Published on February 17th, 2025 | by Hazey Taughtme

Navy SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden To Launch Cannabis Brand

The former U.S. Navy SEAL who fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden has traded combat for cannabis. Robert O’Neill, a veteran of SEAL Team 6, is now entering the marijuana industry with his brand, Operator Canna Co. Set to launch in New York City dispensaries, the brand aligns with O’Neill’s mission to support veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide an alternative to traditional medications.

From Military Missions to Marijuana

O’Neill’s decision to step into the cannabis space was influenced by his firsthand experiences in the military and his observations of fellow service members grappling with 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,” O’Neill shared in an interview with the New York Post.

For O’Neill, cannabis is more than a business opportunity—it’s a personal remedy. “I usually take it at night to help me go to sleep,” he revealed. The former SEAL believes marijuana can help individuals manage stress and anxiety effectively. “It’s a good way to take the edge off. It helps to get rid of the noise,” he explained.

A Military-Inspired Brand with a Mission

Operator Canna Co. reflects O’Neill’s military background in its branding and product lineup. The company’s website features a military-style green aesthetic, with a cursor shaped like a sniper’s target. The cannabis products themselves carry names inspired by combat experiences, such as Front Toward Enemy and Fire Like This.

Beyond business, O’Neill has pledged to allocate a portion of the company’s revenue toward supporting disabled veterans through a charitable initiative. His goal is to provide not only financial assistance but also a sense of community and purpose for former service members.

Breaking Military Taboos

O’Neill’s new venture is a stark contrast to his years in the military, where drug use was strictly prohibited. “One of the general rules in the military is ‘zero tolerance,’” he noted. However, his perspective on cannabis has evolved, and he now sees it as a tool for well-being and even social harmony. “If we take cannabis, we can have better conversations. We have the potential for world peace right here,” he said.

O’Neill is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He led the 2011 raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden—a mission he believed 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 fulfill the mission.”

Cannabis as an Alternative to Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

O’Neill argues that cannabis presents a safer and more beneficial alternative to alcohol and prescription medications, particularly for those dealing with the psychological aftermath of combat.

“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.

Operator Canna Co.’s mission statement underscores its commitment to providing premium, hand-crafted cannabis 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 company states on its website.

New York’s Booming Cannabis Market

O’Neill’s entry into the cannabis industry comes at a pivotal moment for New York’s legal marijuana market. The state currently has 307 licensed dispensaries, with sales surpassing $1 billion. According to the Office of Cannabis Management, the number of legal dispensaries is expected to more than double, reaching over 625 by the end of 2025.

The increasing accessibility of cannabis aligns with O’Neill’s mission to provide veterans and first responders with an alternative to traditional treatments. With Operator Canna Co., he hopes to make a lasting impact, not just in the cannabis industry, but in the lives of those who have served.

Final Thoughts

Robert O’Neill’s transition from elite Navy SEAL to cannabis entrepreneur signals a broader shift in how veterans and society view marijuana. His journey from high-stakes military operations to advocating for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis underscores the plant’s growing acceptance as a tool for mental health and well-being.

As New York’s cannabis market continues to expand, Operator Canna Co. is poised to make waves, offering a military-inspired brand with a clear mission: to serve those who have served.

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Tags: Cannabis Business, Cannabis industry, Military Veterans, Navy SEAL, New York dispensaries, PTSD treatment, Robert O’Neill

About the Author

Hazey Taughtme Hazey Taughtme is the founder of HAZE ENT., an entertainment & cannabis marketing agency in the US. He curated and launched BLACK CANNABIS MAGAZINE in 2021, garnering global media coverage with mainstream publications. His clients have been seen on Forbes, BBC, Deadline, Hot97, Drink Champs, Vlad TV, The Source, AllHipHop and Sway in the AM. Today, Hazey is considered a mover and shaker in the world of cannabis and merges “entertainment” and “cannabis” brands in his Brand activations for the likes of MJBizcon, The Game, and Offset. He’s been mentioned by Adweek for cannabis marketing. Convinced that legal marijuana can change the economic trajectory for people of color globally is why Hazey works so tirelessly on the massive opportunities that the cannabis industry offers.