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Not all cultivars are created equal for treating PTSD

Published on November 18, 2022 by Special to the oz.

Photo: Adobe Stock/the oz.

A growing number of Canadian veterans are turning to cannabis as a means for treating PTSD and pain, rising from 15,369 to 18,388 between 2020 to 2022.

That figure comes from Veteran Affairs Canada; veterans account for about a quarter of Canada’s medical marijuana market by spending, according to a recent article by MJBizDaily.

For Canadian veterans, reliable access and shared knowledge of medical and recreational cannabis have presented a life-changing experience. A collaboration between MTL Cannabis and Abba Medix, under Canada House Cannabis Group, bridges the supply gap while growing the connection between veterans and cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Currently, Abba Medix serves 2,600 patients from British Columbia to Newfoundland, 1,500 of which are veterans. Those vets alone collectively use $900,000 monthly on medical cannabis. While medical cannabis is available across multiple platforms, recreational purchases maintain a stronghold where shoppers remain uncertain about making the switch, particularly those without insurance coverage for cannabis. 

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Considering how high-demand MTL Cannabis-made cultivars are, what makes them so special?

According to founding brother Richard Clement: “MTL understands how important CBG is to patients; we know that a veteran looks at the terps on a jar just as much as THC and CBD.”

Clement also mentions the importance of looking beyond THC when seeking cannabis for pain and mental health.

“There’s so much more to our plants than THC and the medical market understands that more than most because they survive on all those other components,” says Clement.

As for veteran advocate Glen Coyle, the selection process is an inclusive marketplace for products selected by the veteran advisory board.

“We are a veteran-preferred medical cannabis platform because our veterans have a say in what goes on our menu,” he says.

What makes a cultivar optimal for treating pain and PTSD?

On the medical side, a select few from MTL Cannabis and the Abba Medix brand have grown in popularity among veterans, including MTL’s Sage N’ Sour (which contains a higher concentration of anti-inflammatory cannabinoid CBG), Amnesia Haze, and the very popular Strawberry Cooler.

Abba Medix also offers two cultivars grown with veterans in mind: Recon Kush and Veterans Kush. 

“It’s easy to feel burned on a purchase when you can’t get accurate information on what you’re getting,” says Coyle.

As far as recommendations go, Coyle notes that vets who don’t have a script and shop on the recreational market have connected with him to inquire about Sage N’ Sour and Strawberry Cooler.

“I always talk about Sage N’ Sour as my terpene profile-specific strain. Anything outdoors is Sage N’ Sour, but Strawberry Cooler is my go-to for sleep,” he says.

Other noteworthy cultivars on the recreational market include Apple Fritter (also known as Dessert) and Amnesia Haze (also known as Haze) under MTL’s budget-friendly brand LowKey.

Improving the lives of Canadian veterans

Alex Kroon, president of medical for Canada House Cannabis Group, notes the drastic positive changes that have come for medical cannabis patients of Canada House.

“It’s inspiring for our nurses to witness the positive impact on lives. We have had spouses bring veterans who are suicidal, and veterans who struggle with the side effects of painkillers. With the right plan and products, we often see them in a much better place in three months,” says Kroon.

With collaboration as the main pillar for MTL Cannabis, Clement hopes to back Abba Medix as they grow their reach to medical patients. “Canada House’s clinics and Abba help so many in their communities, giving patients a safe place to speak to knowledgeable staff and we hope that we can help back them in helping even more veterans,” he says.

For Coyle, it’s about synergy and shared values.

“The leadership at Abba and MTL is very similar. I have personally seen the way both companies operate. Both companies treat patients and workers with the highest respect. They both value feedback and have a true passion for the craft. MTL was founded and operates by two brothers. The true significance is that Abba Medics patients are brothers and sisters in arms. Both companies treat everyone like family,” says Coyle.

Q&A with Glen Coyle

What determines the selection process of cannabis strains for medical platforms such as Abba?

The selection process is an inclusive marketplace for products selected by our Veteran advisory board. We are a veteran-preferred medical cannabis platform because our veterans have a say in what goes on our menu.

What is the significance of the relationship between MTL Cannabis and Abba Medix?

The leadership at ABBA and MTL is very similar. I have personally seen the way both companies operate. Both companies treat patients and workers with the highest respect. They both value feedback and have a true passion for the craft. MTL was founded and operates by two brothers. The true significance is that Abba Medics patients are brothers and sisters in arms. Both companies treat everyone like family

What are your hopes for future medical cannabis opportunities for Veterans? 

My hope is that this time next year more of the stigma behind medical cannabis will be widely accepted by more veterans. Medical cannabis truly helped me with my life and I know it can help many more veterans in the future.