Ask those who are passionate about legalization efforts for cannabis what their cannabis story is and you’ll hear a wide range of responses. Many of those are related to veterans, and with good reason. Veterans are the victims of PTSD, insomnia, pain, and a host of other conditions that are related to their time in service.
Ryan Kohrig is yet another veteran whose story is moving and inspiring. Retired in 2018, Kohrig suffers from PTSD after more than 20 years of service and repeated combat deployments – which left him with the daunting task of reintegrating into “normal” society. PTSD frequently leaves sufferers with the frustration of daily interactions and tasks seem insurmountable and Kohrig was startled by sudden movements and sounds. “My hearing was so amplified, any sudden noise had the potential to throw me off, even if it was coming from my neighbor’s apartment,” said Ryan in an interview in 2020.
Accompanying his PTSD came anxiety and insomnia, and like others before him, Ryan sought help from the VA. Unfortunately, again, like others before him, the VA prescribed him sleeping pills, which began a long and arduous dance with a cocktail of pharmaceuticals that would eventually lead him to his rock bottom. He supplemented his pharma with alcohol and seemingly kept himself busy by playing competitive pool, which was an activity that he could perform and feel in control. It was when he and his wife moved to St Croix to begin a completely new life that Kohrig would find his “new” life after talking with a stranger at the gym about his struggles. “We got to talking about my PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia and how I had just moved here. He mentioned something about CBD, and gave me some to try. I had never used cannabis before and was just shocked by the results. I couldn’t believe something so small could make such an impact on
me.”
Ryan’s incredulity over CBD turned into a thirst to learn everything he could and his research began in earnest. He began extensive research online into clean and safe CBD products and certifications and The Remedy was born. The Remedy opened in July of 2019 in St Croix and today Ryan and his wife are thriving as business owners, but more importantly as educators and providers of safe and clean plant-based medicine. Today Ryan takes no pharmaceuticals and has a regiment of CBD he uses to treat his conditions.
(Image courtesy of the Medical Cannabis Society)
