My friend Todd...
I have blogged about Todd before. I believe everything and everyone for a reason. I first met Todd at an EXPO and he 'called me' on something -  something I offered in my newsletter-  to make a long story short - he got my attention, we struck up a conversation and today I am honored to call him and his family friends.  

Todd GREW Cannabis legally in the united states.
HE DID. 
By paying for tax stamps! I have one right here on my desk to remind me daily of the injustise my friend faces (in the image above) Tennessee Department of Revenue -UNAUTHORIZED SUBSTANCE STAMP(s).. and guess what friends, they don't come cheap.  Todd has been playing by the rules, openly goes & pays for his stamps and they know what he has been growing. Todd even has a website he promotes- In other words...
*** IT'S BEEN NO BIG SECRET -  BUT not too long ago they still busted his door in and held a gun to his daughters head and arrested Todd.  You can research it all yourself or contact Todd, he has nothing to hide.
Shortly after being busted, his younger daughter Ariel was rushed to hospital  with pain in her abdomen only to find out she had cancer. She has undergone extensive surgeries and  cancer treatments. 
Todd has much going on.. His court date is July 14th. 2014.  
He does not know if he will go to jail very soon and what his he doing - he is MARCHING!  We are close, when this bust happened and I first spoke with Todd, he was frightened (how can one not be), now, I am witnessing a different Todd, one who knows he did nothing wrong and is tired of being pushed around and is tired of watching everyone being pushed around - for what?   NOW - A substance only a couple of states away is celebrated. 
 It is ridiculous!  
I am sure people who know Todd are thinking, why did'nt she draw Todd walking... 
-one of the reasons why I love my friend Todd, his letter starts off with this:

***CANADA'S NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS: 
      WHAT ARE THEY REALLY ABOUT?


On March 13, 2014 the current medical marijuana laws in Canada will end and an entirely new system of laws concerning medical marijuana will take effect. The current laws allow those registered as medical marijuana patients to grow their own marijuana or to buy government produced marijuana from authorized pharmacies. Under the new laws that go into effect in a few months, medical marijuana patients will no longer be permitted to grow their own marijuana and the government will no longer produce marijuana, nor will pharmacists be involved in the sale of medical marijuana to patients.

The legal reasons stated for this drastic change in the medical marijuana laws in Canada are listed as public health, safety and security issues. Despite reading many articles and trying to discover these alleged public health, safety and security issues, one is hard pressed to find a single article describing exactly what those issues are. There were a few (very few) growers who had fires break out. Those were all related to poor wiring. Electrical issues are easy to cure and simple compliance inspections of grow operations would remove that issue from the table. As for public health and security, there was nothing describing exactly what they are, just the generic legal umbrella under which the politicians are able to enact new and stricter laws.                                                                         So why the need to fix that which is not broken?

There are currently 37,359 registered medical marijuana patients in Canada. That number is much higher than the 477 registered medical marijuana patients in 2002 evidencing the need for medical marijuana. Of those 37,359 registered medical marijuana patients, 25,600 are licensed to grow their own medical marijuana. Of those 25,600 licensed to grow their own medical marijuana, only 4,200 are specifically licensed to grow for one (and only one) other registered patient besides themselves. All of these rights will be stripped away from Canadian medical marijuana patients as of March 13, 2014.

Under the new laws there are currently 156 applications awaiting approval to grow medical marijuana on a much larger scale in huge warehouses. These warehouses will be owned and operated by those entrepreneurs with enough money to buy the licenses, the warehouses, the property on which the warehouses sit, the massive costs of filling that space with the maximum lighting possible and to employ a staff large enough to grow, trim and prepare the medical marijuana for public sale and to distribute it. With private sector businesses, profits tend to be the overriding priority rather than producing a high quality product that is organic and safe.

Under the new laws patients will be permitted to purchase medical marijuana from these massive warehouse farms. All sales will be through a mail order system and thoroughly regulated. The regulations only apply to the amount of marijuana sold and the income the entrepreneurs take in. These strict regulations will not cover the quality of medical marijuana grown nor the non-organic fertilizers and pesticides used to grow the marijuana to produce ever larger and more profitable plants. This puts unsuspecting (and already burdened with health issues) patients at further risk of ingesting marijuana and medical marijuana products that essentially contain poisons detrimental to their already deteriorating health.

Health Canada's current average price of medical marijuana is approximately $5 per gram. The projected cost of private sector medical marijuana after the new laws take effect in March is expected to be about $7.60 per gram. CannaMed, the first licensed distributor in the private sector is currently advertising their medical marijuana at a cost of $9 to $12 per gram once the new laws go into effect. Keep in mind that the current black market cost of marijuana in Canada is approximately $10 to $15 per gram. No matter how one tries to make sense of these new laws, they fail to address any alleged public health, safety or security issues. They also have the added disadvantage of driving up the cost of medical marijuana for patients. These patients are often already financially strapped due to their varying medical issues. 

So why the sudden change in medical marijuana laws that seemed to be working so well according to the patients who are the intended beneficiaries of these medical marijuana laws? It is simply a desire for profits. Health Canada has projected that by 2014 there will be 58,000 registered medical marijuana patients. They further project that by 2024 there will be 450,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Canada. Health Canada has estimated that by 2024 the medical marijuana industry will be a 1.3 billion dollar per year market. That 1.3 billion dollar per year market will all be taxed at a higher rate, a luxury tax, and not as a medical necessity. 

It appears to be obvious that the only reason for the change of the current medical marijuana laws in Canada is related to revenue collection and has little (or nothing) to do with any issues of public health, safety or security. Sadly, this massive change of the current and well functioning medical marijuana laws in Canada is more about a healthy economy than about a healthy population of Canadian citizens.


 Georgia:  AMEN! *Well said as always! Thank you Lisa! I am the first to admit - I know what I want to say, but often it is difficult - just as cartooning is difficult for many!  She once again put it perfectly IMO. Are you paying attention Canadians?  

We are: 
Accountants, administrative people, farmers, architects, sales representatives, Dr.s & nurses, dentists, florists, health workers, child care workers, bakers, cooks, mechanics, carpenters, brick layers, construction workers, lawyers, parents, teachers, software designers, actors, butchers, assemblers, cleaners, vets, fire fighters, police, real estate agents, dietitians, gardeners, hair dressers, hotel managers, secretaries, technicians, meteorologists, musicians, house painters, pipe fitters, plumbers, roofers, seamen, photographers, surgeons, taxi drivers, travel agents, web designers...  

American Drug War 2. 
http://americandrugwar2.com/  
 We rented it via Apple T.V., Apparently it can be found on youtube. 
We watched  the first of these documentaries a few times, I did, it is very educational and the producers story very honest. IMO. BUT  the second documentary shares also the story of Cashy Hyde.  & his beautiful family.

The bullshit that family had to endure on top of everything else. From medicine to police abuse. That is exactly what it was . OVER A FUCKING PLANT.

Does anyone deserve this over a plant that has never been responsible for a death? Parents who only want to do everything they possibly can to help their child?

I really do think when they said for Storm no treatment, no cure was a blessing in disguise some days. Well, I might think that now, I did NOT then.

What  Cashy endured...  my one fricken surgery (miniscule in comparison) and I am still reeling ;-(  Cashy died the day after my surgery - I did not find out until a few days later.. maybe even a week I don’t  remember, I just remember no one wanted to tell me. Which I am now thankful for. It was a direct blow to my heart.  How could it not be? It was for MILLIONS.  

Cashy  was a miracle, you have no idea and yes he was here for a reason. We are all blessed because of him. Yes, he was a ‘weed warrior,’ sadly we now have a few.  A few little warriors who are suffering with pain, disease as their parents stand and watch helplessly..  and then to fear for your life because a plant you give your child  and eases their pain is ILLEGAL? Alcohol, pills and tobacco are all easily attainable and all deadly?

Is there any wonder I feel I am going mad? How crazy is all of this?
Innocent children are being punished and made to suffer over $$$
We all are. OVER the next big money maker!  Imagine if it was YOUR child.
Google Children on Cannabis  I dare you.

I KNOW. I have living proof and I love him very much.  I am doing this for more than my own son. 

Imagine if it were your child and you knew you could not get him enough medicine, MEDICINE that you KNOW has helped him, eased his pain and could possibly be what is saving his life and  although it is something you should  be able to GROW in your back yard.  THEY COULD NOT.

IT needs to be acknowledged for what it is A VEGETABLE. 
A MIRACLE plant!  Prohibition is not the problem any longer, it is lack of education.
Once more people become educated on the subject, and get away from reefer madness it will only be a matter of time. 

My son says I am naive.  ;(     I’d like to say I STILL believe in US. ❤

Please take the time to watch something that will educate you. 
The American government is educated on the subject of cannabis don’t forget - that’s why they took out the patent on it. FOR its medicinal values.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
xox <><

Mike & Kalli Hyde.  
Rest in Peace Cashy. xox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK-5ELuMg5Qhttp://www.cashhydefoundation.com/
Dr. confirms Cannabis cures tumor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6iba3sEUIg

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.
R. Buckminster Fuller 

A picture is worth a thousand words...
If you see love in this photo it is because it exists.

My hubby saw this photo and instantly asked “WHO is that?  Looks a little close  to me... “   
All I could think to say is “yes, it does, that is my friend Chris.”  ;) This expo was the first time Chris and I actually met and that photo taken then. We have been friends on FB since 2o10.  I never saw his photo before  the EXPO and had no idea what he looked like. The moment he said ‘Hi'  my heart jumped - CHRIS!  I thought & he is handsome too!  LOL 

When I first met Chris it was online, FB. He was a medical patient and had suffered a very serious accident,  I knew he suffered extensive damage to his face and brain not to mention everywhere else, I had seen photos of his x-rays but I did not know much more...  then  after a few posts, curiosity got the better of me and I asked.  I am learning to be BLUNT - how else do you find stuff out.

Well, the rest is history.  A history filled with questions, likes, comments, shares and more.  
Chris, for some reason I decided to trust and share a few details about my own head pain long before many others even knew what I was dealing with, asking him what strain he suggested for head pain, a few things... I still do ;-) Just the other day I asked: Do you swear more? 

I as you might know if you pay attention to this blog, I have been frightened to say the least, hard not to when you are dealing with something and Dr.s can’t seem to figure it out so.  I ask, he answers.   It has been a God send for me. 
That makes me giggle, Chris and I have a different opinion on God - BUT even that we put aside to discuss other more important stuff! < How it should be.

Who else do you ask? If you don’t know from experience - YOU don’t get it! 
He gets it. Explaining things I am experiencing.  

I was thrilled when I heard he was coming to the EXPO!  I really consider him a friend and I felt it!  I know he cares for me and I him and we just became friends on FB and because of Cannabis! How cool is that?   

That being said I did ask Chris If I could share a few details. I was going to ask him to write a blog but I thought -  no, better to see his answers, up front & honest.  Just as he shared with me and I am so grateful he did.

Below a few photos, I borrowed  from his profile, and a few of our messages... ;-) 

 I asked Chris to share his accident and he did: 
I have my card due to a very serious car vs. snow removal truck in 2003.
I was a passenger that had a 10 wheel dump truck full of snow turn in front of us, crossing our path. He turned illegally (double yellow line) into a parking lot to dump his snow (illegally on private property).
He claimed he did not see us, but that is only possible if he was not looking! There was nothing my friend could do, the truck turned and we hit the side at around 50mph (80k).

There were no airbags and the front of the car was destroyed, the dash actually came & hit me in the face, just under my chin and cracked everything up to my forehead. Lower jaw, upper jaw, cheekbone, eye orbits, nasal everything... it was not pretty.
Botched surgery caused me to need 3 more to adjust my upper jaw to what the idiots had done to the lower by mistake, all because of "god" complexes of certain doctors & the department in general.
Let's just say I do not recommend "teaching hospitals", part of a local university.
My other serious injury was to my brain, I have a frontal lobe TBI which is a real pain in the ass to say the least.
I'm not sure what you know of TBI (Traumatic brain injury), but it is a a serious problem with no solution, every victim will be affected slightly differently and it is invisible, so people just think we are rude, mean, all kinds of things that are associated with bad behavior. That leaves us open to discrimination and more problems. I am 'lucky' (Hurts to say that, because I really don't feel lucky!!) that I was highly functioning before so I compensate well in stress free situations, but it doesn't take too much to make me rattle me. Friends and family relations are strained, I am also really not the same person I was before, I like different music, different people, I dislike some friends and activities...
SO, I use cannabis for pain relief, which helps me a lot. I can do more things with less frustration and it makes me feel less pain to the point where I can think before I act or speak - a common trait with head injuries that can get us into a lot of trouble.
It also helps with anxiety, stress, makes me tolerant and compassionate.
I hope that wasn't too much info lol
Painful topic, once I start it's hard to stop the flow of words, I don't let them out often anymore.
To finish that up, 99.9% of people have no idea when they meet me if for just a few minutes, I hide it well, but after awhile it starts to show that I may not be in complete control of my thoughts, words and actions.
Cannabis gives me as much of those abilities as I can get, no other medication I tried even came close. 

I asked about Strains:
It depends what you mean by brain pain
Headaches? mental fatigue?
I am not the best guy for this, my brain is in hyper vigilance mode due to a TBI, so I can intake massive amounts of any indica with no negative effects. Makes me sleepy, but so does having a TBI.
What they do to me is different from what they do to most ppl.
I avoid sativas cuz they make me even more hyper vigilant, jumpy, annoying ... lol

If I had to name one strain for most brain issues, anxiety, epilepsy... -->Sensi Star. It covers a wide range of issues, seizures are one of them, which I do not have, but the same soothing effect it gives an epileptic, it can provide to me.  Hope that helps a bit 
...
Hi Georgia,
Secrets are safe with me
I hope the neuro can provide some good info, that sort of thing is complicated for sure. I have a brain injury so whenever I have issues with my eyes, speech, tingles, nerve pain, twitches... it is hard to know from where it actually starts.
I know an epileptic that swears he can take a few drops of Sensi Star tincture at the onset of a seizure (wife puts it under his tongue) and he almost instantly stops the seizures! Sensi Star may be the right strain for you, although they do have slightly different effects on each person.
Tinctures or eating it may also have an added benefit over inhaling for your purpose. I hope you find the strain you need

In between these e mail, we shared cute photos, jokes, toons, informative Cannabis info and Chris always supported my toons and work. He went even further to help me heal by sharing his advice on Hemp Products > Good for the BRAIN! - he sent me some AWESOME Hemp oil and that AMAZING honey  (by mr. Cookie - Brain) that is a terrific appetite stimulant! Helped me pack on a few pounds, after surgery I lost another 14!   I needed it. He still sends me tips and info for arthritis - something we also share.

That is all I will share with all of you...  it has been one of the best lessons for me,  you can make real, special friendships on FB. 
Strangers are willing to help!  ASK! Who knew!?
♥ You might be blessed to even meet them in real life! Chris thanked me over the years for inspiration.. I often wonder when someone comes into our lives is it for our advantage or theirs? BOTH. We are here to serve, help, assist, and share with each other.

Do you see love in that photo? I do ;-)  
Not the kind of love that first comes to mind, but one of two people who care for each other and want to help each other.   

All this week I keep thinking who knew, 4 years ago FB Friends you made would become real life friends. A drawing you did would be turned into glass by other artists?
 WHO knew!?  A caterpillar turned into butterfly.

 ONE LOVE! 
 Brought together by a PLANT! 

I hope Chris and I continue to be even better friends as the years go on, he really has been a life/sanity saver for me the past few years and I am blessed to call him friend.
I grateful Chris and his bud (also a nice guy - got to meet him too at the EXPO) - are still here with us today 
Lucky me!
xox <><

*** I discuss many blogs with my guys, and sometimes special friends before I publish.. I got a 'that seems pretty personal..'   WHY? Because I express  love for a friend, another human? Too often all we hear is negative. It surrounds us. We hate this and that...  I have no more room or time for it. Not a day goes by in this house were we don't say I love you to each other...  Storm and I every time he leaves or says goodbye - he throws in an I love you!  What an awesome way to end a conversation. ;-) Until we see that person again.
I'm done, If you make me happy your going to know it! I don't care if the world knows it. 
 Maybe if Chris and I hung out more, I'd see more of the side he mentions -  I have a hard time imagining (because he has only ever been nice to me) even then - because he shared with me,  I KNOW to be patient & understanding,  we are all far from perfect. 

We should share with people - It avoids a lot of guessing. ♥

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 <><  

A guest Blog that I enjoyed reading and thought worth sharing!  xox <><

Catch-422
By John Dvorak, Hempologist  See more @ : http://www.hempology.org/CANNABISCURRICULUM.html

With a tip of my hempen chapeau to Joseph Heller, our government has created a phenomena that I call Catch-422.  They put up as many roadblocks as possible in an effort to stifle our progress and to demonize Cannabis Sativa, a safe and effective natural herbal remedy.  A Kafkaesque melangé  of federal agencies and bloated bureaucracies justify their existence at the expense of the sick and dying, while the beer-bellied, vodka saturated, over-pharmaceuticalized sheeple continue to gulp down oxycontin, viagra and anything else peddled by their kowtowed doctors.   Thousands die EACH YEAR overdosing on alcohol and prescribed drugs, while there isno lethal dose for Cannabis.      

Hundreds of thousands of Americans are arrested each year merely for possessing marijuana because Reefer Madness has infected Congress and rotted the judicial system to its core.  Marijuana’s illegality is justified by calling it a gateway drug that will lead to harder drugs and/or a decaying of a person’s moral fabric:  Catch-422.  In fact, cannabis is proving to be a gateway AWAY from illegal narcotics and debilitating pharmaceuticals.  

The DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic which, by definition, means there is no currently acceptable medical use.  Everyone knows this is total bullshit, but when researchers ask for cannabis to perform studies, they're told they can't have it because, of course, marijuana has no medical use, leaving patients burning in Dante’s inferno of mock compassion: Catch-422.  Their circular logic jerks people around to no end.  

Even some states with medical marijuana laws on the books are imposing outrageous restrictions on the ailments that qualify:  Catch-422.   One of the most egregious examples of this is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which several states refuse to recognize Cannabis for despite its obvious benefits.  And, the Federal government never misses a chance to “pile on” by preventing the Veteran’s Administration from providing Cannabis to the many vets with PTSD.  

A classic Catch-422 is how states delay the implementation of medical marijuana laws, oftentimes parroting the old canard: “think of the children.”   New Jersey’s Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law in January, 2010.  However, bureaucratic foot dragging by that state’s Gutless Wonder Governor, Chris Christie, delayed the opening of their first dispensary for almost 3 years.  

Consider this:  A card carrying medical marijuana patient working for a big box store had a minor accident,  failed a drug test and was subsequently fired.  His dismissal was upheld by Michigan's supreme court: Catch-422.  Tragically, a medical marijuana patient who was denied a liver transplant because of his Cannabis use recently passed away:  Catch-422.  We need to fight for people’s basic right to medicate without discrimination.

Another Catch-422 is the “institutional hypocrisy” that  prevents people from coming out of the cannabis closet.  Consider this:  Despite many states passing various Cannabis laws, mere possession of marijuana continues to be a violation of federal law!  It is very difficult for someone to promote an illegal activity.  You expose yourself to public ridicule or worse.  For many, testing positive for Cannabis could result in the loss of their job, government benefits or custody of their children.  Students that are arrested for Cannabis could lose their student loans:  Catch-422.  

Similarly, the IRS has ruled that medical marijuana dispensaries cannot deduct business expenses because possessing and distributing Cannabis violates federal law: Catch-422.    Banks and credit card companies are refusing to do business with dispensaries for the same reason:  Catch-422.   The sad part about this is that dispensaries are proving to be economic engines, hiring people and paying taxes in an otherwise depressed economy.  


The DEA says that hemp is the same as marijuana.  They have tied a Gordian knot of hemp rope, claiming that hemp will confuse the police even though this is not an issue in Canada or Europe where it is legal to grow hemp: Catch-422.  United States Department of Agriculture studies call hemp a niche crop without fully investigating its myriad uses: Catch-422.   Farmers will not grow hemp unless there is a market for it and you can’t sell products unless you can produce them which means you need farmers to grow hemp: Catch-422.  This chicken or the egg situation is a real “pair o’ ducks.”   Thanks to prohibition, we are re-inventing the ENTIRE hemp industry from the ground up.  The sky is limit (think Trillion Dollar Crop!) but it is going to be a long, hard fight for those willing to join the battle.  

We need to recognize these efforts for what they are:  a blatant and callous effort to impede our progress.  Only by identifying and understanding these barriers will we be able to get around or over the obstacles that stand in the way of realizing the full benefits of the humble plant scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa.  Fortunately in the privacy of the voting booth, people are electing to choose cannabis hemp and give a collective middle finger to the powers that be.  

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 <><

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 <><