Former SEAL Team 6 Member Starts Cannabis Brand in NYC to Support PTSD Treatment

17 February 2025

Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill has launched Operator Canna Co., a state-licensed cannabis brand in New York City, aimed at providing veterans with an alternative to alcohol and prescription drugs. The company markets its products with military-themed names such as "Warrior-Sativa" and "Healer-Indica" and donates a portion of sales to organizations supporting disabled veterans. Operator Canna Co.'s cannabis is cultivated on a farm in upstate New York and will be available at licensed cannabis dispensaries such as The Flowery in Staten Island, Queens, the Upper West Side, and SoHo.

O’Neill, known for his role in the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, now advocates for medical cannabis as a safer option for veterans coping with PTSD and stress. His entry into the industry reflects a growing trend of veterans supporting medical marijuana, even as marijuana laws at the federal level still prohibit VA doctors from recommending it. While New York’s cannabis industry has surpassed $1 billion in sales, ongoing challenges such as licensing delays and competition from the unregulated market make it a competitive space. O’Neill’s veteran-focused branding and advocacy could help distinguish Operator Canna Co. in the expanding legal cannabis market.