Today has been a wonderful turned awesome day.
 It started with SNOW that beautiful kind of snow! I could tell by the shapes of the branches before I was even out of bed and in the dark! Then a visit with a good friend that left me feeling happier and empowered... good company and conversation can do that.  Our visits are always too short - will work on that for a goal.

I've been busy.  I got up, got dressed and ended up in my art room.
Paint brush in my hand before my eyes even completely open ;-)
I love it when that happens!  Storm came up later and commented  "you have a hillybilly coffee cup.."  I did not realize  until later when taking photos what he was referring too - my paint water can to clean my brushes does look like coffee ;-)  LOL Smart ass kid.  I have to keep busy I have much on my mind, including my friend who pokes at me all day to get my attention... by the end of the day - for me that's 6:54 (looks at clock on computer)  so I have to get it in early! 
Of course doing what I love the day flew!  I also did a drawing for a sweet young lady a princess if I ever saw one; her name is Meera - she leaves me speechless... 
you can read about her here:  http://edisonphotography.com/2013/02/meera-update/
She reminds me to live and do what I love.  

My son was home all day and he always has me laughing, one thing or another - I realized the days for the hotel were wrong so we had to rebook - and it was not easy (of course) so we just cancelled and got into the place we stayed the first time, we had such fun - also nice and close. So it was a good mistake ;-)  Other than that I painted. I am trying to learn to listen to my head instead of fight it all the time.  I admit I am having a bit of difficulties with tasks like writing - when I have an attack I have to stop. Painting I can ride it out.. the same is with drawing, I guess because they come from me easily - not something I have to think about. So  I paint,  and draw... today was a day the house work can wait.  Now it's off to relax for a bit, and bed. Tomorrow another day to get it right!!! 
By the grace of God.
 xox <><

I read about Bulling all the time and it is very sad, many cases lead to kids attempting suicide. Too many are successful.
There is constant talk - How to take the bully out of schools. I don't think that is where one should start I think they should take it out of homes. 
AS in TURN OFF  the television.
Storm said - he is not a bully and he watched TV and played the games, but if fact we did not watch a lot of television - when we did it was usually as a family and would discuss much - the same is true today ;-) 
In just 10 years I cannot believe the 'quality'- OR rather LACK of it on television.  
It is easy to understand how children are bullies when we witness it daily on television, and in  MOST cases the bullies they are watching are NOT other children - it is other adults.

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/New-study-shows-bad-behavior-linked-to-kids-watching-too-much-TV-192380841.html   <the amount on this topic is overwhelming online.  Also another sign to start paying attention.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/TVs-in-Children-s-Bedrooms-Linked-to-Bad-Behavior-and-Alienation-108173.shtml

How can we expect them to be nice and treat others with respect when we have such examples like Tots in tiara's, the Desperate housewives - nasty name calling and making fun of people. If it is o.k. to watch - why not act it out? It seems to get results on television. 
They see brats, bullies and bitches 24/7. 
How do you expect them to behave differently?

T.V. shows making girls mean:
http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2011/10/05/8166200-are-tv-shows-making-girls-mean?lite

"Because they are not directly participating in any of these hijinks, most viewers feel that watching reality TV is a harmless recreation, an escape from their own lives. Yet some psychologists are discussing whether reality shows are as harmless as most people believe. After all, whose reality are we viewing? And is it healthy to constantly observe people who are unafraid of any recourse or repercussions?"  Read more:
http://brainworldmagazine.com/the-reality-of-reality-tv-can-viewing-bad-behavior-on-the-small-screen-affect-the-way-we-treat-each-other/

TURN it off. 
Give your kid a book!! 
When you do watch T.V.  talk to your children! 
xox<><

I was mentioning to a friend recently how glad I am a ‘Head Shop’ for lack of a better word has opened in my town! YIPPIE! It is terrific!  I no longer have to drive to 30 mins or more for supplies - or even further Toronto! The shop is really nice, well stocked and the couple that owns it are equally friendly and always pleasant. It is NOT a XXX, sex shop, they don’t have porn (well there is that glass penis bong). Go check it out you might find it really interesting!

They have water pipes and smoking supplies, hats, incense - stuff - MUCH like a cigar shop in many towns. Only - Cannabis won’t hurt you like a cigar does. 
- Never mind that - hopefully you are AWARE of that fact by now. 

The store is always busy and I believe it is actually bringing business into our town.  It is the nicest store around, nicer than any I have seen in Newmarket. I welcome all new business to town! I have seen a few empty stores and THAT is NOT a good sign in any town.

That conversation started another... I said 
“I look forward to the day when we have a Compassion club/dispensary...”  

WHAT??!!    The look of shock on my friends face - this was another story - 

“A place where you can buy Cannabis?”  

“YES, Of course.”   I state.

Well - that she did not totally agree with... 
 “I’ll HAVE to have the drug talk then, I’ll be forced too...” 

"Excuse me? Your kid is 11! I’d say you better have that drug talk NOW!"
 "AND why, just because of a Cannabis dispensary- OUR medicine? Geeze!!"

I wanted to say - But that clinic for the heroine addicts that you walk past daily - that was not a cause for conversation? 
The fact that kid are more prone to first experience a drug from their own parents medicine/alcohol cabinet - that is no reason to have the DRUG talk?

NO wonder kids have problems! TALK to them. 
EXPLAIN what happens when people abuse Drugs. 
EDUCATE them so they can then make informed educated choices!

When we were little it was easier for parents to keep stuff from up, but with the internet and kids being what they are today - you can not afford to wait! I did remind my friend that now children all over are using Cannabis as a medicine! For cancer, autism, pain and more! Millions of adults all over the world use it recreationally and medicinally. 

Get over it. I was angry- again, someone does not ‘get it’. They won’t until it is their child or themselves.  I took a deep breath, remembered in my heart how grateful I am for Cannabis! This amazing healing plant! 

I moved past it. 
Your ignorance is not my problem. I thought to myself. *When I say ignorant, I do mean lack of education on the topic... nothing more.

AT 11 years old, if you think your kid does not know anything about drugs with all you see on television alone -you are wrong.
If you do not educate them their friends will. Friends that might not be raised, the way you choose to raise your child.

         NOTE: I don’t say LIE to them I say EDUCATE them.

*While discussing this toon, my hubby admitted to me -when he was a kid he sniffed model glue!  Glue! It was the classic - the older boy they hung around told them it was cool and safe. ;-(   Kowabunga!  Good thing it did not damage that smart brain of his.
PLEASE, talk to your children about all drugs. Good and bad and  about drug abuse

Today - not tomorrow.
xox <><

Wake up call.
We recently watched ‘Inside Job’ on Netflix*  
You can watch here for free: http://www.theotherschoolofeconomics.org/?p=2499

What can I say about it...
The lies that were used and created so that the rich could richer is beyond disgusting.  

I use to have a sort of ‘respect’ for people that I believed were -well to do. 
As time has gone on, I realize they are NO better than anyone else, they only appear more ‘comfortable’.  
How they get where they are, walking across the backs of others, chasing the almighty dollar, building up false hopes and dreams and taking bets on people because they know they can’t possibly afford the corner they have them backed into.
Many hard working people lost everything... because of sneaky, greedy, lying 
people in power. It is heart breaking. It can’t possibly end well, this war on each other.
The rich all ended up getting bonuses - MILLION $$dollar bonuses. 
Middle class became poor.  

Things will not change until all those that are criminals are in jail behind bars. 
MONEY or NO money. RICH or poor.
Seeing how this is not the trend.. one can’t help but think - It’s gonna get ugly,
 prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.  

If you don’t watch because you don’t care and you remain un-educated on how things happened...  when it happens to you - Who will you blame?

Education is Key. My own husband could not believe some of the lies that were told to people to buy homes they could not afford, lies he has heard not to long ago from a banking establishment. 
So - it continues for those that are not aware.

Change your life - get educated there is not excuse not to with all the information available to us today. 
Unless you have more important things to watch like Honey booboo or anything with ”Snookie’ in it.  How is it possibly making your life better by watching those shows?
T.V is keeping America entertained and ignorant as it steals the front matt from under their feet!!!  As well as cable, but by then it’s too late. Welcome to tent city and no T.V. 

WAKE UP! 
TURN OFF!!
TUNE into LIFE!

*about Netflix. we never had problem until recently Rogers Cable company keeps telling us we are over our limit... this is strange since we hardly watched Netflix this month. We have been watching Sons of Anarchy on DVD.s  I spoke to 3 others who have all told me the same thing happening to them lately. 

Is Netflix - Rogers sneaky, dirty, loop hole to get us for all they can $$$?
 xox<><

This is a difficult blog. 
Deep Breath, and in my mind I think help me speak.
I have not been drawing as much this past week or so, several reasons...

I had a bit of a set back. Dr.s still do not know what is causing my problem. I had a couple of days that were so bad I must say; I was considering- considering surgery - again LOL
Not fun ;-(  I am also thinking of my botox Dr.   
I also had a run in with arthritis and Daisy. I have Psoriatic arthritis - it moves. For what ever reason sometimes it moves to my hands. I can just about tolerate the pain anywhere else-  when it moves to the hands it also becomes a mental stress and can be somewhat depressing to a artist to have hands so sore you don't want to draw. The weather is not helping. Arthritis is not fun. Some days it literally hurts to pull up my own undies. I have a friend with sever arthritis and has had it  for years. I never knew how bad it was for her of course, until I started to deal with it.  I do remember she was in so much pain one time when  her little guy was a baby - I had to go over - she could not even do up his diaper because of the pain.
 It has been a difficult week, I was close to calling my friend Marco  and informing him I would  not be at this years EXPO.  

I had a long conversation with my guys - they get it - they see how I am and understand I am self conscious. Storm reminded me that - "people will think what they want, but when you speak mom they will hear you, and they get past your appearance."  ❤

 I had someone say to me - you have to get over it, then the other day she was saying in conversation "I would not go out if my hair was a mess... I would feel so self conscious" - HA! And I'm to GET over it!? - It will take time.  That's just messy hair! 
Either way,  I was reminded that this is a opportunity for me to help educate and we have some fun. We booked the hotel.  If people have trouble talking to me that is their problem not mine. Perhaps I am a lesson.  We are all a lesson for someone. 

For the past 2 days,  I have been using 'Bubble hash' Storm got for me and my twitch last night was one of the best days it has been since surgery!  I hope I figure out he camera thing - It will amaze some people! I will be in full twitch - have a puff and it stops, less than a minute later. 
I am amazed! LOL - You have no idea. A twitch that goes on constantly - is exhausting alone  but physically after a long day - it just WEARS me down.  Last night -when it is usually at its worst in the P.M. - I could not believe how good it was!! I will be using nothing but for a couple of days. It would be so awesome if I could control it sometimes! 

Norm could not believe I was not stoned. LOL And Storm happy to help his mom ❤.

If not for Cannabis, I do not know where I would be-  yes, I do!  
In bed miserable and feeling sorry for myself and in pain. 
Instead today - is a new day and I am ready for it. 
I am going to my painting room and paint some creations for this years EXPO. 
Relax and enjoy this day,  I know it is a blessing that it was given to me.
I hope to get back to drawing  as of today. Thank you for your patience.. xox

One of the main claims to ban 'home grow rooms' is fire hazards according to Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq. This got me thinking. I don't really hear/read of many specific 'Grow Room fires' which is strange when according to The Union - Documentary - 1 in 10 homes is Growing (In B.C.)  Many are here as well. Wih those odds - if it was that bad, I think I would hear/read more about it.
So I decided to research and found out that the (according to Readers Digest)
Top 10 reasons for House fires in Canada are: 

Free & Easy! 
Pallets - you can get them everywhere! Behind most big businesses, hardware stores, gardening stores, factory warehouses - all waiting to be tossed in the trash. My hubby use to pick them up; as then burn great for an outdoor fire pit. 
Now I have seen the wonderful creations popping up all over and why not! REuse! 
You can be as busy or as simple as you want! 
I love seeing the pallets as head boards and it is on my list of things to do. 
I love the rustic look. I'm already planning on placing lights behind mine...
                                 Valentines day is about LOVE. Not money. 
One of the sweetest things my husband ever did was spray paint a giant red heart in the snow on the front lawn, we had no money for gifts so he got creative!  I thought it was very sweet that morning when I opened the drapes. I  remember it most. I have forgotten the 'stuff'.  So  get creative! SHOW your love!
*Thank you to my son and best friend Cathy who came over and assisted me with this craft, still recovering from surgery - I could not have put the pallets together myself. Cathy was mostly for the company!  My pallet will be displayed in the garden this spring! I will be reminded of those who love me & I will also remember what seeds I want to plant!
...Besides Cannabis ;-)
xox❤☮☯

I received a letter recently from this gentleman asking if I could help him, he is a patient & grower looking for a couple patients to also grow for. He asked me to refer some people to him.                      I explained that because of my knowledge from the past few years... I do not hook up patients with growers. I wish I could!   
Why don't I? 
Simply because I do know know this person- personally, he seems like a really nice man and we can relate to what he is dealing with, but - I am also aware of all that can and does go wrong with growing. I have heard the stories and witnessed the results.  
If I said - let this guy grow for you, and for what ever reason his crop was not successful (due to bugs, mold, many things can lead to a bad crop- sometimes out of control of the grower) and the grower could not provide the medicine the patient needed,  I would feel terrible!  Recently, I heard of a grower who could not provide all the meds. to a patient because he needed to sell some for his vacation!!   WTF?
I was very angry when I heard this. That is bullshit. I told my friend to SPEAK up! 
He is a very nice, easy going, laid back person (one of my favorite people ;-) 
It appears to me his grower is taking advantage of his good nature. That is not right.

SO, I will not refer any growers, to bad..  I really like most people I know that grow,
I have only met a handful that I would not trust myself, for my own reasons.  
YOU have to make the decision yourself!  IT IS your medicine!  Be aware.

THERE are many GREAT growers, providers who do help and keep their patients happy and medicated. I even know of a few who go above and beyond, one in particular provides medicine and 'GIVES' Cannabutter (made with trim) also so they might try baking their medicine.  AWESOME! 
Get to know your grower! Ask questions - what if? 

 With that being said, I can relate to this gentleman and his plea and he wants to help others and himself.  I hope that he does find a couple of patients and is able to provide for them. I hope he lives up to his promises because- he is dealing with peoples lives. 
I hope this from all growers.  Thank You to Mark for sharing his story below!  
Contact him if you need a grower and come to your own conclusion.  ♥


Do Your Best, Never Quit, Have Fun

I went blind and almost died from the fight or flight response to pain, the year was 2000 and I had a ten year old son and an eight year old daughter. I am still with my wife of almost 25 years, our son has graduated Waterloo Engineering and now Teachers College, and our daughter who was Student Council President and graduated with honours is now a hairstylist. This is a story of love, hope and pain.

My diagnosis, previously asymptomatic congenital spondylilolisthesis with insitu articulation and 5% of all caucasians are afflicted. I was also post-operatively diagnosed with spina bifida occulta and seven years later with failed back surgery. What about our children! If you are born with the first disc above your tailbone incompletely formed and connected to your tailbone when this breaks you and your immediate family live in shame.

It is a general school of thought amongst the medical community that if the patient will not be able to return previous employment the most cost effective management is pain control until death. This will normally occur within 5 years. SEE THE BREAKING SPINE www.iofbonehealth.org/breaking-spine-report-2010

 So by day I did my best to be Dad; I worked as much as possible and when I didn’t work I volounteered at the kids’ school. I also coached soccer and hockey as well as furthered my education. During the night I would and still do, pull a Casper, walking and moaning. After my back surgery my doctor of fifteen years asked me,  “Please do not sue me Mark.” and I answered, in my naiveté, “Oh no that’s not what I am about, I just want you to be a good family doctor for my family.”.  Well, that didn’t last long. Two years later when my son fainted at work and doctors at an unnamed hospital tried to illegally hook him on anti-seizure medication my beloved doctor refused to help. This meant that my son, to whom we gave an insured vehicle, lost his driver’s license and was no longer able to be the designated driver for his university friends.

The only meds I take are medicinal cannabis; most often sativa during the day and indica at night. Sativa will speed you up and because it has amazing effects on neural systems i.e. pain, ms, seizures, encourages the very important minor accomplishments such as doing the dishes or cutting the lawn. These minor accomplishments are the building blocks of mental health. Being useful leads to earned pride.  At a time when I was legally blind, very crippled and all I could accomplish was the dishes, as it took me all day up and down, I felt a need to understand, accept and not give in to depression.
 Do Your Best, Never Quit, Have Fun was born. While the sativa cannabis helps you manage your pain and push yourself,  when you are finished and it is time to relax you can consume indica strains. These indica strains can be very heavy and in conjunction with an overall plan will overcome the fight or flight response. In my case I exercise regularly to burn off norepenephrine and epipenephrine, otherwise known as cortisol.

 I learned, Do your best, Never Quit, Have Fun. Basically we all need to fit our skins and accept others as they or their circumstances shape their realities.  I have spent time in the classroom on both sides of the desk. I taught Consumers Gas technicians refrigeration and air conditioning. I did this in Toronto and St. Catharines. I also have the hours in the field and am a licensed; refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, sheet metal worker and gas fitter 2, I also have a small commercial air system design license.                   

I am a user of medicinal marijuanas and grow for myself as well as one patient. You can see an article about me at northumberlandtoday.com, it was written by Valerie MacDonald and published January 17, 2013.  Thank you Valerie.
I am looking for two more patients who are Health Canada licensed to possess and consume between five and ten grams of marijuana per day. Hopefully we can get set-up in time to be grandfathered in as a going concern.
Thank you Georgia!
Mark


You can contact Mark @ : [email protected]

I am finally getting around to re-arranging my office today - Chalk board going up. I need a place to  go and write and think. 

Nothing says lovin like somthin from the oven!

Never mind home made as in baked goods - there are limitless HOMEMADE gifts! 

My husband makes furniture! I have many friend who recently gave me the gift of homemade meals! 
Soups, Cookies and treats galore! 
My favorite scarves are both homemade! One purchased - for me because it is so crafty looking and the other knitted with LOVE.

I often give homemade gifts! MY drawings! Each has love in it. You see I am one of those artists, I can NOT draw when I am not putting love into it. Not good at faking it! ;-) 

I have a homemade Rosary - from a friend in California, a homemade wire scorpion, a homemade painted rocks, knitted hat, plant grown from seed, canna balm for my hands- homemade, I have a hand painted rock from a former nun- every time I look at it I remember her tales as a teacher, a painted cannabis leaf by another sister. I have a star with green stones - HOMEMADE with love by my son when he was 5.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 
Leo Buscaglia 

I had the pleasure recently of meeting Theresa ♥. Theresa owns and operated Practice Healing  in  town. Theresa has been inviting me for a massage for years!! Our son's  are friends, we had never met but knew of each other.  I decided to finally take her up on it and - I AM so happy I did!!!  I had by far the best massage I have ever had- if you know me you know I won't say that if it is not true.  But, it was more... first our visit started with the infared sauna!  OH - that was so nice- I'm not a fan of hot tubs or traditional sauna's - I find I' can't breath in Saunas but this was completely different!  The next thing we were peeling off the layers, laughing, planning and more!  

I really liked Theresa, her good vibes and desire to heal are evident in all she does, from her neat recycling tips and tricks - Healing the planet too- that right there shows me the level of passion Theresa is putting into this new adventure. It is not a business to her, it is  a state of mind.  I am thinking about signing up for Yoga - I have not in the past because of my arthritis but Theresa assures me I can come, try and just go at my own pace.  
I was only going to be about an hour I told Storm .... 4 hours later - a visit to Practice Healing and a new adventure born!!! So much so - I am going to be working with Theresa on a few projects.  I believe we have the same ideas and hopes and dreams!  I came away from that visit more than relaxed, I was revived!  

I asked Theresa to write a short Bio - on what Practice Healing means to her:

I am a healer, as I believe we all are. The body is in a constant state of healing itself. I want to teach others to enhance their abilities in this direction. I want to help people  realize we are responsable for the care of our body, mind, and spirit.
I have always loved people, of all ages. I have six children of my own, and eight grandchildren. I have always loved helping people too and so an opportunity arrived that I could go back to school and I decided on massage therapy.
I'm in my eighth year of practicing massage therpay and I feel I was created for this job. I have a passion to help others and have discovered that God has answered my request to have the gift of healing. I feel entirely privileged to have the education I have and the opportunity to share my gifts with others to help them. 
Since graduating as a massage therapist I have also been certified as a reflexologist and yoga teacher, and completed a "thai massage for the table'"course.
I have practiced yoga since I was 15 and knew I would be a yoga teacher one day. So in 2010, when I was on my raw food yoga retreat in the jungles of Honduras, I decided I wanted my own raw food yoga retreat in the jungle, and I would go home to become a yoga teacher. So I did and I graduated last year. I greatly enjoyed my course with Paola Di Paola at Four Directions Yoga in Keswick. While taking the course I have to admit I coveted this yoga studio. It seemed perfect. As my teacher training was coming to an end my teacher and owner of Four Directions announced she was moving her studio to Woodville where her husband had built her a studio in their barn. The studio was mine to pursue! Interestingly enough, I did not jump at the chance to secure the studio.
I, in fact, panicked at the idea. So when another student took it over, I was relieved. 
I have practiced assisted yoga in my home since then, but have not pursued teaching anywhere else. The idea of a studio was percolating but it wasn't until August of 2012, when I was on my back deck practicing yoga, practicing healing a shoulder injury I have had since I was in my early 30's, I realized that I was not a yoga teacher. I was a healer who just used yoga, massage, reflexology, and music to bring healing to my clients and anyone that came my way to help. I have a personal trainer and as I learned many things about nutrition and weight training, I shared this with interested clients and anyone who would listen. I do believe in God and I believe it was God that gave me the idea that I'm not to open a "yoga" studio, but I am to open a "healing" studio and it is to be called "Practice Healing". I didn't have fear, but excitement and joy at the idea. I could help so many more people and as I thought more about it, floods of ideas came. I realized that we all practice healing every time we eat good food, every time we breathe, and every time we go to sleep. I want practice healing more in my life and teach and encourage others to do the same. My favourtie part about "Practice Healing" is this. Every time we extend kindness to someone or smile at someone or even hold the dood for someone we are bringing healing to them and we, in turn, are healed. I want to start a movement to help people realize that we are healers and to leave my studio knowing this, and to practice healing, themselves, others, and our world, and then I don't have to do it all! 
~Theresa

You will be hearing more about Practice Healing - You can find them on Face Book :
https://www.facebook.com/PracticeHealing    It is a new business, Theresa will be adding classes and more as people express the desire- her desire to heal is also willing to bend over backwards (no pun intended yoga fans)  this only shows me the business is going to GROW!  I've included some photos below. 

              Want to be let in on a secret?  We have already stared our first project... 
                  Make plans: April 6th weekend..   The Healing Hearts ART show. 

*** I want to add something... a life lesson - learned.  YEARS ago, a friend was talking to me about Theresa.  She said she was 'weird' and I probably would not like her. The friend and I were close and I took her word for it..  upon meeting Theresa - all I could think after is - that friend, clearly did not know me.
I loved Theresa the moment I met her - I felt a connection.  Perhaps I was not ready  'back then'  either - but now - It is people exactly like Theresa that I want to surround myself with.  
Good Hearts trying to make this place (this great big place) better.
Luckily for me, we were meant to meet - it just took a little longer ♥.

Please visit: http://www.practicehealing.ca

As fate would have it.. I can not upload the video. I have no idea why an have consulted with two of my best. Murphey's law? I was really nervous too, the video did turn out well - as well as expected.
So I was ready!
Alas... (I love that word and have no idea why)  the computer has won. I am off to have a cup of tea and a joint my son rolled for me. Although fun, my day was exhausting, I'm off to bed after my tea and toke. 
It will have me off to sleep in minutes. 
Rather than lie there and think or worry,
 Cannabis helps me focus on the positive and I drift off nicely,  with an almost calming BUZZ - must be how they got the word. 
My twitch calming I can think of drawing ideas for tomorrow.

I will try again with youtube - but I'm stuck so unless it finally does load up .. not much choice and I was so excited - It would be much easier.. 
That photo ^ me  right now - off tea ;-)

For this ^^^  if I did not have my license - I can go to jail? For what? How is it any different from going to have a drink? Smoke?? 
The difference - mine will help me sleep without pills.
It will allow my son to SLEEP.      

Over a Plant. 
I think I need some time out...
xox <>< 

by:Jane Grey

Cannabis. To some, it’s medicine, or a drug, or a way to relax. To others, they are indifferent, skeptical about it’s use, or choose not to believe a natural plant that does no harm could do so much good. I used to be one of the skeptics. 

    

Two years ago, my husband was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma found at Stage 4 in his lymph nodes. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare and fast-growing form of skin cancer that only 1000 people get diagnosed with in North America per year. Doctors know very little about this form of cancer. Normally, a patient's prognosis is grim because 90% of people diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma are over the age of 60 and are too ill or old to go through extensive chemotherapy or radiation treatment to slow down the rapid growth of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. My husband at the time was only 35 when he received his diagnosis and was expected to only live 3 months.

   

After several chemotherapy treatments his condition worsened, I suggested he try cannabis in hopes it would help him. He was skeptical it would be beneficial, but knew it was no worse than his monthly chemotherapy and medications since I did not have to wear a haz-mat suit to hand him a joint. He found cannabis not only helped pre-existing back pain, but eliminated nausea for up to 4 hours, gave him energy, appetite, helped his depression caused by his diagnosis and was able to re-gain some independence again. I saw cannabis take a man off his death bed quicker than he was put there. Though, cannabis could not help him with recovering between chemotherapy treatments but made life more bearable while going through it. Even years after his chemotherapy is over (and he’s still alive) he is left with a chronic ‘bone ache‘ common with people who have been through chemo, and a loss of energy and appetite he once had prior to his treatments. 

    

Adam found no supportive doctor who would sign his MMAR. Even his oncologist, the doctor that told him he only had 3 months to live suggested he “buy off the street” because what cop would arrest a man with cancer? Well, this doctor was mis-informed. Because they do, violently. Sure, we found some doctors who wanted $500 for a signature, but it was far beyond what we could afford. It made us wonder who exactly could afford $500 a year to have their paperwork signed? Doctors don’t even get paid $500 a visit by Health Canada when you see them. Health Canada’s wages for doctors are posted publicly. Depending on the doctor or circumstance, they receive $60-$120 per visit. Something along these lines are more fair and affordable to someone on a reduced income from CPP Disability, ODSP or a pension. Most people looking to obtain a MMAR are usually on a fixed income, because they’re ill! It shouldn’t be held against them. Also, I think it would be illogical for a doctor to risk their practice and license over $100, even $200. The risk far outweighs the gain, regardless of how much they would make annually from it. However, a doctor that charges $500 up to $1000 to fill out paperwork- which doctor would be more likely to turn a blind eye to someone who is.. not so sick? And, who would be more likely to have this kind of money readily available to pay said doctor?
    
    
Health Canada is considering making changes to the MMAR to take away a patient's right to grow because of criminals. But, how exactly did these criminals obtain a MMAR? I think some of the statistics could be falsified. In Canada, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms gives us freedom of association. And, regardless of what a person does or who they know, because they are a ‘criminal‘ doesn’t make them immune to illnesses, diseases, and getting common conditions associated with age. So if they did actual research, how many would be left out of 20,000 exemptions that are actually using and abusing the system. That paid a doctor to turn a blind eye only to take advantage of the system. And how come, because of so few taking advantage- why are thousands left to suffer?

    

The average monthly income for someone on assistance from disability or retirement ranges from $700-$1500 per month depending on the province, circumstances and where the income is coming from.  Cannabis can currently be grown outdoors for essentially free less the costs of  some nutrients. It can also be grown indoors very inexpensively. However, Health Canada wants to take away this affordability and charge patients $8/g [$500-$2480 per month based on the average prescription of 2g-10g/day]. Most indoor growers will find that they are paying no more than $200/mo additional hydro for a larger indoors grow operation- and someone with a 2g/day prescription and only 10 plants will not generate $500 worth of hydro or nutrients per month. 

    

Health Canada’s proposal is not only inconsiderate, but goes against some basic human rights. If I need medicine- Most have benefit plans or can purchase third party health plan. Depending on the province, if you have low income and would qualify for a provincial disability plan- you can get free health coverage from your own government. If you choose to use holistic remedies, many can be grown in your backyard, or a window ledge for free. But Health Canada has no intention of issuing a BIN number for cannabis, and they are taking away a patients right to grow their own holistic and beneficial medicine for free. Implementing these new regulations will only cost our government more money, because those who receive a lower income will be arrested for continuing to grow because they cannot afford to buy their medication. Daily, cannabis related charges are being withdrawn because many qualifying patients cannot afford or find a supportive doctor and the government does recognize this and does withdraw charges based on health conditions. Should new laws be implemented, the courts would have to recognize and provide the same respect and consideration since a person should not be arrested for being poor. 

    

I think these new regulations would have very little legal standing when brought to court. This does not stop violent police arresting sickly people, and crown attorneys dragging cases out in hopes of finding ‘something’ because they don’t want to lose. But when the decision comes to a judge or jury, no human being could ever send a sick person to jail for not having enough money, even if it was brought as far as a trial. These new regulations would also cost the government more money. I have no doubts people would still continue to grow- and eventually be arrested by police, and have a case dragged out by a crown attorney, and be represented by a legal-aid funded lawyer. All this excess time, efforts and money so a small percentage out of 20,000 people would not be able to sell cannabis. Wouldn’t that same money be better spent on funding efforts on stopping meth and crack dealers, illegal gun sellers, or heck.. Education? 

  

 I have personally been using medicinal cannabis for a year. I had an unsuccessful knee surgery leaving me with chronic pain and difficulty walking; leaving me to rely on the assistance of others just to live.  I also have a nerve disorder causing tremors and chronic nerve pain in my hands, legs and face. Simply typing out this blog post sharing my ideas, experience and opinions is a struggle- without cannabis. I have to use a walker or cane to get around. I also have a digestive disorder that causes sensitivity to almost all medication, and a year prior to using cannabis, I was chronically ill just from taking medications to help some symptoms and in turn would create new ones or worsen pre-existing conditions. Cannabis is the only medicine I have ever taken that helps all my health conditions, and does not make me sick. 

     

There was a me before I was disabled. Everyone had a them before they landed where they are. I had a great job, happy and comfortable lifestyle and just thinking back to when I was able to walk easily where ever I wanted is something I truly miss. One of the last freedoms I have, that I am still physically able to do is grow my own medicine. Do not take away our freedom to grow and access affordable medicine. 

Jane Grey is the author of My Criminal Cure detailing her husband's struggle with cancer, using cannabis as medicine and their legal battle. 


Georgia : Well said Jane! Jane is a friend of FB , I can not wait to read this book. So sad that so many people are suffering and dealing with this crap. I am sure it is just the beginning  of a POTlitical nightmare to come,  thanks to The MMAR program. 
Stay tuned and tooned.. 
xox <>< 

Watch, soon you will start to read about the miracle medicine that Cannabis is. Not the snake oil that we have been  led/lied to believe.   I know because I am paying attention - not just to Cannabis as a medicine. I am reading about HEMP & the unlimited benefits from people juicing to cement. 
Go to the Grocery store and right there beside the Broccoli your cannabis to juice or add to a salad! 
Soon...  Juice Cannabis! < Read all about it. 

I had someone ask me with the look of  'REALLY?' on her face when I was telling her how after surgery, I used the vaporizer and was never sick again.  I see the 'REALLY?' Look when I tell them how great Storm is doing, and now I see the 'really!!'  look from a few close friends that are in my company when I medicate and can see many times; my twitch come to an instant halt if only for a few moments, after hours of endless twitching.  So I get it! I see the look often enough. I love it.

I really is depressing when you realize the many benefits of Cannabis that people could have been using and embracing and being educated on for years if not fo the STUPID - Simple word for exactly what it is. Stupid laws, prohibiting the use and education of the plant Cannabis.   As for people thinking it's snake oil, well - there sure are many people all around the wold willing to defend it's medicinal benefits.