Yep, it's reefer madness all over again.  When "they" first tried to tell us cannabis was bad for us they would make statements like: Marijuana will make white women like black men! It will make you crazy and go on killing rampages!  It will destroy your brain!! Some of the quotes past presidents have made are unbelievable, Ronald Regan actually said: 
"I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini Island during an H-bomb blast."  
Tell that to Obama, who inhaled frequently.
The journey on Cannabis education for me opened my eyes to many things, some of which I would like to say I was happily ignorant and beautifully blissful; this is not the case anymore. 
So when I read  NOW- Cannabis causes schizophrenia- I looked into it.  This to me was the biggest joke to date. I wondered how they knew this and after reading time and time again - it appears it is NOT fact - far from it! It is a 'HUNCH' - a guess and a poor one at that. Well for any rational thinking human!  Turns out that the ONLY way to PROVE - scientifically* that Cannabis causes Schizophrenia is to follow each person studied for over 20 years.  ??? So I wondered- how the heck do they do that? THEY don't ! They follow up with them from time to time with a few questions - ARE you kidding me!? How can anyone make such a claim!  It would be just as easy for me to claim  about milk!  REALLY! 
They also note (in the fine print most times) that  there are other factors. 
SO the FACT is: NO they CANNOT prove Cannabis causes Schizophrenia- as a matter of FACT there is strong argument that young adolescence  who DO have pre-existing schizophrenia often learn early that Cannabis actually helps them control their condition. Don't believe me - Research it! PLEASE! I did.  Anyhow, I know there are many things, events, life lessons that have made me the person I am today - somewhat crazy - probably - but Cannabis was NOT one of them. 
*One little note to leave you with - Alcohol on the other hand is increasingly being tied (scientifically) with the rise of dementia in people. 
You sure don't see those headlines everyday!!


more on the subject: Study: Administration Of Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoid Mitigates Psychotic Symptoms In SchizophrenicsMannheim, Germany: The administration of the non-psychotropic plant constituent cannabidiol (CBD) is associated with a significant reduction in psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

An international team of researchers from Germany and the United States performed a four week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial assessing the clinical relevance of cannabidiol versus amisulpride, a potent antipsychotic agent, in patients with acute schizophrenia.

Researchers reported that the administration of either substance was associated with significant clinical improvement, but they acknowledged, "[C]annabidiol displayed a markedly superior side-effect profile."

Amisulpride is categorized as "one of the most effective drugs currently in use for the treatment of schizophrenia."

Investigators concluded, "Our results provide evidence that the non-cannabimimetic constituent of marijuana, cannabidiol, exerts clinically relevant antipsychotic effects that are associated with marked tolerability and safety, when compared with current medications. ... The results ... potentially represent a completely new mechanism in the treatment of schizophrenia."

A review of CBD's safety profile in humans, published online in 2011 in the scientific journal Current Drug Safety, concluded that the cannabinoid is non-toxic, safe, and well tolerated in humans, even in high doses.

Separate investigations of CBD have documented the cannabinoid to possess a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-epileptic, anti-cancer, and bone-stimulating properties.

We decided to go for that nature walk this afternoon and it was a beautiful day to go!  We drove a way with the dogs - they were all excited - ROAD TRIP!! Much to my delight - It's Trillium time!! They were every where and not yet in bloom only buds waiting to POP! 
They do not last long, they are Ontario's official flower ;-) 3 leaves - it is illegal to pick them. As tempted as I was - I did not.  We walked and walked - my son had his medicine and 
we just kept going. The weather and sunshine  could not have been better.  Well - needless to say I am now pooped - all my girls are! Daisy had her first off leash experience and was amazing- never running more than a few feet in front of Storm the entire time. That dog loves her boy.  I kept thinking this is as simple as it should be .. walking through nature- so many different plants. It's a plant. Give it back to nature and let the insanity end.  We were looking for mushrooms - but I have no clue on how to find them - I see them posted all over FB but  -no such luck. I did see several flowers, a butterfly or two and just had a wonderful relaxing walk with those I love most. 

It's May! No more April showers- well tell that to mother nature today! With May comes the knowledge of summer weather ahead! New buds and blooms and birds!! Yeah May! It ALSO means for us that the EXPO - is 24 days away! I say Us because it is a team - My husband is my sherpa ;-))) as is Storm, I could not do it without them.  I also have a few friends helping me in my booth this year! I realize the Medical marijuana Expo is a one shot weekend to try to educate as many people as I can! I talk with parents and others who are not sure about Cannabis and want to find out more. I WISH - I had known about such an EXPO when we started- Oh well, when you learn things the hard way you have a tendency to not forget much ;-D  Treating Yourself magazine has provided me with issues of the magazine featuring Storm's story and I plan of passing them out!  I will have originals for sale - framed and unframed, bags, baby outfits (only a few), jewelry, painting and MORE!! * Today I am posting this NEW -It is a RE-draw- but HEY ! It's my own re draw so I can do that. I always loved this toon and sold the first  (not as detailed) cartoon, but have decided to keep this one.  It is SO true -
 Then and Now - Those who Believe ! Yet we still sit in this legal mess where people cannot medicate themselves with a plant and are forced to have chemicals stuffed down their throats whether they like it or NOT - IT is WRONG.  So twitch or not - I will be there! I will be talking to who ever wants to know because I know how this medicine has changed & saved our lives!  We are LIVING PROOF!  All I ask is that you share! The more people that see the more people the seed has been planted in the mind.
THIS is also the toon for my contest!!!! So Make sure you LIKE it on FB and share! YOu could win!! Details: http://www.georgiatoons.com/contest-on-now.html

When I started this blog I promised the truth and nothing but the truth.  I was going to delete the posts from yesterday - but that would be a lie.  Life is like that. You have some great days- uneventful days and fricken shitty days.  Jim a relation of mine said to me one day - "Yes, life sucks but what's the alternative?"  Sometime you just need someone to put it that simply. I've never forgot that.  So no - I'm not deleting. WE all have THOSE days and we need to let each other know that, it is o.k. to feel that way but the key is - get up and start the day a NEW day.
My washer still broken and might be for a couple of days -big deal! Yeah no laundry for me!!
Norm came home with a few stitches, cut his finger to the bone - again I am thankful that is all that happened. Being a professional contractor - shit happens I am thanking God he did not lose his hand.  - Last night Norm turned and thanked Storm for the great  unexpected Father son day - ;-)) It was not great but apparently they shared a few laughs -we had a few things to say about our FREE health care system - that can cost one in other ways - stress, time and patience. Still we are better off than many. 
Today I am thankful for my guys, health care in Canada - as imperfect as it is and little bullshit things that remind us (that is all they are - little bullshit things) this is Life. 
If you are having a shitty day - try to remember -  tomorrow is a new start. WE don't need pills to get us through it - we need to deal, cry if need be and MOVE on - it's never going to always be easy - but we will never learn to deal if we take mind altering (chemical lobotomy) anti depressants.
I would also like to say it is because I know I have friends who care and great Dr.s
 who let me vent and keep me going - I'm on a mission I need to remain focused.  
LOL - I have to say I sure thought of some doozie card ideas- not quite ready for Hallmark but I plan on drawing a few anyhow! Today is a new day of a new week.  Time to get busy! <>< xox   I apologize if my language offended anyone. 

God only gives you what you can handle.. man, I have a hard time with this one still and always will.  Clearly my opinion and Gods on what I can handle are on a different scale. 
I got botoxed this week again ;-(  this frigging twitch is not getting better it is in fact getting stronger so more botox and talk of a new direction in June. For some reason I'm bruised from this botox - looks like a shiner so I did not want to go out for diner.  Canceled those plans. Heard the dreaded BANG BANG BANG of the washing machine- spring snapped - needs a new part - one load in and wet and 3 waiting ;-( sigh...  a fun day planned for mushroom hunting (I see all these posts on Fb - but it might just be in the USA -oh well we were going to go look anyhow)  nature adventure with the girls!!- Cancelled ;-( When my hubby was attacked by a joining saw. ;-(  and have spent this beautiful day filled with sunshine in the Emerg. room. Storm had to drive his dad Norm almost passed out. Still waiting - cut to the bone and will need stitches and antibiotics and pain pills- HE's been warned to tell the Dr. >>>NO OXY IN OUR HOME!!  Never.   They are still there. My twitch taketh over... can't draw or read. Forced to sit in the sunshine and wonder just how much more does he think I can handle? 


Prayers always appreciated. 
I DO believe in the power of prayer. 

You have no idea...     

It's time to bake again! I've taken some photos in hopes to make this easy for you- as easy as it was for me - I'm not big in the kitchen if you know what I mean. My favorite food - takeout. Luckily for me I have always liked to bake! Cookies- cakes-treats. Recently out of curiosity I tried something different and now I share with you:
Above how to make Cannacoconutoil.. BUT here's the thing.. 
After I squeezed the cannabis of every possible drop with the cheese cloth - I usually throw out what remains, but the other day I decided - hmmm  I used it in a recipe for banana bread
It called for 3 bananas - I used 2 and the remaining left over cannabis leaves (a melted mush now..) - used to make the batter. I thought - it probably won't have much medicinal value but it is fiber and I have tired cannabis leaves in salad and juiced.  The rest of the recipe a normal banana bread- NO- cannaoil/cannabutter.  Needless to say - the banana bread turned out Mmmmmmmterrific!  Chocolate chips, walnuts bananas and left over cannabis - so tasty I had 3 little slices with butter warm out of the oven. Silly me - you think I'd know better.  I could not taste any cannabis.   It snuck up on me! AND it was potent! WOW!!! This stuff I normally toss - was still very potent. Storm could not believe I did not add any of the actual oil to the recipe.
 So that's it!! Make your medicine go even further with adding fiber to your diet!  It is a bonus for sure - I shall never toss out squeezed cannabis  again! Photo's below - explain what I might not.  GOOD luck! Eat your medicine!! xox <>< 

How many people know what the D.S.M is ? It is a book.  A book that describes mental disorders - so that - when you go to to a Dr., they can look in this book and see your symptoms and diagnose you with a MENTAL disorder and prescribe you drugs!  
There are NO facts for these diagnoses. They can not be proven.
The NEXT copy if the D.S.M is out this year 2012. It is anticipated that some of the possible new disorders added will be - internet addiction, shopping addiction, -road rage, apathy- to name a few. You could be labled with a mental disorder according to this fictious book. FACT.        So?! You ask...
WELL once you are diagnosed using 'made up' conditions in a book - other people use it also - like Insurance companies, judicial systems use it in sentencing, custody battles - all based on LIES.  MADE up conditions to sell DRUGS. Drugs that are addictive, cause serious harm and many times KILL. PLEASE educate yourself and your kids today .
Oh - In an earlier edition of the D.S.M  Homosexuality was in fact listed as a mental illness, until there was a protest- then it suddenly was no longer a mental disorder ? More like a pathetic attempt to ruin more lives. Thank God people spoke up! 
We need to do that with more. 
I suggest you watch - The marketing Of madness.
 http://www.cchr.org/videos/marketing-of-madness.html
If you do not - who will you blame when you have ben diagnosed with a mental disorder and have your rights taken from you? Education is POWER. 
xox <><

Not a day goes by where we don't throw a ball in this house! Tequila - our oldest dog is usually not without a ball and Daisy has taken up the habit as well. I encourage her to have a ball so she won't eat scruffy ;-) (Kidding)  This is a very normal happening on a rainy afternoon and I loved every second of it - well not when Daisy gets the ball an insists in showing me - up close. I'd be lost with out my dogs. I wish everyone had a canine companion. Shelters are full of them! But before you adopt - do your research and get ready for a bit of work. A bit of work for a life time of faithful friend.

My War on Drugs by Maria Mills Greenfield 
 Imagine watching your adult child suffer from a debilitating handicap. Imagine having to treat that child with handfuls of dangerous pharmaceuticals. Then, imagine researching and realizing that there was a safer, non-addictive, non-lethal treatment that has been documented to provide dramatic results in EVERY case where it has been used. Then imagine realizing that this safe, and indeed life-saving medicine is illegal....... in the state you live in. These are the shoes I walk in every day. This is the dilemma I face. I had to make a critical decision. I choose to obey the law and fight to change it.

My son has autism.  According to the CDC as of their 2006 study, 1 in 110 children in the US are on the Autism Spectrum.  Now, in 2012, 1 in 88 children are affected. At that rate, by 2022, 1 in every 9 children will have a spectrum disorder. It is highly debated what causes autism, and can have a broad range of debilitating symptoms. In my son's case, it affects his ability to speak and communicate. His motor skills and coordination are also affected. He weighs 250 lbs, is 22 years old and is often violent and aggressive. He has severe OCD and ADD. He has been hauled away in handcuffs, only to be pumped full of more pharmaceuticals to control the outbursts. The pharmaceuticals do work to an extent, but at a detrimental cost to his physical health. He must undergo blood testing about 4 times a year to check organ functions, etc. It is harrowing and unnecessary.

Cannabis has been shown to have dramatically profound positive effects on children and adults with autism, ADHD and related disorders. At least one child was given only 4 months to live when his mother began him on cannabis therapy and saved his life over a year ago.  The only problem is that cannabis is marijuana, and illegal in all but 15 states and the District of Columbia.

OK, so, you and I know that it's easy enough to 'score' some weed on the street, but that's not what I'm looking for. My son deserves a consistient, quality medicine that I have a guaranteed supply of.... and it needs to be legal. I will NOT risk my son's freedom by treating him with less than medical grade cannabis purchased off the streets illegally. Besides, he receives Government assistance and can be drug tested at any time. Jail would be worse for him than the pharmaceuticals, and if I were to be arrested, who would take care of him? No, unfortunately, in our situation, legal is the ONLY way.

How bittersweet it is to see kids getting better, improving and enjoying a higher quality of life while I watch my son age and suffer. It just isn't fair. I'm not some "stoner-chick" who wants to get my son "high".  I am an educated mother who wants the very best for her son. The strong, heavy doses of pharmaceuticals he takes now often shrouds him in a zombie-like state. That's not living, folks. THAT'S me drugging my son......legally.  There's a better way. I have evidence that leads me to believe that I can REPLACE the pharmaceuticals my son is addicted to with medical marijuana. Cannabis edibles or tinctures could literally add years to my son's life. It will take parents and patients standing up and DEMANDING our right to safe, legal medicine. I won't stop until I quit breathing......or we win.

Maria P. Greenfield

**You can find Maria on FB    show her some support  and thank God  there are people like Maria who want to stand up for her son's rights- when he can not.   xox <><