Robert O'Neill, the decorated former Navy SEAL who famously fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden, is transitioning from military missions to the cannabis industry. At 48, O'Neill has co-founded Operator Canna Co., a New York City-based cannabis company set to sell state-licensed marijuana aimed at alleviating stress and anxiety, particularly among veterans.

Drawing from his military experience and witnessing fellow veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), O'Neill was inspired to enter the cannabis business. "It's a good way to take the edge off. It helps to get rid of the noise," he shared. The company's product line features strains such as "Healer-Indica," "Warrior-Sativa," and "Shooter-Hybrid," each designed to cater to different needs, from relaxation to heightened alertness.

A portion of the company's revenue is dedicated to supporting disabled veterans through a separate charitable organization. O'Neill believes that cannabis offers a healthier alternative to alcohol and prescription medications for managing stress and anxiety. He also suggests that cannabis use could lead to more constructive political discussions, stating, "If we take cannabis, we can have better conversations. We have the potential for world peace right here."

Operator Canna Co.'s products are cultivated at a farm in upstate New York and will initially be available at The Flowery cannabis stores located in Staten Island, Queens, the Upper West Side, and SoHo in Manhattan. This venture aligns with New York's burgeoning cannabis market, which recently surpassed $1 billion in sales.

O'Neill's foray into the cannabis industry marks a significant shift from his military career, reflecting a broader trend of veterans exploring alternative therapies and business opportunities in the rapidly expanding legal cannabis sector.