Serving our country can be extremely stressful and certainly takes a toll on the body. Even though cannabinoids could be helpful to those who serve, it is a military no-no. Though the United States government strictly prohibits cannabis use by military personnel, the government has been researching cannabis for military applications for over one hundred years. After service, many veterans turn to cannabis for its therapeutic effects in favor of heavier pharmaceutical medications. Like star-crossed lovers, veterans and marijuana seem destined to find each other. Continue reading to learn a bit more about the government’s sorted history with cannabis, the effects the Vietnam War has had on cannabis culture, and why many veterans turn to cannabis after service. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some history stuff.
Uncle Sam’s Curiosity with Weed
The government’s curiosity with weed may have started in the mid 1910’s when Frank Meyer, known as the plant hunter, introduced indicas to the United States for the first time after an expedition to Asia on behalf of the USDA and began comparative research of indica and sativa strains. By WWII, Harry J Anslinger’s propaganda campaign had swayed government attention away from possible medical applications and toward a strict no tolerance policy of the plant.
Against the grain, Roger Adams began isolating cannabinoids for possible military use as an in-battle sedative for wounded soldiers and a possible treatment for shell shock (early term for PTSD). Though they had no interest in the medical research Adams conducted, they needed him to win the war and allowed him to continue his research into cannabis. They would never use his cannabinoid research for official military applications.
In 1974, D. Gold synthesized THC acetate ester, also known as THC-O, when the country was still at war with Vietnam. The First War was extensively covered on television, and it painted the horrors of war in technicolor and led to research into non-lethal incapacitants. So, Uncle Sam set out to weaponize THC-O. Tests on its effectiveness were run during the dying days of the shameful Edgewood Arsenal experiments, which ran from 1948-1975. In those experiments, Uncle Sam tested low-level chemical warfare on human subjects. This program was the predecessor of the much more recognized project MKUltra.
Heroes Among Heroes
The Vietnam War was instrumental in cannabis culture and future medicinal research. 1/3 of our troops were drafted and not ready for a gruesome war and even those who volunteered weren’t ready for what they saw. Troops needed something to help them cope after battle and would find a new type of cannabis to them but one common to locals, we call it indica. They found it so effective they would smuggle seeds back and introduce indica flowers to the USA on a large scale when they returned stateside, but they were coming home with a shell shock, now coined PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. Shell shock had a new name and PTSD was officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. The US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates at least 7% of veterans will battle PTSD at some point after service with the number significantly increasing among combat vets.
What Happens When Johnny Comes Marching Home?
Being veteran owned, RiverBluff employs several veterans and sees the obstacles they deal with. Military veterans are accustomed to living a regimented life. When relieved of service, their bodies can be beaten up and their minds weary. The VA’s first line of treatment usually involves opiates and heavy psychotropic medications which can be invasive on the regimented lives they’ve grown to know. DJ Loeffelholz, a co-owner of RiverBluff and former member of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, described his PTSD medical experience like this:
“When I finished up and got home, I looked for help treating my PTSD. They gave me pills and I didn’t like how they made me feel. I didn’t feel like me. After a bit, I asked my doctor if they were any other options and though he couldn’t prescribe it to me he recommended cannabis.”
Corey Anderson, general manager of RiverBluff, served 22 years in United States Coast Guard. He retired as part of the Deployable Specialized Forces as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and had this to say about his experience and his of cannabis:
“I didn’t really consume cannabis before I enlisted, maybe a couple of times, and certainly didn’t smoke while enlisted. After 22 years, my body and mind were worn out. My body ached and I struggled to sleep. I wasn’t happy with the course of treatment I as taking, so I looked elsewhere and found cannabis. I only smoke socially but consume edibles to sleep and use topicals for aches and pains.”
DJ’s story, and ones like Corey’s, echoed that of many other veterans and played a factor in the founding of this company, so we could make THC products and other cannabinoids more accessible for everyone regardless of ailment. RiverBluff is proud of our armed services, and we salute their efforts. We hope you enjoyed this article, and, and if you have story to share, please post it in the comments. We’d love to hear it!
Science fiction and cannabis are a match made in the cosmos. They both allow a chance for the mind to escape and wonder, so naturally they’d come together. Science fiction is a beloved genre, and the Star Wars Universe may be the most beloved of all. If you are Star Wars fan, a cannabis smoker, or both, there is high likelihood you’ve had a lengthy conversation about Star Wars. In this article, we will cover just how closely weed and Star Wars are linked by recalling some past stories about the cast, and the weed smoking antics that influenced a movie that inspired a generation. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up and let’s learn about some Star Wars stuff.
Han Solo Sold Weed?
Before becoming Han Solo and Indiana Jones, the megastar, Harrison Ford, spent ten years in Hollywood working as a carpenter, taking bit roles, and selling weed to LA’s most elite. Michele Phillips of the iconic 60’s band, The Mamas and The Papas, went to the theater to Star Wars and when seeing Ford on screen she exclaimed, “That’s My Pot Dealer!” Philips wasn’t the only high-profile music act Ford supplied in the 60’s though it is also believed he supplied Jim Morrison and the Doors1. How cool is that?!
Princess Leia Was Down to Smoke!
Princess Leia and Han Solo provided one of the most recognizable love stories in science fiction history. Their chemistry came off so effortlessly because behind the scenes they were getting high AF and getting busy like bunnies for three months. Carrie would go on to claim the Ford’s weed was so powerful it made her forget the year 19762.
Even The Wookies Were Stoned?
There has been a long-standing rumor among some Star Wars fans that the specie’s name for Chewbacca, Wookie, was adlibbed by voice actor Terry McGovern while stoned on the Star Wars set. This is factually false. Terry McGovern did indeed coin the term “Wookie”, while under the influence but it came while filming Lucas’s earlier film THX 1138. Terry was describing a wild animal he had hit with his car and told Lucas, “It was a Wookie.”3 Lucas liked the term so much he kept it to use in a future movie.
Why Does the Villain of This Kevin Smith Movie Look Like a Jedi?
Mark Hamill is not known to smoke marijuana, but he did appear as a jedi of sorts in the beloved stoner classic Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back directed by regular High Times cover boy, Kevin Smith. Hamill played Cockknocker a nostalgic spoof of his most famous character. As the villain, Hamill battled Bluntman and Chronic with bong-sabers and force like abilities. Carrie Fisher also appeared in the film making the film play like a pothead’s love letter to Star Wars.
A Connection That Will Last Forever
Star Wars has embedded itself in cannabis culture so much that there are many strains named after the franchise: Skywalker, Master Yoda, Death Star, Ewok, C3PO, and the list goes on and on4. Even if you’ve never seen one of the films there is good chance you smoked a strain with Star Wars lineage. No matter where you fall in Venn diagram of cannabis enthusiasts and Star Wars fans, remember Star Wars Day is day to relax and let your mind wonder about the spectacles of what is possible. Stop by to get in our deals for 5/4 and 5/5 and 15% off our hemp-derived Delta 9 THC 50mg Starmen Gummies and 5mg Crunchy Balls to celebrate. Have a happy holiday from RiverBluff and may the fourth be with you.
We’ve already talked about some Heroes of Weed (check that out here) but there can’t be heroes without antagonists. For false narratives to spread there needs to be the propagandists, those who place the roadblocks for the heroes to overcome. Cannabis and hemp have had their fair share of villains. The list is long and highly distinguished, but we are going to narrow it down to three for this article: The man that started the war of weed, the rich people who financed it, and the beloved first lady that propagated their message decades later. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
Harry J Anslinger
Harry J Anslinger was the first and longest running Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Harry used his position to start the war on “marihuana” to help further his racist agenda. For example, marihuana was changed to marijuana in propaganda to make it sound more foreign. He used the war on drugs to target minority and immigrant groups1 and jazz musicians specifically, many of which were also minorities. He even kept a file titled, “Marijuana and Musicians”2. Harry drafted and helped rally support for the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 prohibiting cannabis in the United States for the first time. He painted a picture of cannabis being of the highest public concern with quotes like this, “The primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerated races3.” He held office from 1930-1962 continuing to spread hate and hysteria and would be the primary influence on almost all the villains of weed.
William Randolph Hearst & The Du Pont Family
William Randolph Hearst was a newspaper magnet and one of the richest people of the 1900’s. Hearst’s papers employed the tactic of “yellow journalism” which focused on shock value more than reporting actual news4. Though not proven, many believe Hearst to have had a large stake in the timber industry and worried hemp would replace wood as pulp for paper. William Randolph Hearst wasn’t the only rich aristocrat with something to gain by a hemp prohibition. Enter the Du Pont family, currently one of the richest families in the world. Du Pont started development on a new synthetic fiber known as nylon in 19275. The rising popularity of hemp as a quick growing easy to harvest textile posed an issue for Du Pont just like it had for Hearst. Together they solved their problems the way most rich people who want to flex their power solve problems. They threw money at it by helping to finance Anslinger’s crazy propaganda campaign that left cannabis prohibited for recreational use until 2012.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan is one of the most beloved first ladies of modern times. Always smiling and wearing a red dress, she became an institution in our country. Nancy seems like a nice lady, but she falls on this list due to toeing the party line. Nancy was First Lady of California from 1967-1975. During this time, California Senator Richard Nixon, soon to be President Richard Nixon, started his war on counterculture6 in the state targeting hippies, and as per usual in the crusade against cannabis, minorities. As Nixon rose to presidency, the Reagan’s continued the counterculture battle with Nancy particularly invested in demonizing marijuana. When Ronald Reagan became president, Nancy became First Lady of the United States, and her mission was to continue the war on drugs. Nancy coined the phrase, “Just Say No” which would become one of the most recognizable anti-drug campaigns ever7. The campaign ignored the medicinal effects of marijuana. It spawned the program D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Program) which taught children that cannabis was just as dangerous as cocaine and heroin. During her time as first lady, a new wave of propaganda was spread that would have made Anslinger blush. Cannabis consumers were painted as the dreads of society, dumb, lazy, and unemployable. Those stereotypes are still battled by canna-consumers today.
A Final Note on The Villains of Weed
These are just a few of the villains of weed. They were some of the most powerful people in the country if not the world, and yet, we are finally starting to get out of the shadows of their propaganda. One thing is undeniable, if the love of a plant can overcome obstacles put in place by dominant foes, with hard work and dedication, almost anything is possible.
April houses every cannconsumer’s favorite holiday, 4/20, but that is not the only day worth celebrating in April. 4/20 may be fun but Earth Day may be far more important. Earth Day reminds us of how delicate our planet is and encourages us to be better people. In this article, we will cover a brief history of Earth Day, how RiverBluff strives to be sustainable, and the things you can do to make yourself more sustainable.
History of Earth Day
Growing concern for environmental harm due to advancing industrialization in the 1960’s led to an increase in environmental activism. On April 22, 1970, Wisconsin Seneator Gaylord Nelson, with help from Harvard graduate student, Denis Hayes, organized the first Earth Day. 20 million people participated nationwide in the first Earth Day and their unity led to the passing of meaningful legislation such as the updated Clean Air Act in 1970 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Focusing on global warming and renewable resources, the formation of Earth Day led to advances in recycling and renewable energy as well as focusing on conservation. 1
How RiverBluff Plays Its Part
RiverBluff entered the Cannabis market devoted to being environmentally conscious. Any product we produce that can be packaged in an environmentally friendly way is packaged that way. Our pre-roll tubes, D9 Blended Gummy jars ( D9/CBG and D9/CBN versions), and flower jar lids are made with home compostable materials by utilizing a blend of biopolymers (PHA2) that break down in microbial environments. We also chose to use glass, rather than plastic, for our flower jars and lemonade bottles to make them more easily recyclable. The cannabis industry isn’t the best in this area as carts and disposable pens have grown in popularity. This is leading to more batteries being thrown away than any point in history, so it is of the utmost importance for everyone in the industry and enjoying the products to do their part to be more eco-friendly.
How You Can Play Your Part
If you use any products that are home compostable, compost them. If you are using any products that use glass, recycle them. We know those tasks can seem tedious but please don’t just throw these products away. If you can’t recycle, upcycle! Our jars can be used for storage of all sorts. Don’t need storage? You could get artsy. If you build a giant weed leaf out of upcycled industry packaging, you might be able to go viral on socials for a minute. The point is if you can’t recycle or compost there are other options than simply throwing things away. Have a happy Earth Day.
Our new Iowa location will be home to our headquarters, distribution center, production facility, and a new retail location with a consumption lounge (coming soon!). It has taken a lot of time and hard work to get to this point and we are thrilled to be in Iowa!
Thank you to the Telegraph Herald for shining a light on our business and our move into the Magnolia building – excited doesn’t even begin to cover how we are feeling about this move!
The opportunity to spread cannabis/hemp knowledge on both sides of the Mississippi and finally provide a safe place for consumption of edible and drinkable THC has been incredible, and ultimately a step towards our ultimate mission of total accessibility in the Midwest. We want to drive the conversation on cannabis/hemp in the area and the consumption lounge is the perfect place for likeminded people to discuss their ideas!.
Thank you to the city of Dubuque for welcoming us, and we hope you’re ready for us Dubuque because we are ready for you! Three cheers for good times ahead. 🌿
How is THC legal in Iowa? The Cedar Rapids Gazette dug deep into the hemp culture of Iowa to find out what products are out there, how to keep legality top-of-mind, and why more Iowans are turning to THC and Delta-9 products (like RiverBluff THC products!) to relax.
From the Gazette:
“RiverBluff Collective, a manufacturer and retailer in East Dubuque, Illinois, sees a growing trend in Iowa. This spring, the company plans to open its new headquarters in Dubuque’s trending Millwork District, where it hopes to capitalize on the growing popularity of hemp.
Dealing in both traditional cannabis and newer hemp-based THC products, owner Ali Gansemer sees a stronger trajectory for growth with hemp-based THC than with the recreational cannabis market in Illinois.
‘Just having an open market and the ability to sell into states that don’t have (legal recreational cannabis) opens the door for bigger expansion,” she said. “Consumers like the ability to go into a store and not have to walk past security guards to purchase very similar products.”
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