I have several friends who are teachers - some who use Cannabis and others who do not. One thing all agree on is they have to be very careful when talking Cannabis to peers and students. WHY? Students (our future) should be educated on the importance of Cannabis as a medicine. Educated not lied to. I met Lee and his wife a couple of years ago at the TY EXPO  and was impressed by his attitude, wife and beautiful family. After doing a drawing for Lee and learning more I asked him for this blog, it is clear, well written and I believe Lee will be writing for several magazines. It is refreshing to have a new perspective on a OLD topic that needs some SERIOUS changes.  Thank you to Lee for taking the time and sharing and PLANTING the seed of cannabis education- IMO there is no one better than a good teacher to accomplish such tasks.


MedicaLEE
Paradigm Shift     A Teacher’s Perspective of Marijuana
By Lee Parker

A paradigm shift, is when an event(s) has such an impact on an individual so as to fundamentally change their way of thinking.  In teachers college, I remember learning about the concept of paradigm shifts.  Little did I know at the time, but my life was to experience a series of them for years to come.  Of all the changes in thinking that I have gone through as a result of my experiences, one of most important paradigm shifts that I have had is in respect to my feelings regarding marijuana.

I have always been a big fan of the truth.  One of my favourite lines of any movie comes from Almost Famous when Kate Hudson’s character says, “The truth just sounds different.”  For me, the truth was that most of my life I had a very poor understanding of marijuana in general.  Although I did partake in high school,  that all came to a screeching halt one night when a friend shared a joint with me that was unknowingly laced.  That early impression, combined with a few heaping shovels full of “reefer madness” propaganda, put an end to my early pot smoking days.  I think it is important to share where I was coming from.  Marijuana had to overcome my own misconceptions and the only way for it to have ever have done so is to be effective for me medically.  Over time, I was struck with the suffering of others and their stories of how they face life with courage everyday.  Also, that medical marijuana had helped them guide their ships through some of the rougher waters of life as well.  

As a whole, the topic on marijuana is complex and multifaceted.  Cannabis culture has a variety of influences.  Hard issues, politics, stigmas and personal agendas (both positive and negative), seem to form a an overall impression of the cultural in general and smokers in particular.  For medical users, this can sometimes be a lesson in frustration as they often feel their concerns are lost in the fray and they are stigmatized.  Fortunately, many magazines have arisen that cater to medical patients and allow them to have a voice.

People use cannabis for a variety of reasons.  With respect to recreational users, it is generally used so that someone can get out of their head space for awhile and relax.  Comparatively, medical users use marijuana to get back to a state where they can function by easing the side effects of an existing medical issue(s).  To put it simply, it picks me up off the floor… stops me from throwing-up… it eases my suffering in a variety of ways and allows me to spend more quality time with my family.  Trust me, IT IS MEDICINE.  Comparatively, I am on medications that may include side effects such as lymphoma and multiple sclerosis.  After 3 years of using medical marijuana, the largest side effects that I have felt with the medicine is that I smile more, have a better quality of life and often crave potato chips.

My experiences and consequent paradigm shift opened my eyes to many things.  Since being a medical user, I have met doctors, lawyers, teachers, grandparents and a host of others that use marijuana both recreationally and medically.  Many of these people medicate secretly as they are afraid of being stigmatized.  I personally know many teachers in this category.   As examples, I have one friend that uses cannabis to combat her ADD while marking at night.  Another suffers from arthritic pain so badly that sometimes she medicates at night to help her fall asleep and get enough rest for the next day.  With this being said, there is a new wave of information and acceptance sweeping the world in many respects.  The advent of the internet has caused the world to be that much smaller, connected and informed.  As understanding grows, hopefully such wonderful women will feel more comfortable easing their pain.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a young man named Storm.  I later remember him chatting with his friends, a few of whom were wearing UFC t-shirts.  Funny enough, I had trained with Royce Gracie at a conference when I was a kid.  What immediately occurred to me when seeing the t-shirts was how tough these kids were!  Listening to their stories and seeing what kind souls they were, I felt that the shirts had a certain sense of irony.  I knew they were the real fighters and champions.  The difference is that they did not chose their fight.  

Seeing young men and woman in pain is heartbreaking.  A holistic child centered approach is needed when considering any aspect of education.  If cannabis can return patients from a state of struggle and pain to a state where they are able to learn and function, then as adults we have a responsibility to open our minds to the possibility that such extreme and exhaustive cases warrant medical marijuana.  

As I said, marijuana as a topic is very complex.  When you separate the issues and purely examine the medical aspect, thousands of years of human medical usage across hundreds of cultures provides evidence of it’s medical worth.  The question remains as to what we are going to do with that knowledge and where it will take us.  At the end of the day, does anyone have the right tell someone with cystic fibrosis that they don’t have the right to medicate in order to clear their lungs?  How about someone who is dying of cancer and is in pain?  What if they were only 18?  I have seen it.  

These are the real questions of the day.  How would you answer?  When you remove the various external aspects and influences of the cannabis culture and get down to brass tacks, such questions cut to the heart of the matter.  How would being faced with such tough questions shift your paradigm?

MedicaLEE
Lee Parker
Your friendly neighbourhood medical user.
Follow @MedicaLEE on Twitter or Lee Parker on Facebook

It always amazes me to read about Cannabis and Dr.s.   You see  Dr.s over the years have supported Cannabis and Cannabis research.  Years ago it was prescribed by Dr.s  for everything from Colic to cramps. When the U.S government 'took it off shelves' to say - Dr.s did not agree and were often public about it.  I just read once again The American Medical Association and the The American College of Physicians and the  American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association  are strong supporters for Medical Cannabis and want research encouraged. 
They know people who suffer and cannabis helps, I read about it all the time, Dr.s who get Cannabis for their family members.  Some just to make the end of life more enjoyable & pain free (controlled). 
So time and time again - I wonder - then why not stand up for what is right? Why are we letting those who are motivated by money and lies continue to stop the human race from doing what we believe is best for our own lives. It is NOT about getting high - trust me - I know many medical patients and they wish they could get 'high' most just are able to function. So since this war on Drugs is the failure that it is, the lies about cannabis hard to further contain... speak up. Remind your Dr.s about the facts.  Share the opinions of their peers on Cannabis research and medical value.  Perhaps they just don't know.  Either way it's time. Time to let those who truly want to help us - do just that. Leave the police to deal with CRIMINALS and the politicians to - what ever it is they 'claim' to do. 
*Note- I am a Canadian. I am reading an American book about Cannabis (and enjoying)
My cartoons can "sadly" easily have different words replaced  the Canadian Medical Association - (but we already do recognize Cannabis and it's medicinal value) or replace the DEA with the Mounties and our own FAT CAT - S.H.     The facts are - we are all fighting this insane battle.  ALL OVER the world.
                                                               How  many are we?
Educate your Dr.s, Educate your kids, parents, friends and family. 
Plant the seed ;-) 
xox <><

For everyone that embraces this plant - has educated themselves on this plant and all it's GOODness - medicinal, Hemp, Oil, Food, building material and MORE- That continue to fight for this plant and our rights as humans - It's time for a group hug! I know how frustrating it can be, feeling like your banging your head against a brick wall, wondering is anyone listening???
So today I thought,  let's take time for a group hug! Support each other, encourage and just celebrate the Plant! Thank each other!  I feel it in the air change is around the corner!!
But for just today- Enjoy Cannabis and all it does and for all of us, millions around the world.
NOW that is a GROUP HUG!!   
 xox <><

Not sure if it is because I am tired, physically or mentally but the past few days I'm having trouble shaking this feeling of  "...this is just absurd."  Cannabis & the crap I read. 
HOW do people still think it kills you? As for saying we need more scientific research 
- 'o' deaths in over 5,000 years - Uummmmm - IS THAT not scientific research enough? 
Changing rules, telling lies, arresting sick humans, Telling MILLIONS around the world what they can and cannot do with a plant or our own bodies is just insane. It is malicious.
It will never be controlled, people will continue to suffer and other problems that are more serious go by the wayside.  
Like the fact that some nut can legally buy GUNS and ammo, walk into a theatre and kill people. World Hunger, poverty, child abuse, Human trafficking, DEADLY drug abuse and animal abuse are all very important - just to name a few! 
More important than the distraction that we are all dealing with - Cannabis.  We are forced to deal with it because some see it as a MONEY MAKER - and want to be in control of that money. They do not want us to grow our own - they cannot make any MONEY that way.
Instead of just letting us  be happy and heal with what God put on this earth for ALL of us, we are FORCED to live this stress, fight this battle. 

So I ask myself.. How many are we? Why are we still putting up with this ?

Watched a great documentary yesterday I am Fishead. 
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/i-am-fishead-are-corporate-leaders-psychopaths/
And they end that doc. by asking - HOW many are we? 
We forget that.  

xox <>< 
 

If everyone that smoked it admitted to it.. 
If you smoke cannabis  recreationally or medicinally and don't take action to help promote legalization or even better Decriminalization they you don't deserve to smoke Cannabis. 
If you are not helping then you  ARE hurting.  Your worried what others will think, worried about losing your job, worried about losing your kids.  
FEAR is a powerful tool. 
All these thing we are all afraid of. If you believe are doing nothing wrong then why lie?
WHY? 
Why are we afraid to stand up for a PLANT, that eases pain and brings comfort and relaxation and (HELL YES) some fun and laughter from time to time. 
IF Alcohol is legal then we should be demanding Cannabis be made legal for all to use. 
No deaths from it EVER.  * YES I have to keep saying that - as it amazes me HOW many people I meet who just don't know that! 
How many deaths from Alcohol- you tell me.
ARE we not HUMANS - children of God ? All deserving a happy life?
We get one shot and I for one will not live my life in shame when I have nothing to be ashamed of.  Not for smoking, eating, vaporizing Cannabis. 
There are so many more dangerous things that are all legal - owning a boa constrictor, bungee jumping, ordering puffer fish at a restaurant, bath salts are legal to buy (the kind that Mess you up and eat your dog bath salts) so WHY? IT's ludicrous! 
There are enough of us - all around the world.  Many who do NOT use Cannabis but still admit & understand it's value and importance to medicine and  LIFE in general. 
So just admit it and move on there are far worse crimes in this world.  
Perhaps you will educate someone in the process- 
I'm not saying go to your kids school and announce at show and tell - I am saying, enough !  Cannabis is a safer option than alcohol and if YOU do use it for medicine be  LOUD and Proud! This is how change will happen. 

* If you are a parent - YOUR children must always come first - If you burn and then burnout - you are not a good parent. Kids need positive examples. If you smoke and sit on the sofa all day - you ARE NOT a setting a GOOD example. EDUCATE your children and  teaching by example is one of the best ways to help your children make the best choices for them when they are old enough to decide to try cannabis themselves.
Time to WAKE up! Time to Stand UP!!! 
Before we are shut up...  then, we will no one to blame but ourselves.

xox <>< 

When I was drawing this toon I was going to compare the USA and Canada and a few other places especially the weight issues; Obesity is such a killer and our poor kids have no hope with fast food places springing up like  - FAST food places! While researching W.H.O "Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with high-income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and middle-income countries." 
 I also believed that Canada would be second behind the USA with the obesity
 - Sorry Canada... my bad! We are actually 11th. 'Whew!' 
The issue - who is the fattest- is NOT the issue. 
These things are killing us and yes they are all legal.. and we just keep buying into it.
So WHY do we do it? It's the normal way of life. Where can you go and not be tempted by any of the 3 or have them in your face all the time. Storm and I have had several conversation about fast food lately. I've not been feeling great and cooking not my favorite past time as it is but - every time I eat fast food lately (with the exception of Burger priest or Swiss Chalet ) I'm talking McD's or KFC> I feel sick.  So why - EASE and like the millions of you I was raised with this.  IT IS LACK of Education. 
TEACH your kids - if you do this now then chances are  they might just want to be the incredible beings they are meant to be!! BE honest!! SHOW them the facts. Teach by example. I read some kids only ever get French Fries as their vegetable. 
All things in life should be sampled if you are fortunate enough - but "super-size that and add gravy!" has to stop. 
I wrote 'in the USA' because those are the facts. Mexico a close second.. If Canada was the fattest it would say it in this cartoon.  Perhaps I should have said in the world but that is not true- too many people in the world have everything BUT Obesity to die from.

My wish for today is someone sees this cartoon and RE-thinks the next time they eat out, 
pours another or buys another pack of smokes. EVEN that tiny thought can be a start.

Time to break away from the "sheeple"  and do what is right.  Look after each other.
How about spending a little less money on sending people to prison and spending on educating our children - properly - truthfully on HEALTH. KARMA and compassion.
xox <>< 

Had to add this.. 
THIS IS GROSS. 
On several levels. Pollution, death, lung cancer.
When walking my dogs the other day on the edge of the Walmart parking lot this is what you see the entire path. 
THIS should be illegal.  
This was just a tiny bit of the way. 
IT IS like that the entire distance.
Disgusting. 

Occupy your mind! This is exactly what my friend Josh did! Just this week I got a package in the mail from my good friend Joshua Boulet! Inside was the new book by Josh - DRAW OCCUPY -Wall St.

WHAT a fantastic idea! Josh who resides in Texas took it upon himself to visit NY and DRAW what was happening & I for one and thrilled he did! 

I opened the book on my back deck thinking; I'll have a quick glance, 2 coffees later the book read from cover to cover! I really could not put it down. My hubby did the same thing later that evening and Storm is reading it  now.

 I LOVE IT!  For too many reason.

1st- we love Josh - we met a couple of years back at the first Treating Yourself EXPO - the next year he came and stayed with us for a few days, might have ended up a week or so - who knows - all I remember is Josh is a GREAT guy, perfect house guest, Loves the dogs (visa versa) and cut the grass! 

MORE importantly - This book was so interesting - I had no idea of what it was really like watching from my home in Ontario Canada- The work, planning, community all worked together to make OCCUPY happen.

I laughed, giggled and thought - JOSH!! You are so lucky you did not get hurt! Or end up in Jail!  Josh braved the elements - the no showering, cold, damp weather and he documented it with drawings and words in this book! It is the ultimate souvenir  especially fro those who were there - it is History.  Check out Josh’s site - you can order prints of Occupy and get your own copy of this book to show your kids... this is what happens when people want to be heard and are tired of being treated poorly! 

When asked Josh reminded people he was there to share LOVE. 

Knowing Josh and the good vibes he already naturally puts out to the world I am sure he has done just that! Can’t wait to see what he is doing next!  More of Josh : http://www.joshuaboulet.com

I have come to the conclusion this is the only way, re-educate and get rid of the reefer madness lies. The facts are there like a puzzle and you start to see why Cannabis is REALLY illegal and it is sad, very sad.  It is all about $$ much like everything else. The difference is - people are suffering physically and mentally. Patience, farmers, Dr.s - everyone!  Hopefully you can break the ice with a cartoon - Hopefully one of mine! ;-)
Start a conversation. Share some facts and if you don't know encourage people to research.
Statistics alone should be ending this war on Cannabis - How can a government tell us they are keeping it illegal for our best interest when 100's, 1000's are affected daily - by a much more harmful - many times deadly, LEGAL substance like Alcohol  - or tobacco!? 

It is not in our best interest - it is in theirs.
 Time to look after ourselves, look after each other and stand up for what is right.  
I posted this cartoon and saw that it was over 200 shares and I was crying.  I can't explain.
At least 200 people shared it and then hopefully from their friends more will share it - It will get people thinking and that has me FEELING FANTASTIC!   The day that I don't have to worry about my son being judged, discriminated, busted for his medicine - will be a very happy day in this moms life! 
Today I am NOT drawing a Legalize cartoon - I am drawing a DECRIMINALIZE cartoon. Time to put his plant where it belongs  back in the garden! 
Let the police do their jobs - arrest real criminals - you know the kind that HURT, steal, rape, murder...   not the ones growing plants. 

xox <><


 

I hear this time and time again at the EXPO. Not me personally - but others telling me that they deal with this all the time. WHAT does sick look like? Can you see Cancer? Can you tell when someone is dying from a terminal illness? In many cases NO- So stop making Assumptions people!  Thank God,  everyone who is sick does NOT look sick - that is an entirely new issue to deal with -TRUST ME on that - I know!   My son does not look sick.  He does wear hearing aids and glasses but other than that he looks good! Several times he has had strangers  comment - WHAT the heck !? Is there not more serious issues to deal with? Why must someone LOOK sick to justify the use of Cannabis as a medicine?! 
If no one ever smoked it and only used "medibles" -medicated - baked goods, these comments would probably stop.  Smoking is the fasted way to medicate and I don't know about you but when in pain - I want it treated as quickly as possible. WHO does not?  It was one of the biggest problems for my son when he was little - by the time he asked for medicine - (codine for example)  the pain was so great that it took even longer to work - at the same time - if you know the side effects who wants to give a child codine ALL the time. 
 I am So happy my handsome son does NOT look sick.
I on the other hand have been dealing with a very 'visual' problem and get the opposite! Especially from those close to me - I have lost a lot of weight and have a very painful 'Twitch", Luckily my Dr., is able to somewhat control the twitch (contractions) with Botox for the time being - but as you can see in the Video below - it is obvious I am dealing with something. I've had people look at me and comment on my appearance for the past 3 years! 
"Did you have a stroke?"  "OMG are you O.k.?"  "You look terrible!"  "You better not lose anymore weight!"  AND I MUST say - That ON TOP of dealing with  actually NOT feeling great is even harder. It is depressing! I can't smile like I use to - I look like a mad woman sometimes - I use to be a bit of a hottie. Yet I don't feel that anymore when I look in the mirror.  ;-(
So MIND your business!!!
What does it matter to you? 
People if you use Cannabis to medicate, lucky if you have a Dr. that cares and has prescribed Cannabis -- - don't justify yourself - forgive the ignorance and look past the reefer madness! If you don't look sick than thank God -*Buddha,  Jehovah, Yoda- whoever you need to thank - thank them! 
Thank your lucky stars you look fine!  It is ONE less issue to deal with.
Video taken at the Treating Yourself EXPO - I was nervous. But I MUST look past my appearance - I am on a more important mission. If you can't get past my appearance that is your problem.  Thank you to Remo - the Urban grower for this - helping me spread the word! xox  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GgzJ3Kj1pI&feature=g-u-u

Almost at the end of the EXPO - this was it my weekend to spread the word! 
I was embarrassed at the beginning of the expo because I wrote on FB I am going to speak-  and people asked me - or commented - “Oh when are you speaking, near Jodie?” 
I was so embarrassed - I meant I was going to speak to anyone that would listen to me from my booth.  Get on stage with my face and twitch ? No thanks. 
Anyhow, I met so many amazing people and Sunday the best day yet! I was stewing in my booth  remembering a conversation (very short) I had had and was thinking and told myself - move on, remember why you are here- and I swear to you - these two Buddhists walked up to my booth! Sounds like the start of a bad joke... I speak to everyone - sure enough one likes cartoons and draws but is a Dr. so he does not get to draw  much anymore.   The english was a little difficult, but I believe if we want to we can communicate with anyone (I had a wonderful conversation with Lauren in the Vape lounge and don’t speak sign)  you just have to be open and patient. - I am so glad I was!!! So any how these two Buddhist - one is a Dr.,  the other a MONK! (former) We start Ommani - that is how it started! He noticed my necklace and asked me if I knew what it meant! HOW COOL! Compassion - it gave me the idea for Cultivating Compassion (former blog) I was telling them the mantras I listen to when I draw ;-))) 
 I was once again at peace!
 My mind again on track we laughed, exchanged cards, good vibes, they laughed at laughing Buddha! LOL! So glad he was with me. I remember thanking God for ‘that sign’ - how cool!!!  
This was the last day - it got really quiet and I prayed I had made a difference - this insanity and ignorance about Cannabis has to end - too many people are suffering because of it.
So, I thanked God and thought the show is almost over - anyone else I need to speak with best be soon...
 He sent me Moses! LOL - I was lying in bed when that toon popped in my head and I started to giggle - I have a head cold and have felt crappy pretty much all day
BUT I had to get up and draw! God sent me Moses ;-)))

I said I was going to talk and hoped someone would listen. I saw Moses standing over to the side and I realized who he was and I was instantly nervous! OMGOSH! That’s Moses! If you are not Canadian you might NOT know who Moses is `but I do! 
This was it! IF I had once chance to spread the word and there is MOSES! 
I’m giggling because I just started to walk over and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into my booth! The man did not have a choice ;-) I STILL cannot believe I did it. Storm was so proud of me. Perhaps I was not meant to talk to a crowd ;-) I think I was able to do it because I saw (in my mind- not crazy) Michelle - I still miss her - she was a class act in my book. Her hair, red lips and smile always a hug and a genuine one at that. She sent Storm a goodie box when she found out he was legal!  She would want me to speak to her friend Moses!  I remembered the year they two of them walked around the expo arm and arm.  That was it! I’m not sure who exactly kicked me in the ass but I took that first step! That leap of faith-  I planted the seed about cannabis and kids in Moses mind - LOL - o.k. it’s probably already there - the man does everything, but I refreshed ;-).

We had a wonderful conversation I introduced him to Storm - OMGosh I think I forgot about  Marie-  I was shaking when he left. He was so soft spoken and I yell! LOL - Hearing impaired child,  I hope I didn’t frighten him. I was talking to a man that I admire- who makes a difference and has for a long time and I am reminded of the incredible difference one man can make! One man one woman!
Oh - Moses was just as peaceful as my Buddhist!  
HOLY COW!  LOL - I think I said that to them! ;-) We laughed a lot it was  so nice, so I guess I got a sign for sure! 
From Buddha and God!  HAVE FAITH!

It was wonderful. I am grinning from ear to ear. We are blessed.
xox <><  Read More about Moses here:  http://www.mosesznaimer.com/
Tommorrow I blog about "Oscar (not his real name as he is only 16) and wants Cannabis as his medicine. I was honored to meet him and his family too.

I am home! A bit rested - I am NOT use to the city and had a hard time sleeping, so I have a bit of catch up to be doing!  WE had an amazing time! There was so much happening and going on again - NOT once was I able to leave my booth and see the entire expo -I'd try but would see someone I know or knows me and would chat - realizing I had to get back to my booth - so I only really left when I had to.  I have made notes - several things happened at the EXPO I can not wait to share. A couple of 'events/situations' - not great and that too will be talked about - it is the only way to correct and make changes!  Luckily there were really only 2 things that bothered me - an ignorant radio host, a bad attitude politician (go figure) - more on that later...  other than that the show was fantastic!  I met so many wonderful people all ages, races and education! I was honored to meet several  people in particular famous and not. 
I had a few AMAZING things happen to us - wow my head still reeling - did that conversation really take place ?! KOWABUNGA - I am excited beyond- BUT I have to focus! 
I have drawing to do - I have a waiting list- I have made notes and have some great photos!
Like the one about of my handsome son in the booth this year ;-) 
All of which I shall share starting tomorrow!  Today it's re-organize, but just a few key words/names/people  I will be talking about:  Oliver ;-),  Moses, Marco, My liberal and NDP experience, Jodie, Patti, Lauren, Marie, Storm (of course),  Tiny pink panties, Tourists,
Options, Ignorant Radio hosts, Martin, Drawing, teen age boys, Buddhist monks and more! 
More importantly - to me anyhow - I get back to business today! DRAWING! 
MUCH love to all who came out to say hello- Thank you! Stay tooned! 
Oh BTW - Expo booked for next year already ! May 24- weekend 2013!!  If it continues to grow like I have witnessed it the past 3 years (which it will) I am convinced it is only a matter of time before cannabis is legalized and the insanity ended!
xox<><