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.
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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.
Veterans Affairs Reply, May 2025
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.
Podcasts
Listen as No More Zombie Veterans discusses the campaign’s mission and the importance of public awareness and support.
APRIL 15, 2025
Derek Pyrah’s Mission to Save Lives with ECS-Based Therapies
Join 420 Chief in a powerful conversation with Derek Pyrah, a 15-year Royal Australian Air Force veteran and leading voice behind No More Zombie Veterans. Derek fights for veterans’ rights to access therapies that support the ECS as a safer alternative to psychiatric drugs.
JUNE 12, 2025
Unpacking Trauma & Advocating for Change – Derek Pyrah on The AusCannaPodcast
Derek delves into his journey, systemic issues veterans face, and why ECS-based therapies are a human rights issue for those who’ve served.
APRIL 25, 2025
Anzac Day Podcast Special: Service Beyond The Uniform
Veterans Jason Frost and Derek Pyrah share their journeys with PTSD and TBI, discussing the effects of overmedication and how ECS-based therapies became a lifeline.
Political Support Grows
EARLY 2024
Hon Dr Brian Walker MLC Backs No More Zombie Veterans
The Hon Dr Brian Walker MLC (Legalise Cannabis WA Party) supports urgent policy reform to ensure veterans can access ECS-supporting therapies.
FEBRUARY 2024
Anzac Day Podcast Special: Service Beyond The Uniform
The Hon David Ettershank MLC (Legalise Cannabis VIC Party) advocates for veterans’ access to legally prescribed ECS-based therapies for PTSD and TBI.
News & Video Articles
Explore news articles and videos covering Derek’s 15 years of advocacy for veterans and their families.
APRIL 2011
7pm Project - 'Derek's Story'
The 7pm Project interviewed Derek Pyrah and his former wife Melanie about PTSD and medication following service in Iraq.
APRIL 26, 2021
ABC News - ECS-Based Therapies for Veteran PTSD
Derek discusses his campaign for ECS-based therapies with ABC NewsRadio’s Thomas Oriti.
JULY 10, 2022
News.com.au - ‘No More Zombie Veterans’ Push for ECS-Based Therapies
Veterans advocate for ECS-based therapies as alternatives to traditional treatments.
APRIL 25, 2018
ABC News - ANZAC Day 2018: Dedicated Ward Supports Veterans with PTSD
ABC Reporter Ainslie Drewitt-Smith talks with Derek about ANZAC Day and the effects of war.
APRIL 2022
Illawarra Mercury - Dapto Veteran Calls for ECS-Based Therapies
Derek’s submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide calls for recognition of ECS-based therapies.
FEBRUARY 2024
The Age - The Case for ECS-Based Therapies
Derek continues to fight for DVA recognition of the ECS for PTSD and TBI treatment.
Submissions to Government Inquiries
FEBRUARY 2022
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Derek’s submission examines the veteran suicide epidemic and advocates for ECS-based therapies.
JULY 2024
NSW Parliament: Inquiry into the Regulatory Framework for Cannabis in NSW
Derek’s submission highlights the transformative impact of ECS-based therapies.
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