Dan Schmink is an OEF/OIF combat veteran who served as a Cavalry Scout in Baghdad, Iraq. He returned from war with PTSD and a debilitating back injury sustained in the line of duty and found healing and comfort by using cannabis. Having experienced what it’s like to come dangerously close to suicide, he explains how sharing his own experiences with loved ones helped him to shed light on the insidious darkness and how he found purpose through routine, writing music, meditation and self care. He promotes the holistic approach to wellness as the ideal solution for preventing veteran suicides.

“By starting with the basic tenets of happiness, we can prevent suicidal ideations from beginning rather than treating them as a symptomatic problem that can be treated with pills,” he said.

Today, he continues to advocate for cannabis while educating and empowering veterans, civilians and healthcare providers in ways that help them understand the healing benefits of cannabis and overcome stigma and other barriers to access. He encourages anyone in crisis to open up about their feelings with those who can help them shine light into darkness and explore creative outlets find happiness within. He invites contact through his facebookpage

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