About

For over three years now, I’ve had the privilege of growing for Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. I continue to witness firsthand the profound benefits people experience from using cannabis and have gained an intimate understanding of the entire cultivation and production process, from seed to sale. As cannabis gains wider acceptance, it’s clear that misinformation persists. I sought out veterans’ support groups but often found their events or assistance inconsistent. I longed for a platform where help was straightforward, reliable and grounded in honesty.

As a veteran myself, I deeply understand the struggle of enduring conditions that conventional treatments fail to alleviate. I also know the feeling of despair that comes when you think there are no other options. The positive impact cannabis has had on my own life and the lives of others I’ve encountered, compelled me to create a space where veterans can access the knowledge and opportunities to reclaim their well-being.

Jason is the Director of Strategic Accounts for Elevated Equipment which designs and supplies cannabis cultivation facilities all over the U.S. as well as the world. He has been in the ancillary side of the industry for over 4 years now and brings an amazing matchmaking ability to his ever-expanding network. During his military career he served as a ranger and had multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and even Syria!

After exiting service, he found himself dissatisfied with conventional VA treatments. What’s now commonly referred to as the “combat cocktail” is known to come with a plethora of other side effects. Jason soon realized that these side effects were spilling over into his personal relationships and steering him away from the life he wanted post-service- a sense of normalcy. He asked another lifelong friend who’d been a cannabis user to help him try it out as an alternative and he hasn’t looked back since. He now uses it daily to manage PTSD, anxiety and chronic pain amongst other service-related ailments. And he’s not ashamed of it either. He’s a living testament to the true medical value of cannabis and we’re proud to have him as a board member!

Matthew is already well known in both the Cannabis and Hemp space. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Frontline Bud Foundation’s Board and the organization as a whole. Our first crayon-eater on the Board (please have a sense of humor!), he served as a Cryptologic Linguist in Hawaii from 2014-2019. After exiting service, he’s gone on to found both Raiden Labs and Drink Grand Rose, all while still maintaining an academic career at the University of Minnesota and welcoming a second child to the world, with his wife. We are especially looking forward to his help in our grant-writing as well as synergizing our events with those of Raiden Labs and Media. With Matthew’s addition on the Board, Frontline Bud Foundation has now extended its flag into the Hemp Sector as well and we could not be more excited!

At Frontline Bud Foundation, we believe every veteran deserves a chance to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life. We are dedicated to empowering veterans by providing accessible, reliable resources on cannabis for medicinal use and connecting them with meaningful career opportunities in the cannabis industry.

Our Vision: We envision a future where veterans can effectively manage the challenges of PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain and other common issues through informed and responsible cannabis use. We strive to see more veterans finding satisfaction and purpose in work that contributes to a fulfilling life.

Who We Serve: We primarily serve veterans who are struggling to find or maintain employment, as well as those grappling with common issues such as PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, who may not have found adequate relief through conventional treatments. We understand the unique challenges faced by our military community and are committed to offering alternative pathways to wellness and stability.

What We Do: To achieve our mission, we focus on providing tangible, actionable resources:

• Comprehensive Educational Resources: We meticulously gather and curate detailed information on the potential benefits of cannabis for various conditions, guidance on responsible use and a deeper understanding of the plant itself.
• DIY Cannabis Cultivation Courses: Our user-friendly online courses empower Veterans and Advocates to confidently enter the cannabis industry. Learn everything from at-home and commercial cultivation to production, retail budtending and more. Our resources cover cost considerations, essential equipment, cultivation techniques, and beyond, equipping you to grow your own medicine or advance your career.
• Industry Connection & Opportunities: We actively share current and relevant events and job opportunities within the cannabis sector. We aim to connect veterans with a wide array of positions in this rapidly expanding industry, leveraging the skills and discipline often honed through their service.

What Makes Us Different: We understand that veterans need support that is immediately accessible and dependable. Unlike traditional support systems that may require appointments or waiting periods, our resources are:

• Accessible 24/7 Online: Our articles, videos, courses and opportunity listings are available anytime, anywhere, at competitive prices for Advocates and free for veterans.
• Self-Paced and User-Friendly: Designed for beginners, our resources do not require in-person help or phone calls.
• Current and Relevant: We ensure that our industry opportunities as well as information and resources are fresh and diverse.