Are Veterans Being Let Down?
Alarming allegations have surfaced about the exploitation of vulnerable veterans in the medicinal cannabis industry. At the center of the controversy is VeteranCann, a company linked to the telehealth clinic Dispensed, accused of targeting veterans with offers of “free” cannabis while failing to ensure proper medical oversight. HCPA understands the intricacies of the cannabis industry and can help providers navigate the challenges of forming partnerships with established players.
The Allegations: Overprescription and Neglect
An ABC investigation revealed disturbing cases where veterans were prescribed large quantities of medicinal cannabis with minimal consultation. One veteran reported receiving 14 bottles of oil—half containing THC—within a month of a single call with a doctor. Despite disclosing a history of cannabis addiction, the shipments allegedly continued, leaving the veteran in a “drug-induced psychosis.”
Other veterans described brief consultations and prescriptions from doctors they never met, raising concerns about the lack of thorough assessment in treatment plans.
Aggressive and Misleading Marketing
Veterans reported receiving unsolicited text messages and social media advertisements promoting “free” medicinal cannabis, with claims that the products were endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
While VeteranCann later apologized for the messages, the backlash highlights the need for stricter regulation of how medicinal cannabis is marketed to vulnerable groups.
Industry Accountability in Question
The controversy deepens with VeteranCann’s ties to Dispensed, a clinic already under investigation. Dispensed founder Adam Younes was banned from dispensing Schedule 8 medicines following allegations of inappropriate THC prescriptions.
Further scrutiny was drawn to VeteranCann’s owner, who has since been disavowed by the company for posting offensive content on social media. These revelations cast doubt on the integrity of some players in the industry.
A Wake-Up Call for the Sector
These allegations underscore an urgent need for reform in the medicinal cannabis industry. Vulnerable groups, particularly veterans, rely on these treatments for relief—not harm. Misleading advertising, inadequate medical oversight, and overprescription practices erode trust and jeopardise patient safety.
Moving Forward: Restoring Trust in Medicinal Cannabis
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is investigating these claims, and the industry must step up to ensure ethical practices. By prioritizing patient safety, transparent processes, and thorough medical oversight, the medicinal cannabis sector can rebuild trust and fulfill its promise of improving lives responsibly.
For veterans and other vulnerable communities, this controversy highlights the importance of vigilance, accountability, and placing patient well-being above all else.
HCPA is an all-in-one solution for Medicinal Cannabis providers, supporting them with registration, growth and consulting. Contact us here or call 03 9084 7472 to learn how we can help you succeed.
SOURCES | Cannabiz ‘Dispensed in the firing line again as vulnerable veterans allegedly targeted with ‘free’ cannabis’ |
