Entrepreneur

This Military Vet Is Remaking The Cannabis Security Guard Industry

He was once a former soldier in search of a new mission. Then he used his military smarts to create a security company that protects cannabis companies -- without intimidating customers.
Source: Courtesy 0f Iron Protection Group
Courtesy 0f Iron Protection Group

It was a crisp winter day in 2014, and I’d recently returned to Colorado from a tour as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan. I could barely sleep. I was constantly on edge. The only thing that helped me function was cannabis, which is why I was walking up to a pot dispensary.

Many dispensaries weren’t exactly welcoming in-friendly state. I rang the bell, and an amped-up security guard opened the door, nodding at me with a grunt. He was outfitted like a riot police officer -- a gun, baton and pepper spray all prominently displayed on his tactical belt. I thought,

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