Anders Winther: Finding Healing and Community Through Cannabis
Written by Lesley Nickus
A Veteran’s Journey to Fulfillment and Relief
In the bustling streets of the Bay Area, a new kind of veteran support group is taking shape, one rooted in the power of cannabis and compassion. It’s called Veteran’s Compassion and the program serves veterans in the Bay area with community involvement, meditation, and cannabis. In the midst of this movement is Anders Winther, a Navy corpsman turned advocate, whose journey with cannabis has not only alleviated his physical and emotional pain but also fostered a tight-knit community.
Winther’s story begins in the 1970s when he served as a Navy corpsman with the Marines, later transferring to the Air Force. His military career, marked by the care of critically ill Marines and the struggles of hiding his sexuality during a time of intense discrimination, left him with deep emotional scars. “Dealing with people’s pain and my own hidden identity took a toll,” he recalls. “Suppressing my true self was a constant source of fear and anxiety.”
Anders Winther discusses his military experience and how he found healing with cannabis at a Compassionate Veterans community event at Root’d in the 510 Dispensary in Oakland, Calif.
It wasn’t until Winther moved to San Francisco and joined Ryan Miller’s group, Operation Evac, a community initiative focused on educating veterans about cannabis, that he found relief. “My experiences with cannabis started recreationally, but it became a significant part of my pain management thanks to the education and support from the group,” Winther explains. “Ryan created an environment where we could learn and share our experiences, making a real impact on our lives.”
The group, initially centered on education about cannabis products, evolved into a community where veterans could share their lives and support each other. “We’ve come to love each other. It’s unique and invaluable,” Winther says. “This community is my family. We gather, share our vulnerabilities, and support each other through our struggles.” Miller and Jaene Leonard launched Compassionate Veterans in 2024.
The passage of Prop 64 brought significant changes to the way people access cannabis, impacting many veterans who rely on it for their well-being. Winther highlights the importance of compassion programs that help veterans obtain the cannabis they need. “Since Prop 64, accessing medicine has become more challenging. These programs are vital for our community,” he asserts.
Winther’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. An elevator accident in 2005 and subsequent mobility issues have intensified his reliance on cannabis. “I’ve had to increase my dosage to manage my pain and PTSD,” he notes. “Cannabis has been a lifeline, especially during times when my mobility is severely limited.”
Despite the obstacles, Winther remains optimistic about the future of his community. “Ryan’s dedication to training and development ensures that our group continues to grow and support each other,” he says. “It’s an ongoing experience of learning and compassion.”
Winther’s activism extends beyond cannabis advocacy. During the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he played a crucial role in bringing LGBTQ veterans into the national conversation. “I worked with legal organizations to fight for our right to be recognized and included,” he recalls. “Our participation in the Veterans Day parade in New York City was a significant victory.”
Winther’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. Through cannabis, he has found relief from his pain and built a supportive family. His journey serves as an inspiration to veterans and advocates alike, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion in the face of adversity.