HeroGrown Foundation — Roger and Nick Martin

HeroGrown Foundation, founded by father-and-son veteran team Roger and Nick Martin, has disbursed approximately $4 million in medical cannabis and CBD products to veterans since 2011. Its direct-support model differs from policy-focused advocacy organizations, providing material help rather than legislative lobbying.

Who the Martins Are

Roger Martin is a retired Army veteran who credited cannabis with helping him wean off VA-prescribed OxyContin and Ambien. His personal experience reflects the broader post-9/11 opioid crisis pattern: prescribed opioids for chronic pain, prescribed benzodiazepines for sleep, developing tolerance and dependence, and eventually turning to cannabis as an escape route.

Nick Martin is Roger's son, also a veteran. Together, the father-and-son team founded HeroGrown Foundation in 2011 to help other veterans facing similar experiences.

Note: Some sources incorrectly attribute HeroGrown to Sean Kiernan of Weed for Warriors Project. HeroGrown is the Martins' organization; WFWP is a separate organization co-founded by Kiernan and others. These are distinct grassroots efforts that are sometimes conflated in informal reporting.

The Foundation's Work

Since 2011, HeroGrown has:

• Disbursed approximately $4 million worth of medical cannabis and CBD products to veterans who cannot afford them
• Served a community of 25,000+ members
• Operated primarily as a direct-support charity rather than a policy advocacy organization
• Maintained a grassroots profile focused on individual veteran support
• Collaborated with licensed producers and state programs to source product for distribution

How the Distribution Model Works

HeroGrown's distribution model is distinct from pure advocacy organizations. Where VMCA does policy work and VCP does lobbying, HeroGrown does direct veteran support. This includes:

• Partnerships with licensed cultivators and retailers who donate product for veteran distribution
• Events where eligible veterans can receive free cannabis or CBD products
• Individual support for veterans in need who contact the foundation
• Coordination with other grassroots organizations to identify veterans who could benefit

This direct-support model requires navigating the legal complexities of cannabis distribution in each state where HeroGrown operates. Foundation representatives must comply with state program rules, dispensary licensing requirements, and nonprofit law.

Why the Direct-Support Model Matters

For many veterans, the legal problem is not that cannabis is inaccessible — it is that it is unaffordable. State medical program costs (certification, registration, product purchases) can run $100–$600+ monthly. For veterans on fixed disability income or limited budgets, these costs are prohibitive. HeroGrown's direct distribution addresses this gap in a way that policy advocacy cannot.

This is similar to the original motivation for the Weed for Warriors "Supply Drop" events and for some of the informal veteran support networks that have existed since the early days of state medical cannabis programs. Direct support complements rather than competes with policy advocacy — both are needed.

Legal and Financial Structure

HeroGrown operates as a 501(c) nonprofit. Because it distributes product rather than selling it, its legal profile differs from commercial cannabis businesses. However, it still must navigate:

• State program rules about product distribution
• DEA and federal enforcement considerations (though federal action against legitimate direct-support charities has been rare)
• Nonprofit transparency and reporting requirements
• Coordination with licensed producers for product sourcing
• IRS rules about nonprofit activities

Evaluating HeroGrown as a Charity

By the indicators discussed on our authentic-advocacy page:

• 501(c) status: Yes
• Veteran-governed: Strong (Martins are both veterans)
• Commercial independence: Moderate (distributes but does not sell; partnerships with commercial producers create some commercial interface)
• Track record: 2011–present, predating modern commercial cannabis industry
• Mission clarity: Direct veteran support rather than commercial or policy objectives

HeroGrown's distinction from pure grassroots organizations like VMCA is not about authenticity but about function. VMCA does policy work; HeroGrown does direct support. Both are legitimate contributions to the veteran cannabis ecosystem.

How to Support or Access HeroGrown

• Visit the HeroGrown Foundation website for current information about programs, eligibility, and events
• Donate directly if you want to support the foundation's work (tax-deductible depending on nonprofit status)
• Apply for assistance if you are a veteran who could benefit from direct product support
• Participate in events where the foundation distributes product or provides education
• Support licensed producers who partner with HeroGrown, as their donations are the source of much distributed product

Related Reading

• Advocacy Overview
• Grassroots Organizations
• Weed for Warriors Project
• Post-9/11 Opioid Crisis