea deal under the Alford Doctrine, acknowledging felony reckless driving and a misdemeanor DUI, simply to avoid an even harsher fate.

Before medical cannabis, my life was consumed by 12 different prescription medications, including opioids and benzodiazepines. My quality of life was at an all-time low, and my mental health deteriorated to the point that I spent eight days in a psychiatric hospital. With medical cannabis, I was able to reclaim my life—I stopped using all but one prescription medication, replaced alcohol with healthier alternatives, and found relief from PTSD, chronic pain, and suicidal thoughts. But once my probation began, the judge took my medical cannabis away, and I returned to 22 pills a day. My quality of life plummeted. I lost my motivation, quit coaching, and withdrew from those I love. The struggle became unbearable, leaving me a shell of the person I once was.

The issue is not just about me. It’s about an unjust system that criminalizes veterans and medical cannabis patients. Nevada’s per se DUID laws are outdated and fundamentally flawed. They disregard individual sobriety and responsible cannabis use, instead relying solely on the presence of THC, without any regard for impairment or the unique ways in which cannabis affects each person. These laws strip away the rights of patients, subjecting them to criminal prosecution even when they are not impaired.

The “pill mill” culture within the VA system must also be addressed. Veterans should not be treated as experiments, subjected to endless combinations of opioids, benzodiazepines, and other medications that strip away their quality of life. Instead of providing individualized, compassionate care, the VA has often fallen into a pattern of overprescribing addictive medications, contributing to the very issues they are meant to solve. Veterans, who already face high rates of PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety, are being set up for failure by a system that relies too heavily on pharmaceuticals.

I want to make it clear that the issue of overprescription is not just about the misuse of medication—it’s about the infringement of our rights.

As veterans, we are promised care that honors our service and supports our well-being. Instead, we are often given pills that numb us, that silence our emotions, and that make it impossible to function as fathers, mothers, spouses, and community members. The term “pill mill” refers to clinics or doctors that prescribe medications—often painkillers—at a much higher rate than is medically necessary. These practices are not just negligent, they are exploitative, especially when they target vulnerable populations like veterans.

The opioid crisis has hit veterans particularly hard. Many of us were prescribed opioids for chronic pain related to combat injuries, only to find ourselves dependent on these drugs. The combination of physical pain and mental health struggles like PTSD makes veterans especially vulnerable to addiction. The VA has faced significant scrutiny for its handling of veterans’ opioid prescriptions, and while progress has been made in reducing overprescription, the damage has already been done for many of us. Veterans are at a higher risk of overdose and dependency, and the inconsistent prescribing practices within the VA have created a cycle of dependency that is incredibly difficult to break.

In my case, I turned to medical cannabis as an alternative. It gave me my life back. I was able to stop using opioids, I found relief from my PTSD, and I could be present for my family again. But the stigma surrounding cannabis use, especially within the VA and the broader healthcare and court systems, meant that my choice was not respected. When I was forced off cannabis and back onto prescription medications, my quality of life plummeted once again. I went from one prescription to 22, and with each pill, I felt myself slipping further away from the person I wanted to be.

This is why I am here today to advocate for Descheduling cannabis—not merely rescheduling it. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) would continue to criminalize patients, prevent home cultivation, and impose restrictive regulations that disproportionately harm marginalized communities. Descheduling cannabis, on the other hand, would allow states to determine their own cannabis policies, free from federal interference, and create opportunities for responsible regulation, research, and economic growth.

Descheduling would also be a critical step towards ending the legacy of the War on Drugs, which has led to mass incarceration and disproportionately affected communities of color. By Descheduling, we can eliminate harmful, outdated regulations and help restore justice through expungement and pardon opportunities for those convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses. It would give veterans like myself a fair chance to heal without fear of criminalization.

The benefits of Descheduling cannabis are profound. It would eliminate conflicts between state and federal laws, allowing businesses to operate without fear of federal crackdowns. It would create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and equitable participation in the cannabis industry—particularly for communities most harmed by past cannabis policies. Descheduling would also allow for proper scientific research, enabling us to fully understand cannabis’ medical potential and develop new treatment options for conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and opioid addiction.

For veterans, access to cannabis is often a matter of survival. The VA’s history of neglectfully overprescribing opioids has led to widespread addiction and suffering. Veterans are particularly vulnerable to dependency, as they struggle with both chronic pain and the mental health impacts of trauma. When opioids are overprescribed and then cut off abruptly, many veterans are left in a cycle of addiction or forced to seek pain relief through dangerous alternatives. By providing safe, legal access to cannabis, we can help break this cycle and offer veterans a chance at a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Descheduling cannabis would also pave the way for comprehensive research into its medical benefits. Under its current Schedule I status, cannabis is heavily restricted in terms of research. The Schedule I classification places cannabis in the same category as drugs like heroin, indicating that it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification makes it nearly impossible for researchers to study cannabis effectively, and as a result, we are missing out on critical knowledge that could help millions of people. By Descheduling, we can unlock the full potential of cannabis as a therapeutic option, not just for veterans, but for anyone suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions.

We must also address the social stigma surrounding cannabis use, particularly for veterans. Cannabis is not just a recreational substance. In fact, since we each have an endocannabinoid system, and cannabis-derived cannabinoids bind to our receptors, it means all cannabis use is “medical” and cannabis is in fact medicine. For many of us, it is the only medicine that works. The current federal scheduling of cannabis as a Schedule I drug perpetuates the stigma and prevents meaningful progress. By Descheduling cannabis, we send a clear message that this is a legitimate medical treatment, deserving of research, regulation, and respect.

The social equity aspect of Descheduling is also crucial. The War on Drugs has devastated countless communities, particularly communities of color, through discriminatory enforcement and mass incarceration. Descheduling cannabis would allow for the expungement of criminal records for those convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses, giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. It would also create opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in the legal cannabis industry, ensuring that the benefits of legalization are shared equitably.

The economic benefits of Descheduling cannot be ignored either. By allowing the cannabis industry to operate without the constraints of federal prohibition, we can create jobs, foster innovation, and generate significant tax revenue. Cannabis businesses would have access to traditional banking and financial services, which are currently out of reach due to federal restrictions. This would provide stability and growth opportunities for the industry, benefiting not just business owners, but also the communities in which they operate.

In closing, I want to remind you that my story is not unique. There are countless veterans, patients, and families who have suffered under the weight of outdated cannabis laws. We need change. We need a system that respects patients’ rights, promotes healing, and ensures that no one else has to endure what I did simply to be honest about their medical treatment. Descheduling cannabis is a critical step towards a more just and compassionate society. It’s time to put an end to criminalizing patients and start empowering them. It’s time to end the pill mill culture that treats veterans as expendable, and instead offer real, effective solutions that prioritize our well-being.

The term “pill mill” refers to clinics or doctors that prescribe medications—often painkillers, like opioids—at a much higher rate than is medically necessary, sometimes without appropriate medical evaluation, and typically in a way that can foster abuse and addiction. In the context of veterans, the issue of “pill mills” is particularly concerning because many veterans, particularly those who have suffered from chronic pain due to injuries, combat-related trauma, or other physical conditions, have become vulnerable to over prescription of pain medications.

This has been a major issue for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which has faced significant scrutiny in recent years for how it handles the prescribing of pain medications, especially opioids. The opioid crisis has deeply impacted veterans, with some pill mills targeting the veteran population, exploiting their need for pain relief, and contributing to widespread dependency and overdose deaths.

Key Issues with Pill Mills and Veterans:

1. Over prescription of Opioids:

Many veterans, particularly those injured in combat or suffering from conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and back injuries, have been prescribed opioid painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, over the years, the VA has been criticized for the overprescription of these drugs, sometimes by doctors who are too quick to prescribe or who fail to monitor their use closely.

Opioids are highly addictive, and their misuse is a well-documented problem. Veterans, who may be dealing with physical pain and mental health issues like PTSD, may be especially vulnerable to dependency or addiction. Over time, the need for higher doses can develop, leading to tolerance and dependence.

Pill mills that target veterans have been found to exploit this vulnerability, prescribing large amounts of opioids with little oversight or medical justification. This can lead to diversion, where prescription medications are sold illegally or used inappropriately.

2. The Opioid Crisis and Veterans:

The opioid epidemic has been particularly devastating for veterans. Studies have shown that veterans are at higher risk for opioid overdose deaths compared to the general population. Veterans are also at increased risk for chronic pain, which is often complicated by mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The co-occurrence of mental health issues and chronic pain makes veterans particularly susceptible to opioid misuse and addiction.

In fact, the VA opioid crisis has been a long-standing concern, with veterans becoming some of the most affected by the over-prescription of these drugs.

In 2016, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reported that about 20% of veterans in the VA system were prescribed opioids for pain. A significant portion of these veterans faced difficulties when trying to taper off opioids, and some veterans became dependent on them for extended periods.

In response to rising concerns, the VA has tightened opioid prescribing practices in recent years, with new guidelines focused on pain management and non-opioid alternatives, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and non-addictive medications for pain and mental health. However, the issue of overprescription and the risk of addiction persists in many areas.

3. The Role of Veterans Affairs and VA Doctors:

The VA has a dual role: it is both a provider of healthcare and a funder of veteran healthcare services. The system’s challenges with staffing, overworked healthcare providers, and at times inadequate oversight have created opportunities for problematic practices, including overprescription of opioids. Although the VA has made strides to reduce opioid prescribing and improve treatment protocols, some veterans still face difficulties accessing non-opioid pain management alternatives.

Many veterans have reported that prescribing practices within the VA system are inconsistent, with some healthcare providers offering opioids too quickly or too readily, while others refuse to prescribe pain medications entirely, leaving veterans with chronic pain to seek relief elsewhere. This inconsistency has created a cycle where veterans may turn to illicit sources for pain relief when their prescriptions are cut off or reduced, contributing to the cycle of addiction.

Some pill mills (clinics or individual prescribers) may also target veterans, offering access to painkillers outside the VA system, which can then be sold or abused. These pill mills often operate under the guise of “pain management clinics” and prey on vulnerable individuals, including veterans with serious pain conditions.

4. Veterans’ Vulnerability to Addiction:

Veterans are particularly vulnerable to the risks of addiction because of the combination of chronic pain and the mental health effects of trauma. Many veterans who have been through combat situations traumatic experiences in military service also face difficulties coping with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This co-occurrence of mental and physical health challenges makes them more susceptible to self-medicating with substances like alcohol, painkillers, and even illicit drugs.

For veterans struggling with PTSD, using opioids or other medications to numb painful memories or emotions can offer temporary relief, but ultimately it exacerbates their problems. Many veterans have reported using opioids for pain relief but later discovering that they were also using them to cope with the emotional aftermath of their trauma.

5. Efforts to Combat the Pill Mill Problem in the VA System:

In recent years, the VA has implemented changes to combat the over-prescription of opioids and to better manage chronic pain among veterans:

The VA Pain Management Strategy emphasizes non-opioid treatments as the first line of care for chronic pain. This includes treatments like physical therapy, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications that have a lower risk of addiction.

The Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI)launched by the VA aims to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions among veterans. It includes strict monitoring of prescriptions, better education for healthcare providers, and programs designed to help veterans taper off opioids and transition to alternative pain management options.

The VA has also focused on improving the access to and quality of mental health care for veterans, with programs targeting the underlying issues of PTSD and anxiety that often coexist with chronic pain. Addressing the root causes of pain, both physical and psychological, is key to reducing the need for long-term opioid use.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are also now in place at the VA, aiming to prevent doctor shopping (when patients see multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances) and to track veterans who may be at risk of misusing or diverting prescription opioids.

What Veterans Can Do:

If you’re a veteran concerned about opioid overuse or addiction, or if you’re struggling with chronic pain and worry about potential addiction, there are several steps you can take:

Discuss Alternatives with Your Doctor: Ask about non-opioid pain management options like physical therapy, mind-body therapies (e.g., mindfulness, yoga), and alternative medications (e.g., gabapentin, NSAIDs).

Seek Support for Mental Health: If you’re struggling with PTSD or mental health issues, consider talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications that don’t carry the addictive risks of opioids. The VA offers comprehensive mental health services to help manage PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Consider Tapering Off Opioids: If you’ve been prescribed opioids long-term, talk to your healthcare provider about tapering down your dosage to reduce dependency.

Know the Signs of Addiction: If you feel like your use of pain medications is becoming a problem—whether it’s tolerance, cravings, or difficulty controlling your use—it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about addiction treatment options.

Conclusion:

The “pill mill” issue within the VA system is a significant concern, particularly given the risks of opioid addiction among veterans. While the VA has made strides in reducing overprescription and improving pain management strategies, the issue remains pervasive. For veterans, the key to addressing this problem is a combination of education, alternative pain management options, and access to comprehensive mental health services. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid dependence or chronic pain, it’s important to reach out for help and explore alternative treatments to reduce the risk of addiction

Jeff Krajnak, a U.S. Navy combat veteran who served in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, shares his powerful personal journey to advocate for responsible cannabis use and systemic change. After 14 years of service, he was medically retired, but his struggles continued post-service, battling severe PTSD, opioid addiction, and suicidal thoughts. Medical cannabis provided relief, improving his quality of life and allowing him to live without the heavy reliance on prescription medications.

However, in 2017, his life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a fatal car accident, despite being sober and medicating with cannabis the night before. He was arrested for felony DUI and child endangerment under Nevada’s outdated “per se” DUID laws, which criminalized him for having THC in his system, even though he showed no signs of impairment. This led to a prolonged legal battle and personal hardship, where his medical cannabis was taken away during probation, forcing him back onto prescription medications that worsened his mental health.

Krajnak’s story highlights broader issues in the system, particularly the criminalization of veterans and medical cannabis patients under current laws. He advocates for the descheduling of cannabis, rather than merely rescheduling it to a less restrictive category. Descheduling would allow states to implement their own policies and remove federal interference, unlocking the potential for research, economic growth, and better healthcare options for veterans and patients alike. It would also help reverse the damaging legacy of the War on Drugs, expunge criminal records for non-violent cannabis offenses, and create social equity opportunities.

Krajnak calls for an end to the VA’s overprescription practices, which often result in addiction and suffering, and the harmful stigma surrounding cannabis use. By descheduling cannabis, society can recognize it as a legitimate medical treatment, support veterans’ well-being, and offer them a healthier alternative to opioids. This change would also benefit marginalized communities and create job opportunities, economic growth, and fairness in the cannabis industry.

Ultimately, Krajnak urges lawmakers and society to prioritize compassion, medical freedom, and the rights of patients to heal without fear of criminalization.