I drew this cartoon at the beginning of the month but decided to hold off as to NOT put a damper on any of the marches. The marches are more for legalization of Cannabis in general as well as world wide recognition of a growing desire for a PLANT. When Cannabis is legalized world wide I am sure it will still be a day to rejoice!  

This is about a conversation I have had with several people. 
I talk to everyone and that is a gift  ‘to’ me.  I learn all sides of the story. I have been blessed as a cannabis cartoonist -  to be in a situation where I have got to know many people of all sorts, sizes, professions, incomes, ages, diseases and reasons. 

I am becoming even more convinced you cannot judge anyone until you have lived their lives and if you don’t get why someone is miserable then the issue lies with-in. Lack of compassion? I don’t necessarily think so, but a lack of consideration perhaps and again - possibly just because how do you think of these things if you truly do not understand?

*Like a video today with two guys talking about child birth they were singing a new tune after having ‘electric contractions equal  to a normal birth. Once you know - then you realize. Until then..  TRY to put yourself in others shoes. If only for a few moments.
I am having serious balance issues these days I nearly wipe out in my own back yard daily - causing much amusement for my girls who think mom’s playing a new game or  is mom going in the pool!?? Hee hee hee - not funny when happening though. I couldn’t even consider attending the march. Many patients who use cannabis  cannot physically attend these functions and that sucks. They want to participate as much as anyone else if not more!  

Cannabis would not be where it is today if not for the awareness of medical Cannabis and patients that are speaking up. I first learned from Documentaries with patients, I thank God for them.  Patients are now getting angrier as some light up, wake and bake, and stay STONED’ and become legal -yet other places continue to struggle for their MEDICINE and all the issues surrounding it from political, social etc... 

I guess I am trying to say is have a little more consideration, perhaps parades everywhere would organize a double decker bus for those that cannot walk!! O.k.perhaps thats pushing it just yet but if you are planning an event give those in wheelchairs, those who need crutches and others that just need to rest some serious consideration please.  We all want and deserve the same happiness. We all want to celebrate this powerful plant! & give thanks. Physically and mentally.




ONE love xox

I wanted to make a little hand-out for kids that might come to the EXPO, and for kids in general. A conversation starter. There have been several children over the years.
One page. Something to color with the added bonus of a few folds and a simple cut and you make a cute little book. Saw it on PIN.  I drew this today and have since asked FB friends their opinion of what should be in a book. I have a few new ideas and hope to try to keep making these pages and keep them circulating!

Every page is an opportunity to talk to your children about Cannabis and making healthy choices in general! Please feel free to copy and print it out I have also added  photos that  show you where to cut and how to fold below the coloring sheet ;-)!!
Print out a few and plant the seed of TRUTH in young minds &  you plant the seeds of curiosity,  understanding and compassion as well!  Have fun!  XOX
I hope it works  I will ask a friend tomorrow how to load it so you can download it as a coloring sheet.

Now that’s an edible!

I  draw for many people, a few bakers the past few years - so I have tried my share of baked goods.  I am also in a situation where I have met many people who bake medibles. and I am even sent some in the mail and have to say there have been times where I do not eat or use the edibles that have been sent. I have even tossed several.

 Why?   I have no clue about who made them or how they were made, they can taste a little “off” or I can taste the cannabis... and like everything else lately I try to know what I put in my body - including GMO’s  so why should cannabis be any different?  

Unless I bake it in my own kitchen - I like to know what’s in it. ESPECIALLY with medicine. 

BUT I never know what to say to people. IF they ask. ”Did you like it”?  
 I always give my honest opinion and it might not be great, but I do it in hopes that they can make themselves better, not to drag someone down.  This is a competitive market like EVERY thing else so, step it up or move over.

Here is what I CAN SAY... This is how you do it! IMO
Below are photos of baked goods that we received recently.  
Each is CLEARLY marked ingredients, strength and even strain! 
WOW. 

I have had medibles from a few clubs and made such suggestions and then just watch.. some will and some won’t and those that don’t IMO will soon be out of business. 
Many patients do want some sort of clarity on what we are taking. We also want it to taste good! If a compassion club can't offer you an assortment  - then look for another compassion club. I think sooner or alter they all have to set certain standards.
IF you bake for a compassion club PLEASE  TAKE it up a notch!  

This is clear and professional and I was happy to sample. I have mentioned  this compassion club before because I know the quality of the baked good and yes I will say they are one of the best I have met. Why wouldn’t I - It is part of the confusion - anyway that I can help make it easier and eliminate any stress anyone is dealing with - been there done that!  You will fin a brochure from them in my special EXPO bag and a few other clubs I like and have had the pleasure of dealing with. (more on the bags soon)

If you currently use a club that does NOT present medibles like this - make the suggestion. Part of the problem is the sneakiness still associated with silly habits,  
food should be marked clearly for several reasons including allergies. 
Take the time.. add the detail of TLC - your patients will thank you for it. 

The compassion club that these baked  goods are from:

http://cannabisaccess.ca/

and I highly recommend them ;-)  
BTW according to Health Canada,  Medibles are ILLEGAL. 
One of the safest ways to consume... what a joke.

I can’t wait to see my friend Adam from Cannabis Access and many more people at the EXPO!! Got your ticket???
xox <><

Some will see this toon and think

We all know someone who or knows directly a police officer who does not agree with Cannabis laws. I have met a few "I don't agree with it, it's my job"  Tough call.  Yes, we need our jobs, we need to pay bills and provide for our families but what happens when it becomes one of your kids who is up on Cannabis charges? Will your tune then change or if you are a politician (who is a complete hypocrite) will you have the charges dropped: http://gothamist.com/2013/04/26/medical_marijuana-hating_assemblyma_1.php

Educate yourself.  Many police are admitting - finally- that they too should be doing more important things!  L.E.A.P = http://www.leap.cc/  is a fantastic organization that promotes education on drug prohibition and it's failing history. There are Judges, police officers and politicians that, when they feel they can - when their job is no longer on the line, will admit to Cannabis being a waste of time and money.  Listen to the former police captain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8yYJ_oV6xk
I for one look forward to the day when they can return to serving and protecting instead of bulling and beating over Cannabis, a plant.    
xox <><  

Music for your blog reading enjoyment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzs1K3caXJk
Wow, this cartoon smacked me right in the head ;-) Awesome.
It started with a joke from my best bud Cathy.♥ 
I was stressed wondering what to draw for 4/20?! 
The universal day of 
Celebration for Cannabis!!! 
A Plant.
Grown from a seed.
Made by *GOD.
(*original patent holder)


Medical, Recreational, Hemp, Food, Fuel.. 
It's the day and I want to say THANK YOU!  
                                       I have said it so many times, I thank God daily for this Plant! 
Give us this Day our daily Bud...  <3 Wow. YES,   I read recently  how powerful that prayer is;  Give us this dayour daily bread,  -not thanks for yesterday, or make sure I have it tomorrow. Give us THIS day.  Focus on today.
.. and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,
 and that                 ^ ^        ^  That simply put means  ^    ^  ^             :
                                               PEACE, PEOPLE!  
Religion aside... who can argue with those lines?  How else are we going to get ahead, clearly WAR is not the answer! 
Thank you Marvin, now in my head for the rest of the day.
People all around the world who suffer over a plant. A plant less toxic than many others,  proven helpful to ease pain, yet illegal and lives destroyed because of it.    
WTF?   O.M.God.  How disappointing.  
A PLANT.  While others  rape, kill, abuse, terrorize, suffer & starve needlessly... 
enough with the bullshit distraction. 
FOCUS on the REAL problems at hand. 

Rise Up people! Speak up! <3   Celebrate this Plant! Let it be a symbol of change.
It all starts with a SEED!!!  Life.

So.. Yes!
     Give us this Day our daily bud, 
       and thank you Lord  for it!
I do! Everyday! Keeping the Love of my life happy - How could I not give thanks?
Celebrate 4/20, Spread Peace and Love !!! 
- there are already enough assholes doing the opposite;-)


xox <><

Tomorrow is the BIG day!  Cannabis will be celebrated all over the world! What started as a time for a bunch of guys to meet to smoke some 'marijuana'  at 4:20 everyday , has turned into a world wide celebration! On April 20th - 4/20.. People all around the world unite and light up! AWESOME! 
At first I thought it was 'neat' but then to see it grow and share! People get together to share, hang out, talk, laugh, educate and stand up for something they believe in! 

Medicinal and recreational, the crimes against Humanity regarding this plant are shameful.  Every year it grows larger, parades, marches, sit -in's & MORE!  Think about it...  When else do they do this? Not enough times I'm afraid. We should have a world wide NO GMO day! Or  Celebrate the children day and stop abuse! 

I was asked to post a cartoon early at 7:00 p.m. my time - because it is April 20 on the other side of the world already! ;D  Yes, I will admit in my small mind,  I did not think of that at first!  How many realize the problems regarding cannabis are all around the world?  Some people even die because of it.  
I do! I have been educated! I plan on doing what ever I can to help educate others! 
If it is as simple as drawing a cartoon that will get some attention, create a curiosity...
Done!
I have another new toon to post tomorrow a.m. ;-) 
Have a great time all who plan on doing something special for 4/20!  Remember to do it 'peacefully' < something asscoiated with pot smokers, and I'm fine with that! 
Stand up for what you believe in! Why else are you here? 
xox <><

I'll admit I thought you could get high licking the toad.

April fool!
Too bad it is no joke..
This is not an original idea. 
I was inspired by an image I saw, and of course this is what came to mind.
It is how I feel. 

Apparently people even now, are still getting permission to grow. 
Is Health Canada lining up all it's ducks in a row for when they want to TAKE away licenses?  Are we all just sitting ducks?
How can this still be happening, when they claim the entire reason they will be removing is for criminal activity, yet more permits are issued... I know, I am NOT the only one confused. Health Canada is probably hoping we are all 'dazed and confused'. 
That is not happening. I see less confused and dazed every day, all around.
DO NOT become a sitting duck or An April FOOL! 
Pay attention, take notes and stand up for what you believe in.
xox <><





The only criminal activity I see happening is on the part of Health Canada and the MMAR Program.
 

I met William on Fb  a long time ago... I don't know who became who's (WHOM?)  friend, but I can tell you I have grown fond of him. I knew him before Ryuu ;-)  He makes me laugh. I'm not always sure why. I find him honest and upfront.
He has had me slightly 'ticked' to put it nicely, a few times! Once about breast feeding.  He gets me thinking.  I like his wife and I have never even seen her, usually only what banter William decides to share.  I think he is one of my favorite dads. It has been interesting for me watching and seeing the posts of a stay at home dad.... anyhow I am thankful for meeting them and look forward to watching the family grow 
;-) .  Ask and you shall receive, and he did. G

It Has Been A Year and My Baby Is Not Even Broken. 
By William F. Steele

On April 17th Ryuu Dio Steele will be turning over his first leaf. My child will be one years old. It will be a joyful day filled with all kinds of grilled meats and cakes. Let us also not forget it will be a day of swollen egos. You see I suffered through many “talks” being told too many times on how I am one of those who will never really understand what it is like to truly raise an offspring just because, you know, I have male parts. Because of all those little talks I am overly ecstatic to be here with my testosterone filled battle cry “the babe lives! Ye woman folk can move along now RawR!”

As my baby boy’s birthday nears I find myself looking back at all the little “talks” I had gotten from parents-in-the-know. Some ranged from what brands of diapers to get while others explained how colors of cups will dictate my child’s sexual preference. Some I listened to most I ignored and in the end other than a few scrapes I have made it through the first year with an intact child. You may applaud now as I take a bow. Thank you! Thank you!

Before I get feedback of “well you had it easy your wife worked and did chores” I would like to bring up during my first year as the main caregiver I was going through some drama of my own. Short version of a long story: A few months before my son’s birth my mother dies in front of me. Being a huge momma’s boy I really miss my mother. It’s funny. I can’t touch bacon anymore because I can still taste it from when I was doing CPR on her on a morning a few days before my birthday. Now no dwelling let us move on to a month before my son’s birth my house was invaded by 20 or so combat ready individuals because a friend decided to make a snitch’s paycheck. He knew being the cannabis activist that I am I would most likely have a few cannabis plants here and there plus he knew just what to say to get me to hand one over. Thirty two years old never been arrested the first time a cannabis plant leaves my home a friend gives me up for some drug money. Isn’t that just funny let me tell you once I realized who had snitched me out my cell mates all looked at me a little worried as I laughed so hard I could not breath. Oh ya before I forget about how I also was stuck playing nice to my father’s other family as she moves into my mother’s house and drives my mother’s car. No comment move along nothing more to see here. Now throw in general bad luck stuff like how I threw my back out getting out of bed when my wife’s water broke and that pretty much sums up the disadvantage parts going on during the first year or so.

I do not bring up these woeful times to glum your day I bring it up to show off my brilliance as a stay at home parent. During this time when it would have been understandable to just shut down I put on a smile, did a little laugh, and pulled up my big boy pants so I could play the role that was set before me.

And these are a few random things I’ve learned. Over these past months.

Changing Diapers Suck! And I still have not decided yet what is worse: breathing through my nose or through my mouth. Tough call do I just want to smell it or smell it and taste it in theory if I breathe through my mouth. Even if you try to go all rodeo and get it done at record speed it still sucks. As soon as the rugrat was able to sit up on his own bathroom training began. It has been a long slow road but the outcome will be its weight in gold.

This bit of advice I will have to give credit to mother’s worldwide. “When the baby sleeps you sleep!” That is such a golden rule it would be wise to burn it in to your memory if you’re a first time parent.

It does not matter what color, cloths, or if I love hello kitty my child has an even chance of becoming straight, gay, or cross gender. It irks me to no ends when a parent-in-the-know tries to push the idealism that he must conform. I have no time for this foolishness because in the end it is not the neon pink and purple sippy cup that could make him gay. Pretty sure it would be the interest in other males he develops on his own time through his own experiences that does it.

The day will come when he finds some one he wants to share his love with and it will be a happy day that’s all I know. The idea where the option of shaming him to change to the “norm” causing confusion and self loathing that can very well drive him out of our lives or worst lead to one day where we find him hanging in his own closet is just unheard of in this house hold. The king of the castle has spoken so be it ordered.

Anyone can learn a lot by listening to the advice from another. But there was this one statement that I would hear every now and then that would just drive me right up the wall. “He is too young for that.” Well of course he is too young to understand physicist Brian Cox talking about whatever he seems to be excited about that day. I don’t expect him to. Nor do I feel my baby has to be able to grasp all of the sign language we practice throughout the week. The goal is to lay down the tracks for when he is at the point where he should be able to understand it. It’s a pity that so many parents will limit their child just because they are too young. 4 months into Ryuu’s life he was responding to me with simple nods and crude signs of yes or no. Once we had this crude way of communicating I knew right then age limit is just a limit of the mind. I still believe in this theory as I practice math on chalk boards with Ryuu sitting on my shoulders.

On a side note when Ryuu learned that if he signed “up” he will get thrown into the air great for him but for me I ended up doing reps of thirty lifts a day as he grew heavier. But as time went on we started to branch out into other feats of daring acrobatics like now of days he is practicing how to stand on my shoulders as I walk around. We have so much fun that all started with the American Sign Language sign for “up”.

Yes I have a child, yes I am worried about going to prison, no I will not stop being an open cannabis activist. As of a few weeks ago we have decided to up my game and try my hand with politics at a local level. The idea of leaving these unjust cannabis prohibition laws where they are scares me more than prison. The idea that my child might have to go through an arrest like I had experienced sends chills down my spine that fuels an anger inside of me.

No one has ever died from an overdose of cannabis and it’s a plant with thousands of uses. With hard work I’ll be able to show my child that if the people stand up against unjust practices they can be stopped. This will be one of the most important lessons I teach my child I believe.

Now if you happen to live in Alabama don’t forget to vote for William F. Steele in 2018. Your support would be greatly appreciated. https://www.facebook.com/WilliamFSteele

To leave you hungry for more I will brush up on the topic of food. Most understand it as one must eat to live but around here it is live to eat. My fear from all of the “talks” was I would be doomed to serving nothing but chicken nuggets and hotdogs. As a hobby chef and a cookbook author I was terrified let me tell you. I am just that skilled or I must have lucked out. No lie I have a little food disposal unit. It does not matter, veggies, seafood, sweets, meats, he is willing to eat it as long as it is offered to him. The fact that he was willing to eat anything opened the doors for so many healthy dishes without much fuss but plenty of adorable messes.

Seeing that rugrat gobbling up a simple chicken stir fry with a huge grin and smacking those lips is one of my favorite feelings. The simple joy of knowing I won’t ever need to offer Ryuu over processed foods just so he will eat is the greatest. One of my favorite cooking tips is to add hemp seeds to your meals. Those little seeds are packed full with so much healthy goodness its foolish not to add them.

Rugrat Approved Chicken Stir Fry
Can server 2 adults 1 child
1 pound of thinly sliced chicken breast or 2 deboned chicken thighs thinly sliced up
½ a cup of chopped onion
4 crushed and diced garlic cloves
Pinch of red pepper
1 table spoon of hemp seeds
½ a cup of sliced mushrooms
½ a cup of sliced bell peppers
½ a cup of (veggie of choice)
Splash of cooking oil
Soy sauce to taste (I usually use about 1/3 cup of soy sauce)
1-2 teaspoon of honey (optional)
1teaspoon of corn starch dissolved in a little water (if you want a thick sauce)

Let us start by pre heating the oil in a large wok or frying pan over a med high heat. To this we need to add the garlic giving it enough time to release its flavor without burning.

The chicken will go in next along with the soy sauce, pepper and add the honey if you want a sweet twist. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Now it is time for the veggies and depending on how you enjoy your vegetables depends on when to add them. I generally add them all in at the same time just allowing them to heat up throughout. I love keeping the crispiness of vegetables when I am cooking for myself but to each their own.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking you’re done unless you would like the sauce to be thicker. Lower the heat to a simmer then stir in the corn starch water mixture. The sauce will turn milky for a minute but will clear up as it mixes in so don’t panic. Allow it to simmer allowing the sauce time to thicken up to almost a syrup texture.
Serve on top of rice and Enjoy!

William sent me his cookbook! Probably not knowing I don't cook. BUT I figure IF I do cook - It will be from this book, and I will let you know how it went ;-) . William is also ambitious and hey WHY NOT! We have one shot at this life- I wanted to be a syndicated cartoonist, I have people who share my cartoons all over the world. ;-) And TEACH RYUU to reach fro the stars too!  You can get his cook book at:   http://www.amazon.ca/Cannabis-Cuisine-Whipping-Some-ebook/dp/B0053YQEMG