Derek Pyrah is the founder of the No More Zombie Veterans campaign—a powerful movement born from lived experience.
A former Australian Defence Force member and PTSD survivor, Derek knows firsthand the damage long-term pharmaceutical overmedication can cause. After discovering the healing potential of plant-based medicines, including medicinal cannabis, he now channels his energy into advocacy, pushing for meaningful reform within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
In this episode, Derek shares his personal story, unpacks the systemic issues facing veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and explains why access to plant-based medicine isn’t just a health issue… It’s a human rights one.
This is a raw, honest, and deeply important conversation about trauma, resilience, and the urgent need for change.
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In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:
Rapid Fire (2:53)
Who is Derek Pyrah? (11:18)
Battling PTSD and transitioning out of the service (14:47)
The day-to-day reality of being overmedicated and what it did to Derek’s sense of identity (17:09)
When other people in Derek’s life noticed a change (20:23)
First attempt at applying for medicinal cannabis via the DVA (22:23)
Busted in the bush and facing 10 years (23:38)
Starting the dialogue with the No More Zombie Veterans campaign (25:35)
Pushing back because the science is there (26:48)
The more you know about the Endocannabinoid System (27:54)
Some of the misconceptions around medicinal cannabis that Derek finds most frustrating (29:05)
Cannabis as a frontline medication (33:14)
Where does the mind shift around cannabis need to come from? (34:50)
How to get involved in the No More Zombie Veterans campaign (36:23)
The fine art of balancing hope while still stuck in the system (38:29)
Small wins that make the difference (39:29)
Leaving a legacy (40:56)
Reflections of then vs now (43:01)
Fight for change and something good (44:43)
Derek’s call to action (46:00)
Show Notes:
Where to Find Derek Pyrah:
Instagram @nomorezombieveterans
Twitter/X @nomorezombievet
TikTok @nomorezombieveter3
Website: https://www.nomorezombieveterans.com
Sign the petition: Approve medicinal cannabis for Australian veterans
Where to find Christina Mc Mullan:
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