Todd Harrison, a cannabis industry executive and High Times contributor, published a personal reflection on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, detailing how witnessing the tragedy from his office at 40 Fulton Street ultimately led him to the cannabis industry.
Harrison lost a friend who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial services firm that occupied floors 101-105 of the North Tower. The company lost 658 employees in the attacks, representing nearly two-thirds of its workforce at the time.
The piece marks one of the more personal narratives emerging from cannabis industry leaders about trauma and the therapeutic potential that drew them to the sector. Harrison's account connects direct experience with national tragedy to his later work in cannabis advocacy and business.
From Finance to Cannabis
Harrison's path mirrors a broader trend in the cannabis industry, where professionals from traditional sectors have entered the space after personal experiences with trauma, chronic pain, or mental health challenges. The connection between PTSD treatment and cannabis has become a significant driver of both medical marijuana programs and industry growth.
Veterans and first responders from 9/11 have been particularly vocal advocates for cannabis access. At least 38 states now include PTSD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, many adding it specifically after advocacy from military veterans and trauma survivors.
The cannabis industry has increasingly positioned itself around wellness and trauma recovery narratives. Companies and advocates regularly cite PTSD treatment as evidence for broader legalization efforts, though research remains limited due to federal scheduling restrictions.
Industry Context
Harrison's reflection comes as the cannabis sector faces significant business challenges despite growing medical acceptance. The industry continues pushing for federal rescheduling, which would enable more comprehensive research into cannabis for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
Current federal classification as a Schedule I substance has restricted clinical trials examining cannabis efficacy for PTSD. The DEA's pending decision on moving cannabis to Schedule III could open pathways for expanded medical research, though the agency has not indicated a timeline for action.
The personal narrative approach has become common in cannabis advocacy, with industry leaders sharing stories about medical necessity, criminal justice reform, or therapeutic discovery. These accounts often serve dual purposes: humanizing the industry while building cases for policy change.
What This Signals
The 25th anniversary of 9/11 has prompted renewed discussion about long-term trauma treatment options. Cannabis advocates have used the moment to highlight gaps in conventional PTSD care and argue for expanded access to alternative therapies.
Harrison's visibility in cannabis media, particularly through High Times, gives his account reach within industry circles. The publication has increasingly featured personal stories alongside business coverage and product reviews.
Whether personal narratives translate to policy momentum remains uncertain. Federal lawmakers have shown limited movement on cannabis reform despite widespread state-level medical programs and public support for expanded access.
This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.
