Firefighter Recovery: The Truth About CBD and First Responder Wellness

Firefighter Recovery: The Truth About CBD and First Responder Wellness. What happens when a firefighter takes recovery into their own hands?

The discussion covers the science behind CBD, its impact on sleep, inflammation, and anxiety, and the challenges of drug testing in the fire service. Tune in to learn how CBD can be a game-changer for firefighters and the importance of being proactive about cannabis policies in fire departments.

In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George talks with Captain Jon Vought, founder of Rescue 1CBD, about how CBD (a non-intoxicating hemp extract) is helping firefighters and first responders sleep better, recover faster, and live healthier.

Jon shares his powerful story, from major foot surgery and chronic pain to creating a safe, tested wellness supplement for those who protect others. Together, they explore the science, stigma, and leadership challenges around natural recovery strategies in public safety.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the fire service or high-stress professions who wants to learn about safe, effective recovery options that won’t risk their career.

00:00 – Welcome to Beneath the Helmet
01:00 – Meet Captain Jon Vought: From explorer to captain and founder
03:00 – The recovery journey that sparked Rescue 1CBD
04:00 – Sleep as the foundation of firefighter wellness
06:00 – The origin of Rescue 1CBD and building trust for first responders
08:00 – Understanding “zero detectable” formulas
10:00 – Science and safety: separating fact from fiction
12:00 – CBD vs T*C: what firefighters should know
13:30 – Chronic inflammation and the firefighter lifestyle
15:30 – The body’s natural balancing system explained
18:00 – What the endocannabinoid system actually does
20:00 – The difference between CBD, CBN, and CBG
23:00 – Side effects and contraindications: who shouldn’t use it
27:00 – Drug testing realities in the fire service
30:00 – The contradiction of prescription policies
34:00 – How Pittsburgh paved the way for policy change
37:00 – Using recovery aids safely on and off shift
39:00 – Routine use vs. as-needed for anxiety and sleep
41:00 – The stigma is fading: lessons from mental health advocacy
44:00 – Is your department ready for change?
46:00 – Could these wellness options ever be banned again?
48:00 – How to connect with Jon and Rescue 1CBD
50:00 – Final reflections: trust, leadership, and firefighter health

Jon Vought (Captain)
Founder – Rescue 1CBD

rescue1cbd.com jon@rescue1cbd.com

Arjuna George
Retired Fire Chief, Author of Burnt Around the Edges, and Self-Leadership Coach
Learn more: www.silverarrowcoaching.com

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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