The GLOBAL GAG RULE... people are actually dying because of this, the POOR, struggling, women, sick,  & FACT: MORE UNWANTED CHILDREN WILL BE BORN TO STARVE.
​Donald Trump & his groupies are a bunch of compassionate less, women degrading, racist. (sorry Chuck) Every time I read about this man - I shake my head and feel sorry for my American friends...  women especially.
​  
-With this GlobalGAGRULE he has tied the hands of women all around the world from being in control of their own bodies, no longer able to access information and help.
-With this GlobalGAGRULE TRUMP gags women all around the world from asking of help- GAGS Dr.s and aid from speaking about abortion- forcing women once again  to choose unsafe alternatives.

Do you understand what the Global Gag Rule is?
Please Educate yourself on - Google:  Global GAG RULE.
If you think it does not effect us ALL, you are mistaken.  IT HURTS ALL WOMEN.
​We all live on the planet together.

​EVEN IF you are against abortion (not your body - none of your business)
- tThe Global GAG RULE has an impact of much more - PLEASE READ to understand and then  SPEAK UP!!! ANYWAY you can think of to educate about this  GLOBAL problem which will have epic consequences.
GLOBAL GAG RULE:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/canada-gives-20-million-to-replace-trumps-contraception-cuts/article34187584/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2017/01/25/trump-is-hell-bent-on-punishing-women-with-yuge-global-gag-rule/#1eab847f1c75

www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2016/10/09/elections-matter-why-pence-is-a-scary-option-for-women-and-public-health/#7741e1156aaa

-With this Global GAG RULE - he is forcing women to have babies they do not want!! 
- With this Global Gag Rule- we will take world hunger to epic proportions of suffering.

                      Does this cartoon offend you? or Does the  GlobalGAGRule offend you?   
​                                                                     Choose wisely.

Have Faith 
<><
xox
​

Follow me into the garden of love...
Chances are you  have seen the photos of Murad Osmann  on Instagram.  
He is 1/2 of the famous couple, a  photographer who is being led around the world by his girlfriend - now wife. The shots stunning - every corner of the world in all it's glory.
Her wardrobe is equally as impressive.

You can't help but  be drawn into each possibility of adventure with them.
Last night my bears took over and asked me to follow them. 
I'm glad I did...  I needed an adventure , if only with my paint for a few hours.
A mental escape down the garden path.  

Where would you go?  
Who would you lead?
What would you do?

Follow me. Perhaps... I'll follow you.

Have faith
xox
<><
​

Sunday we had a trip to the city planned, visit a few stores and see a couple of friends.
I had it in my mind how the day would go.  It went another way.
Storm and I had a good day and did see some people we have not seen in a while,  & it was great to say Hello and catch up a bit.
But the day had an event that really stuck in my head. Enough to draw it.

I suggested to Storm that we find an outdoor patio so that I could medicate. Which was badly needed. Young st. was busy - what else is knew... the level of poor was new, to me anyhow. Everything you see in the cartoon is TRUE and more.  It was a visual smorgasbord!   

The color, the people, the noise were slightly overwhelming as it is but when we finally found an empty patio and had just ordered a coffee, was about to medicate, I heard this strange beeping...  you know s sound you know but are not sure where....

I turned to see a woman in a hospital gown, no shoes on her feet... walking towards us - with an IV pole - she was hooked up. The blood backed up into the line connecting to her arm.  The machine on the IV pole beeping! 

I instantly thought of TIFF and thought it might be some stunt.. 
She walked right where we were sitting, when an EMT worker pulled up beside her and started to question her. We were sitting right beside her.

He was nice and asked her where she was going, he said she had walked 5 km from a hospital?!  5 km and no one stopped her? No one asked her where she was going or what she was doing. ;(  The conversation continued and he expressed concern about the IV Pole  stating a few times “it’s worth about $3,000...  “  I was thinking - buddy - she is in her hospital gown in the middle of young street attached to an IV POLE do you think she was thinking about the cost?

Well a couple of police cars later... she had slid down the railing where we were sitting almost within touching distance.. she did turn and say “sorry”

I told her she had no need to apologize.  I felt bad for her. She was here from Alberta, no family, at a shelter and sick., She had a bad infection and was in the hospital to get better. It is great in this country she can be treated!  I get it bout the IV Pole.. but really? What has played on my mind is the fact that he got so far. How sad. :( So many people just ignoring everything. stepping over the poor liek they re trash on the street. 

I bet people looked at her  when she was not looking and they thought she must be crazy. Who is cray? THOSE who see and do NOTHING are the closest to mad there is. No compassion.

I did not leave, We sat there. I at one point thought the conversation might have gone differently if she were alone. The other officer made a point about asking her is she had been in trouble and  also the cost of the Pole.
Then they talked about how they needed bigger cars. 

An ambulance finally arrived and she had to go back. Back to where she was so very tired of.  I don’t have the answers. Better security at the hospitals?

This cartoon is full of mental illness. Alcohol abuse. Sexual obsession,  Shopaholics. The rich and the poor. People together but a great percentage alone.  Many on phones. Obese people getting more obese on the takeout  Blvd. as they stroll past a woman begging for food. 

Everyone in their own world. 
NOT.   

WE ARE here TOGETHER!  One day that might be you! 

What is happening to you Toronto? Not the city I know and loved. 
That could easily be someone's sister or mother. 
I talked it over with a friend who work in the city and she said “you see so much so often you just learn to turn your head.”

I don’t think that is what Jesus meant when he said ‘Turn the other cheek’.
Forgive us, for we know squat.  ;( .
xox <>< 

There is a sign of hope in the cartoon. Can you find it?

I was blessed yesterday by my friend Marie!  And what a blessing it was!
Marie makes Trifle. I met Marie through the parish many years ago. 

At functions Marie makes a Trifle.. 
I alwasy get the left overs for Norm and He loves it! 
Remember I'm not a great cook... 
Jello and I have issues, so I have never made it.

My friend Marie showed up yesterday to teach me how! 
It was awesome. I don't even need a recipe! 
I already know it and I can't wait to try another, perhaps one with oranges and chocolate! Nom nom!  We chatted, stirred, sliced, chatted.... went out for a tea in the gazebo and chatted some more. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I always find Marie interesting and one of the most compassionate people I know. Marie educates me every time I see her,  of course shw also cares very much about our planet. I guess you could say we are tree huggers and PROUD! lol

I have several friends like this. They inspire me to be a better person.  
I can't wait to pay it forward the next time I have company and share a dessert made with TLC  for them! 

I was blessed with a visit from a  friend - who brought all the ingredients! 
Provided  a TLC treat that my guys have been more that thrilled  with! LOL  
I admitting had it for breakfast and yes, it is almost gone. 
I am sure it will be after dinner this evening! 

Share your gift. 

I needed it. I am thankful for it. 
I had quite an experience the day before in Toronto that I had been thinking about, so it was nice to realign the mind. More on that tomorrow...

 xox  <>< 

Labels...

It occurred to me, how so many are still very ‘concerned’ about labels and not the ones they should be.  I recently had someone talk to me - he was ‘asking for a friend... ‘, really - and the friend has a child who is experiencing grand mal seizures. Well, apparently he is thinking about cannabis but “is worried about the kid getting stoned.”
Really?

I do not understand how a parent of a child  can watch them have a grand mal seizure  but are afraid to see them ‘high’? What ever that may be in their mind.  
Then there is the medicine. How is that o.k. to start to watch your child become a pharmaceutical junky?  BEFORE you would look into cannabis? A plant. Never been recorded for causing a death, certainly not by anyone using for pain, nausea, epilepsy, cancer... It’s endless.  

Don’t believe me? Google it.
Wait! God forbid someone find out your googling ‘cannabis’!  That would make you a ‘stoner’!? LABELS.  We are less consumed with what actually goes into out bodies, and can cause us damage from the inside out.  The labels - ‘name calling’ bulling - for lack of a better word, can cause many problems as well. STRESS. 

The sooner we learn we are not responsible for how anyone else thinks about us the better off we will be. I know people I have met and like and later find out - they don’t like me. Go figure LOL  In the past I just might ponder that. Now, I have better things to ponder. :) Love, Peace and Happiness.  
I’m not saying a child cannot benefit from  western medication. Although, I am not longer convinced this is the golden rule.   As parents WE are ‘the gatekeepers’ and the first thing we can do - as ‘hoaky’ as it is is give our kids the key to success - EDUCATION! I’m NOT saying university- I believe it is NOT for everyone. Just encourage learning and passion and teach them about consequences..
I am not preaching, I am praying out loud.
There are so many already messed up people that were probably messed up as kids - but they don’t all grow up nasty and mean. 
You can be introduced to love at any age! <3

For those of you still tempted to take this drug or other cox-2 inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) pain-killers:  be careful, they can kill more than pain. READ the LABELS !! Know what does not kill? Good for pain?  Cannabis. 
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fda-approves-pain-killer-linked-to-death.htmlhttp://cannabisdigest.ca/  also on FaceBook  @ https://www.facebook.com/CannaDigest

Where does the time go!? It is almost the end of May!  

Todays toon, my twitch is really bad at night, some nights, after 7  I hardly function, and I cannot read, it’s just too powerful and frustrating, so Norm has taken to reading to me.
I enjoy it. We enjoy it.  WELL...  not his choice of books always, not what I would choose and we are working on that! LOL 

We just finished the Planets, it was all very interesting and the book is a couple of decades old so we have talked about quite a bit... BUTT when he got the the section on Uranus - 
It just seems that everything he said sounded ‘funny.’  

I do smoke a joint at night before I sleep, Norm was cracking up as much as I was  (he does not smoke) by the end of it- my head hurt.. anyhow  two 50 = year olds, I know it is immature but - so what!  Giggle, What ever it takes.

We are now reading  world events though out history.  I get to pick the next book.   

Tomorrow’s blog - I have new wheels!!!  
xox <>< 

Here it comes, every time I turn around I read now that Cannabis is becoming legalized across the united States (and IT IS becoming legalized across the united states), you read about cigarette companies that want to come out with a line of cannabis cigarettes, now that  the rest of the world sees people in Colorado are not becoming Zombies, in fact the opposite - both states now legal - both states in the up coming super bowl ;-) 

With  those being able to apply to grow here in Canada * let me correct that - with those that have $$$$$$$$$$$  words like INVESTORS, Opportunity, stocks,  mass marketing,  the headlines are everywhere.  I am NOT  seeing words like patients, compassion, caring. 
What else is new. I will be though. 

Typical & Criminal.  Only, this battle is about to get complicated. 
It's not just about money, it is about out families, children, parents - loved ones. 

*I'm a little under the weather, Tis the season. I apologize for the  'continued tomorrow' LOL  It will continue when it is meant to continue.

Big Brother is watching Big brother. Thank GOD! 

WTF is wrong  with police? I am shattered when I read stuff like this. I would  like to believe it does not happen. Not in Canada, let alone 30 minutes drive from where we live!?  I grew up respecting the police . believing in the police - that they would help me and protect me. I even dated a couple. ;-) So when I read about police brutality like this it blows my mind!  

Watch and read this:
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/10/17/barrie-cop-in-mall-beating-sentenced-to-year-in-jail

Then to read he ONLY GETS A YEAR! WTF? This is someone we trust, do you see how he keeps beating this poor man? AND you bet he is afraid! I would be too. This police officer will be back to work after his sentence?? WILL he even serve a DAY? This is a nightmare - imagine if someone was medicating and  met this sort of police officer!? 
For example if it was someone like my son that had a bone disease - a break can mean  more pain for him and improper healing, leading to a life full of even more pain and talk about PTSD.   He should serve MORE time IMO. 
As for the 2 side kicks - also terrible examples of abuse of control. 

Today I read about an 80 year old woman, tazered by police after found wondering the streets at 3:00am with a bread knife- HELLO! 
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/11/02/peel_region_police_sued_over_tasering_80yearold_mississauga_woman.html
What kind of police training do you need!? What kind of education do you need to be a police officer?  Is there ANY  compassion test they take? Could they have not knockedthe butter knife out of her hands with a stick? COME ON!  She was tazerd twice which can only lead me to believe it was a knee jerk reaction of the other police officer - after she was already down? So many questions. I hope I'm not the only one asking. What IF it was YOUR son... what if it was your mom? We need to think like that, because it very well might be one day. 

deed: |dēd|noun1 an action that is performed intentionally or consciously
: doing good deeds.• a brave or noble act : their deeds will live on in song.• action or performance : she had erred in both deed and manner. 

It is WHy I don't read the paper. Anger management.  I saw the cover with the street car, read the headlines and put it down, I had read enough.  Days later and I am hearing  more and reading more on FB, Storm and I talked about it and I'm still angry. Questions ?! NO SHIT there's questions!! So many I don't know where to begin.
ASK YOURSELF:
How many times was he shot? 
They used a 'tazer' AFTER he was shot ... how many times??
This cop waited HOW LONG?  
He was HOW far away from the street car?? 
The kids only had a knife?  
This happened in Canada?? 
There's more....?  

Don't forget to ask yourself... was this kid just in need of some fucking help?

Oh my God. Please forgive us, IF we let this continue to happen. 
OMG we are fucked if we continue to let this happen.

xox 
If you want to read more.. I can't. My head is throbbing just thinking about it.
Rest in Peace Sammy.

Read more
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto-police-chief-to-speak-to-media-about-ttc-shooting-on-monday-morning/article13476777/

I have sent letters, e mail and now posted on Leona's FB page but never even an acknowledgement.
APPARENTLY  several people were consulted - patients,  about the changes but everyone I have spoken with said  pretty much everything they suggested or said was simply ignored. 
IMO it was all  just for LOOKS. 
Now to read - Canadians will be 'saving tax' dollars no longer having to grow Cannabis for sick patients! WOW. 
SUCH BULL it is mind blowing. 
REALLY!??  Do you think we are idiots? Who's taxes will pay for these people when you send them to jail for growing plants? Many are already on disability... and these peopel will still need medical attention - more $$$ for tax payers.. 
How much does it cost to keep a Canadian in Jail for 6 years?
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/07/18/prison-costs-soar-86-in-past-five-years/For instance, the cost of keeping a male inmate in prison rose from $88,067 per year in 2006 to $109,699 in 2009, according to the most recent data from Corrections and Conditional Release Statistical Overview.

 I want to know who's tax dollars will pay for all these people who are determined to continue to grow their medicine! NOT CRIMINALS!  What would YOU DO!!!
Many  have invested in all the necessary equipment and I do say INVESTED - so what are they expected to do - stop? SOMETHING they have been legally permitted to do for years!? Because HEALTH CANADA  has decided to make changes?
I am really SICK and tired of all patients/growers being ASSUMED criminals. 
Is that not the same as we should assume all politicians are crooks?  
Or crack heads? 
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

I am not alone, I know so many people who are frustraited, angry, depressed, frightened all because of HEALTH CANADA and the proposed changes to the MMAR.    On top of that they feel alone and IGNORED. I can relate. 
Does my opinion not mater? 
Does my son not matter? 
If Leona won't help us who will? Is she not the HEALTH MINISTER???
Leona won't help us. 
WE must help ourselves by bringing attention to this treatment of Canadians 
as what it is CRUEL.  
Adding stress to the thousands that are already ill and suffering  is shameful. 
OVER A PLANT. 
SPREAD the word, make sure people understand what is happening.
The next time you read about saving tax payers money, wonder at what cost?
This cost will be lives. 
Will Leona answer questions then?

xox <><

Last night I went to bed in tears. Feeling completely frustrated and overwhelmed.

I had another visit with the neurologist and after the usually questions and concerns, I asked him if he actually had a diagnoses, after talking about Hemi facial spasm and Trigeminal neuralgia, the 5th and 7th nerve...  No.  
 They cannot understand why I am having what I am and the pain associated with it.

 I feel when I tell them how bad it is - it is not that they don’t believe - CLEARLY there is something going on, but I think they don’t ‘get the severity’ of it? I wonder is it because I am not in the office sobbing?  Or that I don’t lie around all day feeling sorry for myself? 
I can tell you, I DO feel like doing that. 
 I fought off tears several times in his office yesterday.  IT is much harder to try to remain positive and busy and hopeful.   

After the last surgery,  I do feel better BUT whatever is going on is still going on and every day It MAKES me very aware that It can all be gone in an instant. I struggle with this reminder - as much as I AM REALLY grateful the new found appreciation and determination.. everyday thinking my brain is going to explode is exhausting.  
These constant electrical zaps  leave me feeling  ‘fizzled” 
My attack last week left me exhausted for 2 days.  
I still have them constantly.. with a “doozie’ every now and then making an appearance.
Usually one a day. ;(

In his opinion, it is not getting better (mine too - it’s going on 4 YEARS slowly escalating)
He feels more surgery is the only opinion. The first not a complete success (it was in the fact that I’m still here! :)  NOT knowing exactly what they are going in for...  has me not to keen on the whole idea again - recovery itself seems daunting. Been there done that and in NO hurry to do it again.
I am frightened.

I need to take a break and think. 
I wondered about sharing this... it’s time. My hand forced by someone on FB.  This is my life at the moment and for what ever reason this is where I am meant to be. Happy or not. 

I had a lesson last week on FB when someone was PISSED at me. Angry because I have not been responding to his messages or posts.  First let me tell you having over 500o people on FB has it down falls, like messages every time you log on, I am constantly added to groups, events and my messages are never fewer than 50 every time I log on. Hard to keep up with for anyone, never mind someone who is also trying to work, be a mom, cartoonist, wife and suffers from some crazy brain thing.
I then was angry with him and asked him if he was aware I had brain surgery and have still been dealing with serious issues. No he was not. 
No he does not bother to read my post, blogs etc only pissed that I did not share his website and his goings on.  Yes, he apologized.                        

So here it is. I am not well. I have not been well for a while. I have been sicker than I have let on to most but a few are very aware of what has been going on. On top of all this I deal with other stuff, like the constant concern and battle over my sons medicine. Cannabis.
Stress added to the mixture - not good BUT unavoidable.
 A growing concern with changes expected in the near future, no thanks to Health Canada. 

I have hoped people would focus on my work and not my health and it appears to have worked out ;-)  I can’t get mad for the lack of others understanding, awareness or even compassion at times. It says more about them than it will ever say about me. Simple.

I will end by saying that when I woke up today the first thing I did was thank God for opening my eyes and for the fact that I got out of bed.
I will NOT spend the day in bed crying, I will draw, spend the day with the girls (Storm is camping) I will celebrate every meal I am blessed with and every conversation I have. I will continue to hope I get better.  I will have faith that everything does happen for a reason. All of this BTW has made me a better person. 
 I will also continue to use my cannabis as it numbs the pain and gives me a break if only for minutes at a time. I am grateful for it. It keeps me positive! 

So why share? In hope that if ONLY one person stops and thinks before they make assumptions, judge or even aggravate -  do you really know what each other is dealing with? How about we first ask ourselves that before we jump on some ones back as to why we are NOT the focus of THEIR attention. 

Compassion and LOVE.
I am stronger today than I was last night. 

I know why I am drawing and now I know why a few years ago we called my strip:
Cultivating Compassion.
GROW LOVE.     

xox <><

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

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

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

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

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

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




ONE love xox

About this article... 
please read before you continue ;)
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/11/bobby-orr-angered-mactier-arena-could-become-medical-marijuana-facility

I have no idea who the Growing company is and clearly everyone knows how I feel about growing medical CANNABIS   but...
I agree with Bobby. 

The second I read it - 'I Got it' - smart actually, an empty arena! A great place to grow Cannabis, big, open, cool, truck backs up to doors. Sounds like a perfect location from all I have seen on the huge scale grows - In many magazines & ONLINE - research it.

There are many empty factories, warehouses possibly even arenas already shut down. 
The kids in small towns hardly have enough to occupy them as it is! We need to keep them busy with physical activity, as obesity is the number one killer in the USA and sadly we seem to be falling behind, too close for comfort in my opinion.

Shutting down an 'active' arena to grow Cannabis? 
I am sure it would also be a great investment for the town, wonderful, well paying jobs, too many are out of work and need it.  Most importantly - Quality medical cannabis for those who are sick and NEED it! YAY  I am sure several members of the community in question, are already benefiting from Medical Cannabis.
So imagine my heart, torn over this article.

Let me also clarify some ‘fear mongering’ going on -
“They are going to haul the marijuana out of the old arena right past the kids in the school across the street and right through the downtown?”
PLEASE...
This is a huge industry people - WAKE UP! 
I have no doubts that it would be run professionally with proper ventilation, security and the Cannabis would not even be detected if not for this article. Much like a truck backs up to the doors of every Walmart and drops off boxes - you have no idea what is inside until you  open the box or see the product  on a shelf.  It is the same way with medical Cannabis.
So - lets stop that nonsense right now.  
I also hope Bobby drops the 'I wonder what they were smoking' when they made this decision attitude. That is just a lack of disrespect for those that use Medical Cannabis.
Not a very considerate or compassionate opinion for ALL involved.

This fear mongering with Cannabis in general has to stop. It is a legally recognized medicine in this beautiful country of ours and it is recognized around the world as a very successful medication helping many. People should be demanding from their Doctors the right to use Cannabis over the more toxic opiates. Our body our choice. 
If you don't agree with this you better think long and hard. Over 16,000 deaths a year from PRESCRIBED opiates. SIMPLE. No deaths from Cannabis.

Please... - Kids have it hard enough. They watch too much TV and deal with social media on a level proving to be turning out a generation of shallow, uneducated beings. 
http://www.examiner.com/article/too-much-technology-for-kids-is-bad-for-development-says-new-study
and...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jim-taylor/technology-and-kids_b_2232502.html
Yikes. Kids need to keep active and no arena should be shut down for any reason. The same goes with Libraries and pools.  I'm proud my town opened a complex for kids. The ROC. 
BUT if it was struggling - I think it would be an awesome idea to boost a local economy &  opportunity to educate the town and children on medical cannabis. I am sure this is why they have even considered it in the first place.  

xox 

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


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

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

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


xox <><

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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<><

When I draw for someone I ask them questions. It was a heart breaking reality for me when reminded that Alex does not and has not communicated since little.  Alex is completely non-verbal.
Dad told me they call him 'Alexander Salamander'! That's enough. 
;-) Boys, toads, bugs, all I wanted to draw was happy, at the same time keeping the mood very boy. ;-) What an awesome little boy he is . That photo - wow ❤ look at that smile!!!
*and promise me you will watch the link below.

I have known about Alex for a while - I have already talked about him in a blog.
I am so thrilled that Axel is finally getting some media attention.

Imagine how frustrated you are that you can not use cannabis - recreationally because you want to enjoy and relax- I see nothing wrong with it. But...
O.k. Now imagine that your child is seriously ill and Cannabis eases his/her pain and 
they can not use it medically. Imagine that level of frustration.
 YOU can't. 

This is Alex ❤:
 http://www.kptv.com/story/20660400/medical-marijuana-used-to-treat-autism

I am really getting tired of hearing a Dr. say that "the long term use..." 
Look around. There is already a lot of long term use proof. Centuries of it. 
Do they forget the long term use of Prescribed medications!? I  looked into that when I thought that my son was going to live a life on pain killers &  Morphine from the age of 4. The long term use of  all of the medications I was looking at was pretty much the same-  and to be honest with you - I'm not going there. 

Cannabis - Thank God is Storm's medicine and  thank God for Alex too, who looks like he is at PEACE when medicated! Imagine how his parents feel to watch him, see the difference and then -know they have to stress over political bullshit! I won't even pretend to imagine what they deal with.  All I can do is draw and pray for their continued strength, send good vibes!!
They live with this heart ache of watching Alex suffer as it is. 
I really think these decisions should be strictly between a Dr. and patient and parent.
The final call parent.  

WOO! Baby it’s cold out! -21  I am not one for winter so I go from the door to the car- that’s it. Lucky for me I have a handsome Chauffeur waiting with the truck warm and seats heated! -My boys spoils me ;-)  I went to visit a friend yesterday, it was wonderful and needed, I found myself laughing - sometimes out of frustration - but laughing all the same, and I had a nice break in my twitch - I’d say a good 20 minutes! She noticed it right way - you can see peace slip back over my face when the twitch tames ;-) 

You could not see with the botox.  It is huge  if you frown at someone - what - chances are they frown back. I need my smile. I know a few that cannot SMILE  due to illness, disease or accident. I won’t take mine for granted ever again. Powerful tool.

I left feeling my brain better organized and it needed it. I came home inspired to re-organize my office!  It’s time. I want to spend more time drawing and less time 
function- comp, business,  know what I mean?

I’m one of those women men fear! 
Oh honeyyyyyyy..... can you give me a hand. LOL!  Next thing you know the bedroom is completely re-arranged and hand you asked for turned into a 4 hour - wait- just one more thing... hee hee hee 

So I <3 Charles Schultz- reading his book - he was a nice human! AS a cartoonist - I am astonished and humbled when I think of the drawing he did for the number of years he did them!!! So I saw this cool photo of his office online and I’m going to re-arrange the furniture so the ‘feng-thing’- is the same ;-) - If that only means something in my mind- so be it. 

 I just think if anyone knew how to make this function - he did. Although I doubt very much he used a computer at all- except for the last few years.

Anyhow I’m also digging out the CHALK BOARD! Nothing sparks creativity like a chalk board every kids room should have one - mandatory! Just the thought puts a smile on my face! - I might have to wait a day - my helper is down with the flu ;-) 

Speaking of office -  I was asked to take a photo at my desk for an article that someone wrote on me (very flattered) so I asked Storm. I am not great about photos, could care less if I am in them or not - I did take photos of just my desk - where the magic happens! LOL - O.k. Not magic - but it is where I am at my best. Mentally, emotionally and spiritually;-)  I try to surround myself with good thoughts and images.   Storm took one photo that I really liked! Enough to change my FB profile! -I have not changed it in over  a year I believe - perhaps 2. But this one - is me ;-) Says it all. I love it. We were just talking and laughing and he was taking photos - I was working on a image for a friend in the UK. I love it ;-) So new profile and I think I’ll stick with it another 2 years :-) 

 Have a creative day! Move furniture! Give yourself a new outlook! xox <>< 

Recently I watched a documentary- Radio Bikini
I like to do this when I am painting my cartoons.  I can watch, listen and paint at the same time. 
Woo hooo Multitasking! 
For what ever reason this doc. caught my eye.
Wow- what can I say, unless you watch the doc. 
you might not get the toon. 
How was this able to happen - EVER? Justified?
So much destruction - still. Lies and BULL in the name of government research and science.
From start to fishing - it reeks of sneaky lying. 
Here have fun party it up! Ice cream and beer! 
Sorry that you will die a horrible, lonely death from radiation exposure.  Never mind going to an island and removing the people who have always lived there. 

I will NEVER be a person who believes in this way of thinking. It is a crime against ALL humanity that this was ever permitted to happen in the first place. I was not aware. 
I was blind but now I see.   You should watch it, should this insanity ever tried to be justified again We ALL  need to STAND Up! Shout! Scream until we are heard. 
It was interesting. I watched it on Netflix.  I found a few sites when I googled where you could watch.
I thank God I was born in a beautiful country known for peace. 
I am incredibly proud of Canada for these reasons. I hope it never changes. 
I think children should also watch - (older kids) they will be in charge of these decisions later in life. If you do not know you can not make an educated decision.
xox <>< ☮☯☝

* Rant warning! Read no further if you think I don't get angry.  As much as I try to stay positive - IT gets the better of me-  I have to get & let it out.

From time to time I am compelled to draw the same cartoon with  a twist. WHY? 
Because it is the same bullshit - different day. I have drawn this one far too many times.

I thank GOD when people say "Storm looks great! "
Yes he does!! ***BEAMING***  
He eats healthy - and he is the one that has his dad and I  also eating better.
He drinks very little alcohol - perhaps a beer from time to time. 
He works out at he gym. He is determined NOT to let his bone disease get the better of him. This however does not mean he is not in pain. He is never really out of pain.
With his medicine - Cannabis - he able to control it where it is NOT controlling him.
I don't know if you get that. I don't care.

He works hard to look good and keep his body as healthy as he can. 
It does not mean his bone disease in not progressing. It is. We know it. He knows it.
and we don't give a f*ck if you know it or not..  (oops control)

LOOK around you.  
If you were able to match all the numbers with the people in the cartoon above, then I am afraid one of us has failed.  Me as the cartoonist or you as a person?  
I'll leave that for you to judge...

When I drew the above cartoon I thought of each person with love. I did not have in my mind that anyone of them did/was anything. Just people.
Because, quite frankly - I have no f*cking clue who does what, and neither do you! 
Hello!? A murderer? If we knew what they looked like...
I'm pretty sure there would be fewer murderers!!! 

So please stop. 
Think - AM I Judging this person with out really understanding??
I AM  far from perfect... I tell this  ^ to my own mind all the time and I believe it is working.  I will not give up.
AT the end of the day I have to judge myself. 

You do not know what someone is dealing with by looking at them, think about it. 
Then again - with the expection of some seriously ill.   They look like they are dying. 
 So thank you GOD my son looks great! I want to shout it to the world! 
And you know why!  Plant and prayer;-) IMO.

On top of everything else do you think people who are sick, living with a serious condition, NEED you to say - "Well you don't look sick!?"       `WTF? 
YES there are fakers. They will be judged soon enough. We can't stop them or prevent them.  Then there are people like my son, who wishes every single day, more than anything they were not in the situtation that they are but they try to rise above it -every day! 
We have always told Storm you will grow up to be what ever you want! 
You have to believe! 

So... every time some thoughtless F%$!  says- "you dont' look sick" with a 'snarky smirk' on their face - I want to smack them.                    *Sigh*
I apologize.  Please forgive my momentary loss of control. 
I AM a MOTHER - I LOVE my SON. 
We know what he has lived with and continues to deal with daily. Be thankful you do not. You or your children.
 
WHO are you to make the ASSumtion my son is fine because 'he doesn't look sick'?
Or anyone for that matter? Have you walked in their shoes? Have you experienced what they experience? 
WHO are you to tell us, as a family what we can or can not use to heal his pain and make our all lives happier?  

WHO ARE YOU?!  

“You're going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it's always their actions you should judge them by. It's actions, not words, that matter.” 
― Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.” 
― Erma Bombeck        

I AGREE !
 xox Georgia 
☮☯☝✞☭☬☫☩☪☨☧☦☤  = ONE LOVE

Today's hero is Miguel.  We are friends on FB and I have come across the 'Weed Blog' once in a while and enjoy reading. 
I do let people use my cartoons for newsletters, web pages, etc and feel grateful that they feel my cartoons compliment their words.  The above toon was in the following blog: 
xox G


My name is Miguel. I figured I should introduce myself as an adult that shouldn’t need to be in hiding since I am not a criminal. 

Now that two states have “legalized” marijuana, I feel no safer today than I did before (even though I live in one of those states). I do feel rest assured that my peers here are tolerant of a certain lifestyle choice. I feel no safer since I could still be a victim of circumstance just like what happened to me in Wyoming.

Whenever I advocate for marijuana rights, I hate being considered an activist; to me it’s just plain common sense. When one inquires about the many travesties in life, alcohol can be found to be part the root cause, and that’s legal!

Instead of an activist, I would like to consider myself more of a realist. We are not going to feed all the starving, nor fix any other fu**ed up scenario that is a cause, but we can end a failed drug war that has real casualties and implications on millions of American lives. As a realist, I believe we won’t end racism, but we can sure dull its sharp sting by eradicating laws based off of racial propaganda that now affects all. I am not an activist; I’m a father, a husband, and son – A friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, an object of affection, a god damn fu**ing American citizen.

As an American, it’s a shame that we have to fear our fellow countrymen; this can be undercover cops and/or bitter douche bags with vendettas. Not everyone is against marijuana; as a matter of fact, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Marijuana crosses all boundaries; race, economic, and health condition – marijuana is medicine, it doesn’t just help fight major disease but also tummy aches and insomnia, different strains for different folks.

I don’t promote smoking and driving (which was what happened in my case), but I do promote cannabis and all I’m saying is there is a potential for somebody to get stopped for bogus reasons, and if said person happens to have a stinking pound in their trunk than there is probable cause. It’s unfortunate that hard drugs don’t emit the order pot does, that law enforcement officials feel they are doing the community a service by arresting cannabis users.

We’ve come along so far in my lifetime; more than I thought was even imaginable due to my distrust and lack of faith in the system, but medical marijuana has turned that around. Some activists want to polarize the issue by rejecting medical marijuana, but the truth is medical marijuana has created the conversation along with providing statistical support that the zombie apocalypse does not occur due to safe legal access to marijuana, it’s as simple as that.

I started writing this with one thing in mind “What is the cause or movement?”- We each have our own term. Isn’t it the same one that’s been going on for years since the 60′s? It just seems disconnected to me these days. Early on it was the likes of Keith Stroup, Tom Forcade, Steve Hager, and Jack Herer that started the question “Why is marijuana illegal?” They are the original voices for the legalization of marijuana, but legalizing marijuana means more than smoking a joint and buying Cheetos. Its freedom vs. incarceration, its grants and scholarships vs. ineligible, its innocent vs. not guilty, crime vs. a night cap, the war on drugs has done more harm than good.

The legalization of marijuana is choosing nature while still agreeing with science, morality, and capitalism. It’s the integration of the free market with democracy, if done right. How many things in life that you know of that marijuana is the root cause of destruction? Accidents and bad nightlife choices are mostly alcohol induce (not saying stoners don’t do stupid shit) but statistically marijuana isn’t that bad and once legalized and legitimized, it might not even be a concern. When there’s no temptation, generally there’s no abuse that’s why Germany has a lower alcoholism rate and Amsterdam a lower drug use rate.

Early in our American history during the civil rights era, many groups popped up supporting the individuals being wronged with legal and financial support, the only thing I see going on these days in support of marijuana front-line soldiers are law suits. I saw such a thing here in Washington when the City of Kent voted on a moratorium, Steve Sarich served the council papers stating the council was going against the will of Washington State voters. Now this is all well and good but to me this didn’t help the dispensary owners at the time.

Dispensary owners aren’t the only ones fighting alone. On my travels I met the owner of a head shop known as The Grateful Shed in Bozeman, Mt. When Montana first embarked on their medical journey the feds were hot to imprison and close all that they could. The Grateful Shed was raided for having marijuana posters in their back room. Let me say that again The Grateful Shed was raided for having marijuana posters in their back room. After a long and expensive trial The Grateful Shed proved to be justified and set different precedents in support of marijuana, they are still recovering from these expenses.

Now I’m not asking for us to subsidize people’s lives as they battle the legal system but you would think an organization based off of lawyers could provide free legal aid to the likes of The Grateful Shed, NJ Weedman, Joe Grumbine, Chris Wiliams, Eddy Lepp, Marc Emery and RandyLeibenguth. Instead we support them with well wishes and lawsuits that do not support the individual. I think this is where things can change. I’m grateful for new organizations like SSDP and MMP but in the long run the farmers and wanna-be store front operators are being buried under legal mumbo jumbo.

I spoke to Joe Grumbine before he went to prison and he agrees with me that the revolution has been commercialized and broken. That’s why he started The Human Solution. The Human Solution tries to help spread the word on jury nullification and tries to garner local court support for individuals facing trial. This isn’t a complete solution, but it does more for the individual than suing any institution.

People are standing up for marijuana for their own self-interest which is fine, but if you make a profit off of this beautiful plant try and give a little back to those that brought it to you. People who never consider fighting for marijuana education have learned the hard way that it is medicine or that any criminal implication from this plant is not justice. I got excited when I-502 passed, merely for what it means about my state: That the moral majority have some sort of common sense in this perverse world where fucked up shit happens every day the re-legalization of marijuana and the lie it represents does more harm than good.

When the law passed my wife got mad at me because I started investigating on how I could get involved with the new marijuana industry. Looking into how I could make an honest living off of something I truly care and respect. I can’t blame her for getting upset; I have an obsession with marijuana. If weed were legal this obsession probably would never exist for there would be no mass injustice.

Even though two states have legalized marijuana we have so much more work to do and ignorance to face. Personally I’m tired of being one of the usual suspects because I’m a dark brown smoker. I am not a criminal, I’m a father, a friend, a neighbor, an occasional writer, a daydreamer, that guy that lets you get into the lane when you’re driving – I’m everything else but the bad guy criminal. The guys here have given me an outlet that has turned into a support group for marijuana reform, we are the people.

I encourage every single one of you to write one letter to our prisoners of war, to donate a dollar to awareness groups like NORML, SSDP, MMP or even donate to a project like Gone To Pot The Movie or any other any other pro-marijuana Kickstarter project. Marijuana is still illegal in 48 states where 2 grams might as well be 2 lbs, a marijuana conviction can still alter your lively hood and any other future prospects – this shit needs to end.

There are bits and pieces of enlightenment after the two states legalized it; when Randy Leibenguth went in for his trial he was not imprisoned like Chris Williams. Instead I was fortunate enough to talk to him after his trial and he had this to say “the judge even said he was disturbed with the difference between state and federal and it was hard for him to actually put any of us in jail due to the changing times. He said he did not want to regret putting people in jail for something that 4 to 5 years down the road maybe something that is accepted normally” Now judges are realizing incarcerating people for a plant is ridiculous.

Marijuana is medicine, natural medicine for adults and children; there are people with money interest that don’t want you to treat yourself, to be thy own physician. Marijuana is medicine just like the pills big pharma sells, how does marijuana differ? It doesn’t, simply put the fat cats of pharma and alcohol are afraid of competition. Marijuana extracts are good for treatments; they just don’t want you to try and get to know yourself better. Better yet a chance to help yourself, help your family, help your children.

Even if you don’t want to believe thatmarijuana fights cancer, if there was a chance why not listen to those that say their life has improved because of it, its only humane. If you ever lost a loved one from cancer you would know that you would try anything just for 5 more minutes with them, one more hug, one more anything to do with them. I wonder if my dad’s end would’ve been better off if I was able to get him a joint. Cancer kills, not marijuana.

My present existence is based off of the essence of what is wrong with America, corporate cuts and lies, if I wasn’t doing it there’d be someone else. Socio-pshychopath that’s how I pay my bills and I’m not the only one. As a technician everything takes a certain amount of time, you can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip but that’s what I do, make money for “sober” people. We cut corners in quality to make money for our corporate masters and that’s why I was against 502, I didn’t want quality and Monsanto to take over my weed but I hope somehow to get involved with the new upcoming situation.

Maybe I am a hopeless hippie romantic but I do believe in the power of the plant over almost a hundred years of man made lies but we need to stop dissenting and hating upon one another. We all need to agree that cannabis is medicine but it’s also recreational the whole thing is a conundrum but truth non-the-less. We are now in an era where cannabis is the responsible choice over booze but as humans we choose to have our escapes. It’s human nature to want to be on another level.

Donate, debate, educate, doing what you can makes you an activist. I don’t want to live in a world where gardeners and shop keepers are treated like pedophiles, rapist, murderers or any other piece of shit in society. When good men and women serve longer sentences (when they shouldn’t be serving at all) than people that have kidnapped and violated others. In our society and country there should be a pecking order of wrongs and rights and marijuana isn’t even in the same category as wrong. We are not criminals, we are patients, we are adults that choose a night smoke as a night cap, we are people who no longer believe in the man behind the curtain.
Miguel

 I  have my own blog http://brothercanyouspareadimebag.blogspot.com/, where I put down some of my writings and odd ball shit I find on the internet. 
One love.Miggy420 

I saw this photo and was pissed - this, this is why we are fighting - as medicinal patients.  Because of someone famous who people see- a 'ROCK STAR' 
and think it's all a joke. So I thought if I could, what would I say to Chris... 

Dear Chris Brown:
Regarding this photo and recent text  
"Oh don't worry,"  "It's medicinal!! Lol."


 http://ca.eonline.com/news/368346/chris-brown-smokes-three-joints-of-medicinal-marijuana-see-the-picture

 Do you think this is funny? It appears you are making a joke.
 Please e me so I may enlighten you on our sons medicine that helps him with chronic pain, because of his progressive to terminal bone disease. Chronic pain suffered since birth.
I am sure it is difficult for you to understand  - not experiencing it (thank God).
His 'Medical Cannabis' has been life saving.

Actually, I have a ‘few’ friends that all rely on this medicine (mothers, fathers, children - all races all ages) in order to just live a normal life. I know a few mothers (and fathers) that could  happily share their opinions with you.

Do you think it’s a joke that more black Americans  (many more than caucasian)  are in jail for doing what you joke about? They are not ‘rock stars’ so they will probably lose their home, jobs & families AND go to jail - for what you brag about.

I don’t find it very funny. Many very seriously ill people need this medicine and are already having a hard time because of such ‘jokes’  and ignorance.  
You are setting an example. Unfortunately. 
 We though you would have learned that by now.

 Kindly show others  a bit of compassion.


Respectfully 
Georgia 

Please educate your self - Here is a wonderful start:
BREAKING the TABOO   (*Yeah Richard! ♥)
http://www.youtube.com/user/breakingthetaboofilm