Hi, I’m Derek 👋

I’m a former RAAF veteran.

After 17 years of failed psychiatric medications following Iraq, I finally found real relief with medicinal cannabis — only to be denied access by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and nearly jailed for trying to heal myself.

I started No More Zombie Veterans so no other veteran — and no other family — has to endure the same cycle of suffering, hopelessness, and dead-end treatments.

Why this campaign exists

Mental health care in Australia is changing.

The harms of long-term psychiatric polypharmacy are now openly acknowledged — including by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

But veterans are still being left behind.

While civilians can legally access plant-based treatments like medicinal cannabis through their doctors, veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are blocked by administrative policy — not medical advice.

Medicinal cannabis works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a key biological system involved in regulating stress, mood, fear, and sleep. Trauma and brain injury are known to disrupt this system.

Despite this, DVA continues to state there is “insufficient evidence” for veterans’ mental health — creating a growing gap in care.

Why your support matters now

We’re not asking government to invent something new.

Medicinal cannabis is already:

- legal and regulated in Australia

- prescribed by doctors every day

- used by civilians for mental health symptoms

The issue isn’t legislation — it’s a stuck administrative policy.

That means change doesn’t require a miracle.

It requires visibility.

When the community speaks up:

- MPs ask questions

- DVA is required to respond

- policy advice can be reviewed

Even small actions help nudge the door open for thousands of veterans and families.

Where your support goes ☕️

If you choose to Buy Me a Coffee, your support is not personal income.

All donations go directly toward:

- social media promotion

- community outreach

- printing and event materials

- keeping this campaign visible and active

Only support if you’re able — every bit helps.

Want to do more?

Sign the petition:

👉 www.change.org/nomorezombieveterans

Contact your local MP (2 minutes):

👉 www.nomorezombieveterans.com/take-action

Learn more:

👉 www.nomorezombieveterans.com

Reform is already happening.

Veterans deserve to be part of it.

No More Zombie Veteran - part of the Safer Veterans Australia initiative

Disclaimer

No More Zombie Veterans advocates for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) policy reform to recognise ECS-based treatments for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD and TBI. Information shared here is for awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. We do not promote or endorse any treatment unless prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional in accordance with Australian law. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding medical decisions.