Jason Kamp

Name: Jason Kamp

Occupation:

Owner of Cognitions Coaching and Consulting Services ; Director of Organizational Development, Art of War Project ; Veteran Success Training Coordinator, Red Rocks Community College ; Consultant, Red Thread Creative Group ; Graduate Student, University of Denver, Organization Development and Training

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis?

My advocacy for cannabis began many years ago when I found the use of marijuana beneficial for my own needs. Upon moving to Colorado, I felt empowered to vocally and publicly advocate for cannabis use. My first professional contribution to the industry was gathering various data and writing frameworks of business plans for multiple state entities to use as a framework for a legitimized system. Building on this experience, I then worked with Red Thread Creative Group, writing web copy for various companies within the industry. I assisted Red Thread Creative Group with the SMPS Colorado’s Legal Cannabis marketing event, and served as the database manager through Red Thread for the Colorado Cannabis Summit.

I am now currently working with the Art of War Project to inform veterans of the use and benefits of cannabis in mitigating the symptoms of PTSD and TBI. We just hosted the Veteran’s Cannabis Education Panel with keynote speaker Dr. Sue Sisley. Dr. Sisley has been given funding by the Federal government to research the effects of cannabis on PTSD and TBI. She presented current findings to our veteran attendees, and educated them on the chemical makeup of cannabis. We are working to develop a cannabis coalition for our veterans. Finally, I assisted Art of War and other partners in conducting the first annual Munchie Crawl here in Denver, where proceeds went to support Art of War in their contributions to the community.

How has cannabis benefited your life?

I sustained a back injury while serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. I have suffered with debilitating back pain for 20 years. Cannabis has allowed me to live a normal, productive life while managing my pain. I recently had an L5 discectomy resulting from my service connected injury. The use of cannabis for pain management allowed from me to get off of the narcotics very quickly. Thanks to cannabis, I rarely have to resort to using narcotics to manage my pain. Additionally, cannabis has helped me overcome social anxiety.

What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause?

I feel my greatest achievement for the cannabis cause is working to connect veterans with resources allowing them to manage various symptoms with fewer narcotics. This country is experiencing more than 22 veteran suicides per day that are attributed to the many difficulties they face dealing with PTSD and TBI. If we can prevent just one of these suicides by educating veterans about the use of cannabis in mitigating their symptoms, I would posit we are achieving great things.

Who do you look up to or admire?

I admire anyone who goes against the stream. I look up to anyone who stands up against injustices for the sake of others.

If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be?

The stigma of the “pot head.” Our society needs to understand that the image of the “stoner” is a fallacy. Many prominent and productive members of our community use cannabis regularly, not only for recreation, but for medical purposes as well. Transcending this stigma will not only allow for more productive dialogue about the benefits of cannabis, but will also remove barriers from those seeking a new remedy, but concerned about how others might judge them.