The former US Navy SEAL who fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden has traded combat for cannabis. Now a business owner, Robert O’Neill is launching Operator Canna Co., a state-licensed marijuana brand set to hit New York City dispensaries, New York Post reports.
In an interview with the Post, O’Neill said that his decision to enter the cannabis industry stemmed from his time in the military and witnessing fellow veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I wanted to get into the cannabis business through my experience in the military and watching vets suffer from things like post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said.
On a personal level, O’Neill said he benefits from using cannabis. “I usually take it at night to help me go to sleep,” he shared.
The 48-year-old veteran believes cannabis can help people manage stress and anxiety. “It’s a good way to take the edge off. It helps to get rid of the noise,” he said. He also intends to direct a portion of his company’s revenue towards supporting disabled veterans through a separate charitable initiative.
From combat to cannabis
O’Neill’s new venture marks a stark contrast to his years as a Navy SEAL, where drug use was strictly forbidden. “One of the general rules in the military is ‘zero tolerance,’” he noted. However, he now sees cannabis as a means to promote well-being, even suggesting it could ease political tensions. “If we take cannabis, we can have better conversations. We have the potential for world peace right here,” he said.
The former SEAL Team 6 member gained global recognition after leading the 2011 raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, that killed bin Laden. He admitted he thought that mission would be his last. “I thought that would be my last day on Earth: We’re going to kill him, and he’s going to kill us,” he recalled. “We were able to fulfil the mission.”
Military-inspired cannabis brand
O’Neill has incorporated his military background into Operator Canna Co. in several ways. The company’s website has a military-style green design, and the cursor is shaped like a sniper’s target. Even the cannabis strains are named after his experience:
- Warrior-Sativa – “An energetic strain for when you need to be on high alert.”
- Healer-Indica – “A mellow high for when you need to relax from a long battle.”
- Shooter-Hybrid – “The perfect balance of precision focus and calm to ensure you always hit your mark.”
The pre-rolled packs have names like Front Toward Enemy and Fire Like This.
‘A better alternative’
O’Neill argues that cannabis is a safer option compared to alcohol and prescription drugs. “Cannabis is a real way to deal with the stress of the past. It’s a good way for people to get rid of anxiety,” he said.
His company’s website outlines its mission to provide healthier alternatives to harmful substances while supporting veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. “By offering premium, hand-crafted cannabis, we aim to provide a path to recovery and well-being, while empowering those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms,” the site states.
The cannabis market in New York currently has 307 licensed dispensaries, and sales have already exceeded $1 billion. The state expects the number of legal dispensaries to double to over 625 by the end of 2025, according to the Office of Cannabis Management.
