Orlando Wallace

Terminated for Medical Cannabis

Orlando Wallace describes how he was terminated for a prescription medication that is produced by the State of Louisiana, recommended by a Board Certified Physician, and dispensed by a Board Certified Pharmacist, and obtained by one of nine highly-regulated pharmacies in the State…if that doesn’t qualify for medicine…what does?

It Hit Home

Firing “the Poster Boy for the department”

The Nixon Administration’s 1970s disproven stigma is still hurting patients and silencing them.

Stigma Silences Patients

Who would want to become a patient if they knew they could loose their job?

Air Force Veteran + Professional Firefighter

Background

Orlando Wallace served Baton Rouge as a professional firefighter for 10 years after serving in the US Air Force. Wallace has been an outspoken advocate for employment protections for Firefighters and First Responders.

After being terminated for a positive THC screening, Wallace is vocal about the need for change.

Orlando Wallace on his 10 years as a Firefighter

Stigma + Whole Life Concept

HOMEGROW Would Change Lives

Wallace describes how stigma affects many firefighters, first responders, and veterans from accessing a less harmful alternative to addictive and problem-causing pharmaceuticals.

Homegrow Would be a Gamechanger

Orlando Wallace Speaker Topics

The Opioid Epidemic

Orlando Wallace describes the reach of opioids: They know no zip code. He’s administered Narcan in trailers and mansions and thinks having MMJ more accessible could help reduce overdose deaths.

Narcan Knows No Zipcode

Un-deserved Stigma

Wallace describes the irony of stigmatizing MMJ while flagrant alcoholism is completely acceptable in most fire departments. There is no reason for this and MMJ should be available treatment option for firefighters and others who experience trauma on a daily basis.

An un-deserved Stigma

Physical + Mental Toll of First Responders

After spending 10 years as a firefighter and first responder, Wallace said that just seeing that much trauma, more in one day than most people see their whole lives, can take a toll on the community’s first responders. Many firefighters report success with MMJ and other fire departments around the coountry have adapted…it’s time Louisiana does,t oo.

It Helps