As the Texas Legislature debates the future of hemp-derived products, Texas veterans are making their voices heard. Dave Walden, the incoming State Commander of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), has penned a powerful letter to lawmakers, urging them to protect veterans’ right to choose safe, legal alternatives for their health and well-being.
In his letter, Commander Walden shares a deeply personal account of his experience with hemp products and the life-changing impact they’ve had on veterans across the state. He calls out the flawed narrative surrounding these products and warns against the dangers of pushing veterans back toward dangerous pharmaceuticals.
This letter has been distributed to Texas Legislators, but it is essential that its message reaches beyond those walls. We are proud to share his words here, and we encourage every Texan to read and share this powerful message.
1.5 million Texas veterans answered the call to defend America’s freedoms and individual liberties, serving with bravery and honor on foreign soils. Now they’re fighting to preserve their freedom to make responsible health care choices, including access to federally and state legal hemp-derived products that have transformed their lives. Senate Bill 3 and CSSB 3 as written would eliminate these therapeutic options that many veterans rely on to manage service-inflicted conditions.
Texas has always honored those who served. Rather than implementing
a ban that would force veterans back to problematic prescription
medications, Texas can lead the nation with additional regulations that
ensure product safety while respecting veterans’ freedom to choose
therapies that work for them.