by Kayla Johnson
It’s becoming hard to deny the fact that cannabis helps veterans. Cannabis saves veterans. For some, it’s the PTSD relief, while others rely on its pain relief or insomnia-crushing effects. Over 80% of veterans in the United States support medical cannabis programs In fact, you would likely be hard pressed to find a veteran, even here in Oklahoma, who hasn’t benefited from cannabis in some way, and Dillon Reseck is no exception. A native of Long Beach, California, Reseck has called Oklahoma his home since 2010. “I was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, and I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s really become home for me.”
Born and raised in California, Reseck can’t help but point out the humor in it. “Funny enough, medicinal cannabis was legal in California when I was a child, but it was so badly stigmatized that I was afraid to mess with it when I was younger.” Like so many of us, he was taught it was a drug by the school system and D.A.R.E., and it wasn’t until he was an adult that he finally did try it. “It was a very medicinal experience. That whole day, I was laying in bed with a migraine, and I immediately felt better.” He says since that time, he’s viewed it as a medicine. “Since the passing of 788, though, it has become my medicine, thanks to the easy and safe access 788 provides.”
Now out of the Air Force, Reseck credis cannabis with completely changing his medical life. “I’m a 100% disabled veteran, before legalization, I was on a plethora of prescription medications. Thanks to cannabis, now I’m on ZERO!” Reseck says before, he was taking pills for almost every ailment he had. Now, with a wide range of cannabis and CBD products, he chooses how he prefers to medicate based on what works best for him, rather than simply what he’s given, and his pain doesn’t manage his life now. “I don’t wake up dreading my life, I know that I migraine that would have kept me in bed all day before will be gone within ten minutes. My pain doesn’t keep me from having a good time, and I can drive ten minutes in any direction, and find a dispensary.”
Reseck also acknowledged that not only cannabis, but the community that comes along with it has played a big role in his health and wellbeing. “We all feel alone at some point in our life. I felt very alone around the time cannabis was legalized here, but this community showed me that I wasn’t. That’s powerful. I’ve always wanted to help people, but the love and sense of family that I have now has really inspired me.” Reseck also took time to give credit to another important piece of his life: his wife. “I’m married to my best friend. She also uses cannabis medicinally, and she’s just as active in the community as I am. She’s very supportive of me.”
Reseck, along with Daniel Stevens, a previous featured patient, is involved with the Balanced Veteran’s organization, and is working to help educate veterans on what cannabis can do for them.”It’s important for veterans to know that if they’re looking to try cannabis, they shouldn’t be worried, because the VA will not punish you or remove benefits for participating in legal state medical cannabis programs.” His encouragement for others to try cannabis doesn’t end at just veterans, and he offered a bit of advice for potential or new patients. “Cannabis isn’t always for everyone, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t give up if you have a bad experience, try something else until you find what works for you.”
Like so many of us, Reseck knows how different his life might have been if the majority of the state had not made their voices heard last June. “I’ve never been in a more accepting and loving community. I’m truly beyond thankful for all of those who voted for this, and those that bring the love and positivity to this community.”