Welcome to Our News & Socials Hub
Welcome to the hub for the latest updates, media features, and powerful submissions driving the "No More Zombie Veterans" campaign. We advocate for government approval for veterans to access safe and effective therapies that support the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to manage treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Explore official statements, podcasts, news coverage, and submissions into government inquiries shaping our campaign.
From "Medicated Zombie" to Reclaiming Life – Derek Pyrah's Battle for Veterans
The No More Zombie Veterans campaign was launched in 2021 by Derek Pyrah, a retired RAAF veteran who served in Iraq and endured 17 years of heavy polypharmacy psychiatric medications prescribed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). The toll was devastating: his marriage collapsed, he became homeless, and he described himself as an “overweight, medicated zombie with suicidal thoughts.”
After witnessing the profound impact of long-term psychiatric drug use on his health and family, Derek questioned the system that failed him. His search for healing led him to the science of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a critical regulator of mental and physical health. By using therapies that support ECS balance, Derek began to recover. Determined to spare other veterans and families similar trauma, he founded No More Zombie Veterans to advocate for DVA policy reform, promote safer alternatives to psychiatric polypharmacy, reduce veteran suicide rates, and keep veteran families together.
Direct Engagement with DVA: Our Latest Correspondence
The core of our campaign involves persistent engagement with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). Below, we share our recent correspondence, demonstrating our fight for evidence-based, compassionate care for veterans.
February 14, 2025
Our Letter to the DVA – Demanding Action on ECS-Based Therapies
On this date, "No More Zombie Veterans" sent a comprehensive letter to the DVA, outlining concerns about their policy on therapies that support the ECS for mental health conditions. We challenged their "lack of evidence" stance, presented veteran experiences, and demanded funding for research and policy reform.
June 2025
Our Reply to DVA – No More Excuses, Time for Progress
In our latest correspondence, "No More Zombie Veterans" issued a strong reply to the DVA, dismantling their arguments, emphasizing the human cost of their policy, and outlining pathways for a veteran-centric approach to ECS-based therapies. This letter reaffirms our commitment to accountability.
[Date of DVA's Reply]
DVA's Official Response – Reiterating Current Stance
The DVA's reply to our February 14th letter reiterated their position, stating they will not support ECS-based therapies for mental health conditions until "sufficient clinical evidence" is available. This response highlights bureaucratic hurdles veterans face.
Vlogs
Watch as we explore why veterans need safer and more effective options to support their ECS for managing treatment-resistant PTSD and TBI.
VLOG 1
Who is Derek and why the No More Zombie Veterans campaign exists.
Derek discusses the background and reasons for starting the No More Zombie Veterans campaign.
VLOG 2
How the ECS Manages PTSD & TBI.
Explore the science of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how it helps with PTSD and TBI.
VLOG 3
How Veterans Can Access ECS-Supporting Therapies.
Learn how to access therapies that support the ECS through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).