Linci Comy: Transforming Veteran Support Through Compassion
Written by Lesley Nickus
In the heart of West Oakland, the Hella Positive Art Gallery stands as a beacon of hope and healing for veterans. Embedded in this transformative space is Linci Comy, a Navy veteran and the veteran coordinator at the gallery. Through her dedicated work at the gallery and with compassion organizations, Linci is fostering a community of compassion and support for PTSD survivors and homeless veterans.
Comy’s journey to becoming a compassion ambassador is deeply rooted in her own experiences. As a Navy corpsman, she witnessed firsthand the trauma that veterans endure. Her mission is to turn that trauma into positive action, creating safe spaces for veterans to heal and thrive. The Hella Positive Art Gallery hosts compassion events, providing veterans with a place to hang out, engage in community service, and find a sense of purpose.
Portrait of Linci Comy at a Veterans Compassion community event at Root’d in the 510 Dispensary in Oakland, Calif.
“Today, a bunch of people went around the neighborhood and picked up trash,” Linci shares. “Part of what we’re doing is to be the compassion ambassador, to do the service that we have always provided as veterans, and turn it into gratitude that beautifies our community.”
Linci emphasizes the importance of productivity and purpose for veterans, noting that activity alone is not enough. “It’s important for us to give back and we’ve earned our place as trauma survivors. We can play a really important role in the world today that’s suffering under conditions many generations have never experienced.”
A key aspect of Linci’s work is the use of cannabis for compassionate distribution, enabled by California’s Proposition 34. This initiative allows veterans to access quality cannabis products, aiding in their reintegration into society. “My job as a veteran coordinator is to make sure that we’re thriving and that we have places to go where we’re respected and honored,” Linci explains.
Linci’s dedication to veterans’ well-being is further reflected in her past work. For 32 years, she ran a women’s health center in Oakland, focusing on reproductive health. Her commitment to support extends to all communities, recognizing the struggles faced by veterans, particularly the high suicide rates. “By using cannabis, I’ve seen people really be able to change that path, and it certainly changed it for myself,” she says.
Cannabis has been a crucial part of Linci’s own healing journey. At 70, she credits her daily use of cannabis for maintaining her health and well-being. “I had an abnormal breast tissue problem. I was able to take cannabis as treatment and I haven’t had any abnormality since,” Linci shares. Access to quality medication has been life-changing for her and many others in the community.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana, inadvertently harmed the compassion community. “Prop 64 destroyed the compassion community that we had to fight for years to build. It is horrible what it has done to the farmers, the legendary traditionalists, and the legacy people,” Linci laments.
Despite these setbacks, Linci and her community are resilient. They continue to advocate for better legislation and support for veterans. Proposition 34, up for renewal next year, is a crucial piece of this puzzle. Linci is actively involved in lobbying efforts, working to ensure that the needs of veterans and the compassion community are met.
Linci’s advocacy is not limited to policy change. She also highlights the importance of spaces where veterans can use cannabis safely and legally. The Hella Positive Art Gallery offers a licensed consumption space, providing veterans with a place to gather and heal. “The need is great and it’s getting greater,” Linci says, noting the growing number of veterans attending their monthly meetings.
The fight for compassion in the cannabis industry is ongoing, but Linci remains optimistic. She believes in the power of community and the importance of sharing resources. “Compassion is alive no matter what. The need is great and it’s getting greater. Every meeting we have more and more people.”
Through her work at the Hella Positive Art Gallery, Linci Comy is not only transforming the lives of veterans but also setting a standard for compassion and support in the cannabis community. Her dedication and resilience are a testament to the power of healing through compassion.