Dylan Roe, a Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, defies the stereotypes surrounding cannabis consumers—misconceptions ingrained by decades of misinformation fueled by the War on Drugs. His journey is proof that cannabis consumers are more than the outdated image of the “stoner”; they are veterans, parents, and everyday people seeking relief and healing.
Living in Davis County, Utah, with his wife and two daughters, Dylan’s life stands as a testament to the transformative power of medical cannabis. It’s a lifeline that has helped him navigate the lasting physical and emotional wounds from years of military service. From the battlefield to beekeeping, Dylan has become a key figure in Utah’s growing medical cannabis industry, embodying resilience and recovery. His story underscores the critical role cannabis plays in the lives of veterans and others striving for healthier, more fulfilling lives.
In a state where cannabis remains a divisive issue, particularly among conservative communities, Dylan’s experiences as a veteran are essential in reshaping public perception. For him and countless others, medical cannabis isn’t about recreation—it’s a vital treatment for managing trauma, chronic pain, and the lasting effects of military service.
Life Before Cannabis: A Military Journey
Born in Albany, New York, in 1991, Dylan Roe’s early years were marked by challenges that would shape his future. He navigated a difficult home life and, at times, found himself sleeping in his car as a teenager. Yet, instead of breaking him, these experiences forged a deep resilience and a sense of purpose. The events of 9/11, which occurred while Dylan was in middle school, further solidified his resolve to serve his country. By the time he graduated high school in 2010, Dylan knew his path would lead to the Marine Corps.
Joining the Marine Corps Infantry in 2011, Dylan quickly found himself deployed to one of the most dangerous regions in Afghanistan—Sangin, in Helmand Province. Known for intense fighting and significant casualties, Sangin was a place where survival was far from guaranteed. Dylan’s role as a turret gunner put him on the front lines of this brutal conflict.
In May 2012, Dylan’s vehicle was hit by an 80-pound improvised explosive device (IED). “The blast was so powerful that it shattered the four-inch thick bulletproof glass around me,” Dylan recalls. Initially thinking he had simply lost his footing and slipped from his position, Dylan quickly realized the gravity of the situation when he saw the destruction caused by the explosion. His left arm bore the brunt of the impact, and the incident left him with both visible and invisible scars. For his injuries, Dylan was awarded the Purple Heart—a testament to the sacrifice he made for his country.
After recovering, Dylan returned to Afghanistan in 2014, this time as a squad leader, leading his fellow Marines through the final stages of the U.S. military’s presence in Sangin. When he left Afghanistan for the last time, the physical and emotional weight of his experiences began to set in. His body was broken—multiple surgeries on his shoulder and knee followed, including a significant ACL reconstruction. However, it wasn’t just his physical injuries that posed a challenge; the emotional toll of war was just beginning to unfold.
The Battle at Home: Addiction and Recovery
After his second deployment, Dylan received orders to Utah, where he became an Inspector-Instructor at Fort Douglas, responsible for training Infantry Reserve Marines. Despite the shift to a more structured environment, this was not the fresh start he had hoped for. The physical pain from his combat injuries followed him home, leading to an overwhelming reliance on prescription narcotics, including powerful opioids. Although prescribed to manage his pain, these medications soon began to take control of his life, making the transition from Active Duty to civilian life anything but smooth.
By 2018, Dylan was medically retired, but the road to recovery was far from over. The narcotics he had been prescribed to help him cope with his injuries had instead begun to destroy his life. He struggled with addiction, and his relationships with his wife, Larissa, and their two daughters were suffering as a result. Dylan was falling asleep mid-conversation, disconnected from his family, and feeling increasingly detached from the world around him.
At just 27 years old, Dylan found himself at a crossroads. He could continue down the path of addiction, or he could take control of his life. “I decided I couldn’t keep living this way,” Dylan reflects. “In October 2018, I returned all of my prescription narcotics to the pharmacy and detoxed on my own. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I knew I had to do it to get my life back.”
The detox process was grueling, lasting from October to February of the following year. The physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms were intense—he couldn’t even walk outside without sunglasses because the sun was painfully intense. But despite the agony, this Marine pushed through. By February, he began to feel like himself again, but it wasn’t until he discovered cannabis that his true healing journey really began.
The Turning Point: Embracing Cannabis
Dylan’s relationship with cannabis wasn’t new. Even before joining the military, he had always seen cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol. Growing up in a society that often equated cannabis use with delinquency, Dylan knew firsthand how misleading those perceptions were. However, during his time in the Marines, he avoided the plant due to the strict regulations and potential loss of benefits. Instead, he and his fellow Marines turned to alcohol to cope with their trauma, often drinking to excess and engaging in destructive behaviors.
After retiring from the military, Dylan realized that cannabis could provide the relief he needed—without the devastating side effects of prescription drugs. In 2019, he began using medical cannabis to manage his pain, PTSD, and sleep issues. “It was like someone flipped the switch from off to on,” Dylan says. “Life was brighter and more enjoyable. Cannabis helped me calm my nerves and enjoy time with my family without constantly scanning my environment.”
Dylan’s decision to embrace cannabis was not just about alleviating physical pain; it was about reclaiming his mental health. For years, the trauma of war had clouded his ability to connect with others, especially his family. Cannabis gave him the clarity and peace of mind he needed to rebuild those relationships and rediscover the joys of fatherhood and marriage.
A New Chapter: Life with Cannabis
In 2021, Dylan graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in psychology, earning the highest GPA in his class. His decision to study psychology was rooted in his desire to help others who were struggling with mental health challenges, much like he had. However, during his final semester, Dylan realized that a career in counseling might not be the right fit for him. The emotional toll of helping others through their darkest moments felt too heavy. Instead, Dylan found a new purpose in working with cannabis—a plant that had already played such a significant role in his own healing.
Dylan’s journey with cannabis led him to WholesomeCo Cannabis in Bountiful, one of Utah’s leading medical cannabis companies. He started as a delivery driver, bringing cannabis directly to patients across the state. Over time, he moved into a role in cannabis delivery fulfillment, helping to organize and distribute orders for patients. For Dylan, this work was more than just a job—it was a way to give back to the community and help others find the same relief that cannabis had brought him. “Every day I get to have a small part in providing medical cannabis to patients throughout Utah,” he explains. “Each human being has their own reasons and story, and they’re trying to medicate their minds and bodies with something that won’t kill them.”
In addition to his work at WholesomeCo, Dylan also launched his own apiary business, Eight Eighteen Apiary. Beekeeping, much like cannabis, has provided Dylan with a way to heal and connect with nature. His honey is even used in WholesomeCo’s ‘Thrive’ THC-infused edibles, a partnership that brings Dylan’s two passions together in a meaningful way. “Beekeeping isn’t easy in Utah’s harsh climate,” Dylan admits, “but it’s a labor of love. My bees help keep me grounded, and the work complements the healing power of cannabis in a way I never expected.”
Changing Perceptions: A Veteran’s Voice
Dylan’s story is a powerful reminder that cannabis consumers come from all walks of life. As a veteran, father, and husband, Dylan embodies the reality that many Utahns who use medical cannabis are doing so not to get high, but to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. The War on Drugs may have created a negative image of cannabis users, but Dylan’s life challenges that stereotype, especially in a conservative state like Utah.
Despite the stigma surrounding cannabis use, particularly within the veteran community, Dylan has remained open about his journey. He acknowledges the challenges he’s faced, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs, where many providers still harbor negative views on cannabis. “I was far worse of a human when I was prescribed Methadone and Valium, and none of you had an opinion then,” Dylan says, reflecting on his interactions with the VA.
Dylan’s story also speaks to a broader issue—the need to break down the stigma surrounding cannabis use, particularly within the veteran community. Despite overwhelming evidence of cannabis’s benefits for treating conditions like chronic pain and PTSD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to lag behind in supporting cannabis as a viable alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals. Many veterans, like Dylan, have turned to cannabis as a safer and more effective option, but they often face resistance from the very institution that should be their strongest advocate.
Many believe the VA’s reluctance to embrace cannabis is tied to its deep connections with pharmaceutical companies, which continue to push powerful opioids and psychiatric medications despite their well-documented risks of addiction and harmful side effects. For veterans seeking relief through cannabis, the fear of losing benefits or being judged by healthcare providers becomes a significant barrier. This stigma not only blocks access to a potentially life-saving treatment, but it also perpetuates outdated views of cannabis. Dylan, like so many others, had to navigate these obstacles alone, a journey that underscores the urgent need for reform within the VA and a more progressive approach to cannabis as medicine.
Looking Forward
As Dylan continues to build his life post-military, he remains committed to helping others through his work in the cannabis industry and his advocacy for veterans. He hopes that his story will encourage more veterans to consider medical cannabis as a treatment option and that Utah’s cannabis laws will continue to evolve to better serve patients.
Dylan’s journey is far from over, but with the support of his family, the cannabis community, and his bees, he’s found a path that brings him peace, purpose, and a brighter future.
