No More Zombie Veterans

Too many veterans are being overmedicated, misunderstood, and denied access to safer treatments that actually work — like medicinal cannabis and its interaction with our bodies natural endocannabinoid system (or ECS). This campaign is about changing that.

Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms patrolling in a sandy desert with weapons at the ready.

THE PROBLEM

Veterans with treatment resistant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are being failed by the current system.

They're prescribed a polypharmacy cocktail of medications — antidepressants, antipsychotics, sleeping pills, anticonvulsants, benzo’s — often with devastating side effects like emotional numbness, dependency, massive weight gain, cognitive dysfunction, and suicidal thoughts.

These drugs don’t always work, many veterans find their long term use makes their conditions worse.

And when veterans ask for an evidence based safer alternative — like medicinal cannabis — the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) says No!

A soldier in camouflage uniform with a helmet and sunglasses, holding a machine gun with ammunition, standing behind a mud wall in a desert-like area with buildings and trees in the background.

The Turning Point

RAAF veteran Derek Pyrah lived through it after service in Iraq.

After 17 years of failed medications, near suicide, and a broken life, Derek found relief through medicinal cannabis. But when his doctors asked DVA for legal access, he was denied and later nearly jailed for using it illegally.

That’s when he started this campaign.

OUR MISSION

No More Zombie Veterans is fighting to:

  • Raise awareness for DVA, veterans and the public about the endocannabinoid system and safer options for healing.

  • Change DVA policy to approve legal medicinal cannabis medications for veterans with treatment resistant PTSD and TBI,

  • Illustrate the problems with DVA’s outdated polypharmacy treatments,

We’re not anti-medicine — we’re anti-suffering

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

This campaign is powered by veterans, families, doctors, and supporters like you. Together, we can push for change, share the truth, and fight for better care.

  • Write to your local MP

  • Sign our petition

  • Share our message on social media

  • Wear campaign gear in public

  • Donate to the campaign

WHY IT MATTERS

Every day, veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries are left behind by a broken system. Too many are prescribed medications that numb rather than heal, increasing the risk of suicide and long-term harm……there is a better way — through medicinal cannabis and it’s interaction with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

How You Can Help

  • Write to your local MP

  • Sign our petition

  • Share our message on social media

  • Wear campaign gear in public

  • Donate to the campaign

Resources

Are you interested in the science behind how the endocannabinoid system - and medicinal cannabis compounds - help with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury? Check our resources page for a list of published studies on this topic.

Clinics & Support Access

Looking for veteran-friendly doctors or clinics that understand medicinal cannabis and trauma-informed care?

Latest News & Social

Stay informed and inspired. Watch the latest vlog posts, watch campaign videos, and see what’s happening across our social channels.

Join the Movement

Connect with us on social media, subscribe for updates, and be part of a growing community of people who want real change for our veterans.