Fayetteville, North Carolina — home to Fort Bragg and a strong veteran community — has seen a growing interest in THCA, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s making waves in the wellness space. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a key compound found in raw cannabis and the chemical precursor to THC. On its own, THCA doesn’t produce a “high,” but when heated through a process called decarboxylation (typically between 200–290°F), it converts to Delta-9 THC — the psychoactive component in cannabis.
Under the North Carolina Farm Bill, THCA products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC remain legal, creating a gray area that vendors and consumers alike are navigating.
More veterans are turning to cannabis and hemp-derived products as a healing option.
Although cannabis has been rescheduled to Schedule III, it remains federally illegal. Still, more veterans are turning to cannabis and hemp-derived products in pursuit of alternative healing options. Organizations like Balanced Veterans Network (BVN) are leading the charge, empowering veterans to explore plant-based therapies for conditions such as PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety. With initiatives like Operation 1620, BVN works to educate veterans and advocate for access to medical marijuana. In July, BVN hosted the Veterans Lounge at the National Cannabis Festival in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of community, support, and education. They also offer medical marijuana certification programs across 32 states and Washington, D.C.
Opinion April 28, 2025, letter: Rescheduling cannabis would help Fayetteville and NC vets deal with PTSD…