Veterans Cannabis Project Names New Executive Director

Washington, D.C. — Veterans Cannabis Project today named CDR (Ret.) Stephen Jones as its new Executive Director. Jones, a 20-year veteran of the United States Navy, brings to the role years of experience in the military and government non-profit sector. He joins Veterans Cannabis Project as it prepares to advocate before a new Congress and state and federal officials on behalf of veterans’ cannabis access.

“I am honored to be selected to lead an organization with such a critical mission during a time when so many veterans are struggling to deal with the issues and trauma suffered in service to our country,” said Jones. “There has been incredible progress made on cannabis reform in recent years, but veterans are being regularly left behind and excluded from these discussions. I look forward to changing that dynamic in this new role.”

In addition to its state and community efforts, Jones will lead Veterans Cannabis Project as it seeks to engage with Members of Congress and federal officials on enacting meaningful cannabis reform surrounding research, VHA counseling and consultation, and medical access, among other issue areas.

Jones served in the United States Navy for over 20 years as a Naval Aviator and Commanding Officer. Among other accomplishments during his service, at the request of the Commander, USSOCOM, he coordinated the development of a Special Operations Aviation Training Center and course of instruction to increase our allied partners' SOF aviation capacity and capabilities to support the global fight against terror. Prior to joining Veterans Cannabis Project, he served as Vice President of the Global SOF Foundation (GSF), a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for all aspects of SOF on a global scale.

Jones takes over the Executive Director position from Doug Distaso, who oversaw extensive growth and reach of the Veterans Cannabis Project mission at both the state and national level during his tenure.

“The foundation laid by Doug during his time with the organization has been invaluable to the veteran community, and I am excited to get to work and build on that progress,” said Jones.