Love thy neighbor.

There is a reason ‘that is a good’ one if you ask me. Your neighbors know you best.

 I love my neighbors. They are all human to me, I see them daily, see they all have to shovel the drive way, know we all pay our taxes, deal with domestic bliss and try to keep our kids safe. Wave, smile, a friendly hello... off we go.

My neighbors have my back and I theirs. I once saw a car go through my neighbors fence! The person tried to leave and I told them forget it! It was allot of damage. I saw a teen jump a fence into a neighbors yard and take something, I phoned him, he confronted the teen in the act. Just being a teen.   I’ve returned lost pets and kids!  I have also had the pleasure of teaching many kids over the years and don’t get me started on Halloween! LOL  Over the years I have gone to my neighbors  for sugar, batteries, propane propane, eggs, lawnmower, a vacc, many reasons over the years, locked out of my house, to give extra tomatoes, sell Halloween kitties door to door..

(I have returned the favors with art over the years.)

I especially like to keep an eye on the elders. ;-) I have stopped a bit of school ‘walk home bullying’ over the years ;-( so sad. One little guy I had to drive home he was so afraid. I live between 2 elementary schools.  I have had people say I should mind my business. PLEASE my neighbors and kids are my business!   I do mind my business, I have never called the cops on a neighbor. We all have our parties, we all get loud from time to time, we all aggravate each other, so what. That is life, but living side by side like any good relationship we have to; not sweat the small stuff.

LOL one of my neighbors has been learning electric guitar (say no more..) BUT we heard him this spring and we all commented - Hey! He’s getting better, and all laughed. Thank God. I’m even looking forward to the electric guitar this summer ;)

So..  say you smell Cannabis from next door. SO WHAT?  Do you know your neighbor? Do you know what they are dealing with? Will you call the cops or will you not?   I figure as long as no one is being hurt, it is not my business. An easy decision when you learn about the facts between alcohol and cannabis.
Do not judge a book by its cover or the person by the pain medication they choose! 

I KNOW I have friends in HIGH places and trust me you would never think they sit back at night to enjoy a little reefer - medical or not. 
I cannot make excuses for stoners or drunks. We all have that neighbor, perhaps I was one of them over the years- I had a few wild parties.. ;-)   WE ALL DO! 
Love thy neighbor have their back! Don’t judge them over a smell.  
Kinda like judging someone over curry, coffee or CIGARS! < YUK.  
Are we not being judged enough by the world as it is?
Are we not entitled to enjoy our homes, and NOT have to stress about what 
eases our pain?

Many people who smoke cannabis medically and recreationally are far from STONERS or bad people.  You never know what goes on behind closed doors. 
Smelling Cannabis should be the least of some peoples worries.
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.
 

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

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 <>< 

I had a very difficult time with this carton from the second I first read the sentence: 
Two fishermen sentenced to death for trafficking in cannabis
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/two-fishermen-sentenced-to-death-for-trafficking-in-cannabis-1.197967

I mentioned to someone the other day about the expected cost of Cannabis  because of the increase suggested by  Health Canada MMAR,  they told me - "That's a   700% INCREASE !"   WOW!   
A small price to pay when you read what it costs others around the world? 
No, ones health and freedom are never a small price.
Our health can be a high price to pay, our health and security both.  
Life needs we should not have to 'stress over' living in Canada.

Cannabis is a world wide problem. 
No, it is NOT world HUNGER - compared to that it is bullshit - but bullshit is exactly what all this is! All smoke and mirrors.
 Stop wasting money on cannabis and drug prohibition and you will have the money to avoid world hunger! Not to mention the plant! We should be shipping hungry nations hemp: protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals! 

I had a difficult time for several reasons and when time to ink I was inking and crying.  
I had to walk away and go for  a nap.  
I love to learn, research, discuss and draw and then I remember I’m living these cartoons too. It set me back a bit - but in between tears 'Mama bears' hackles rise ...

I was also dismal when I thought - I’m going to put the ‘place’ on the bottom of the cartoon - my first intentions the first pane - Colorado - but it could be may places including Amsterdam!  The second my obvious choice : CANADA.   The third (inspired the cartoon) was Thailand, but it could as easily be other places and has been and might continue to be.  Too many places! 

Death for a plant. It is not by hanging it is by lethal injection. Drawing the hang noose was hard enough  for me. 
Putting men to death for a plant - death for what God provided on this earth. 

Next year in Canada will people be put in jail for doing what they were told they could do in the first place. Will sick Canadians be treated like criminals for a plant that is a proven medicine all around the world? Recognized by our own Country as a medicine! 
If they don’t go to jail,  who will help with the added stress of now having to pay a up to 700% increase for medicine they use to provide for themselves or were able to purchase at a fraction of the cost?

Will I see people I know and love go to jail - people that have NEVER harmed another person a day in their life for a plant? 
Probably,  being in control of ones life, happiness and health is worth fighting for.
It is NOT worth dying for or killing for.  
Is that what 'Health' Canada will be doing to a few people on the program? 
Unfortunately,  I believe so.  ;-( 

Remember when educating others on Cannabis - It is a world wide problem. 
ONE LOVE.
xox <>< 

The more I read about these 'proposed changes' the more grief I feel.
I do not believe Health Canada has taken the best interest of the patients - the ones who this entire program was designed to help -
to heart when they came to these conclusions. 
It is a crime against Canadians who need help, compassion and understanding.

Lot's of drawing to do...
xox 

Today I read about 2 men that will be executed for just over 7lbs of Cannabis. 
Two men will be put to death, poor, struggling to provide for families, not harming anyone physically - will be murdered over a plant. Read about it here.
Who says Cannabis is not a serious issue? 
A world wide problem?

I read that on a post regarding the new MMAR - Who in their right mind would expects anyone to stop growing...  and I thought-
It's true when you look at this all!  It's INSANE!!  It is appalling. 
But then again so is Steven Harper - I can't even read about him - what a shitty representative of Canada. IMO.  People on hunger strikes - because they we feel we are not being heard, sick people losing the right to provided themselves with medicine after they were told they could!  Selling off Canada one snow covered rock at a a time Eh?  I cannot remember a time in history when people were as disappointed - no, that is not even the word - it's more like ashamed of  our  illustrious leader 'Steven Harper'.

EVEN if you do NOT use Cannabis -  How can the government tell people that they have to stop growing their medicine - when it has been legal for them to do so... AND They gave them permission!  It is NOT easy, It is NOT cheap and it has become a passion for many of these people.  All I can think in my cartoonist mind is two little kids - here you can have this this and this .. oh changed my mind! Take backs!  Someone is going to be crying.
ONLY the problem is in many cases these people need this medicine just to function daily lives! It has me really worried about the expected price increases and my son's health! ;-(
Growing your own or a Designated grower is a sure way to keep the quality and strain that is best for you. It will keep prices reasonable or better yet
                             - KEEP PEOPLE PROVIDING FOR THEM SELVES!!!
Self worth right there should mean more than anything.  No one likes to depend on others.
What if your child has such a food allergy to pesticides you decided to grow his own vegetables..  but was told you could not.  People SHOULD be thinking about this on several levels. WE are not talking METH labs we are talking garden rooms. 
 http://hempology.ca/protest/index.html  is just one of the many petitions. Please take the time to sign.  Educate yourself and if you grow your own medicine get ready to defend your right. 
xox <><

It's not easy being green and it is not easy having green as your medicine. 
I should be sitting here with thoughts of cheer,
 Christmas being just a few days away but I am preoccupied to say the least. 

Recently changes have been made to our Medical Marijuana (Cannabis)  program with Health Canada. 
The 'just of it' in my opinion:  
 Merry F*&^%$* Christmas - all you sick and suffering - get ready for next year when we take you to jail for what we allowed you to do in the first place. 

For those what are not aware: when you applied to Health Canada for Medical Cannabis you could also apply to grow your own medicine. Storm could not as he was only 15 - I think you have to be 21. I have had the pleasure of meeting  many the past few years who do grow their own medicine and it is a God send!  It has allowed many to be in complete control with what they put into their body - as in how they grow their medicine and the desired strain. Different strains for different pains,  much like some prefer tylenol over aspirin.  It has kept them safe from purchasing  Cannabis from the black market and helped them financially. NOW the rules have changed? Health Canada is removing all the licenses for people to grow their own and are farming it out to BIG grows. Perhaps  the pharmaceutical  companies who already make billions for over priced medications. Go figure.  Who did not see that waiting in the wings...

So those who are already struggling will now be forced to fewer options, pay higher prices and have NO control.  MOST of the seriously ill that use and grow their own cannabis that I know of are already  struggling to make ends meet - are on government assistance and have a hard time putting food on the table let alone medicine.  One friend admitted to me she will go back on pills because they are easier to get and cheaper for her - even thought it is killing her insides and turns her into a T.V watching zombie ;-(
Lets not forgot about those who truly enjoy growing cannabis. The gardeners! 
Now they want to take away pleasure as well. 
It won't work. Prohibition does not work and this is still prohibition - It is worse! 

Health Canada told people they could grow, many people have invested a lot of money and time and education on learning how to grow good quality medicine for themselves and have been doing this for years.  Many also find it truly a release - a passion. I know people who say it is all they have - much like I need to draw! Another friend told me if he can’t grow his life will be over. It is all he does, all that keeps him going is working in his garden, his reason for getting up everyday.

One friend has taken to the art of bonsai cannabis trees- now suddenly he will be considered a criminal and sent to jail! 
FOR SOMETHING that was allowed by Health Canada?  
For growing plants. <<< Stop and think about that please.
I already hear people saying they won’t stop. 
WHY SHOULD THEY!?  
Who will get busted first - the people who have always had ILLEGAL grows? No, they will still operate - it will be those that were registered with the program and have been proud of the fact that they grow their own medicine. The illegal ones will still do it - only now  even those that do really NEED it will be forced to become criminals by their country  ;-( 

It is a crime! Not just about cannabis, a crime against human rights. EVERYONE has the right to be healthy.
These are NOT meth labs we are talking about - It is a few plants!!!  Not everyone that grows  has a grow factory! 
Media-scare tactics;  just like they use to say it had no medicinal value - funny now that everyone from government to entrepreneurs (just saw a cannabis pain patch for pets patent) trying to market Cannabis as a medicine.  
What about people like Storm that use Cannabis for their chronic pain!? Those who have HIV, Cancer, Arthritis, PTSD, all who use cannabis  In order to live - I read we can expect the cost to be anywhere from 30,000 for a year and UP!!  OMG. -Just the thought of that brings knots to my stomach  & tears to my eyes.  We do not have benefits, we can hardly afford any medications as it is!   I know too many in this same situation! 

I HOPE everyone that was given the license to grow FIGHTS - stands up for what they believe it. It is wrong. 
            Decriminalize.  It is the Humane thing to do.
Make it what it is a plant and end this unnecessary suffering and incarceration of sick people who just want to live a  HAPPY LIFE! 
Other places in the world people are permitted to grow small amounts for personal use. It should be the same.
We are never going to stop the big criminals that grow - especially if the police have to deal with more bullshit like arresting the sick?
How is this any different  than making your own beer?
It’s not - except that alcohol is far more dangerous than cannabis,

and Cannabis helps ease pain and is used as a medicine all around the world and has been since the beginning of time.
My wish this Christmas- to put an end to this insanity so people can heal themselves. Mentally and physically . ONE LOVE

For now - Christmas is a few days away... back to baking, spending time with those I LOVE and thanking God for this plant that has helped so many. 
It has been the best gift our family has even been given and I as long as I breath I will never stop fighting for the rights of my son, for my own human rights and to try to help many who don’t seem to have a voice. Too tired most of them...  I can understand where they are coming from.
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/06/22/changes-to-medical-pot-program-could-double-costs-users-sayhttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/consultation/marihuana/_2011/program/consult-eng.php
xox <>< 

Health Canada. 
Those words as a Canadian I would THINK would be someplace I can count on - to get help. Ha!
Here I go again. Every year we have to do the paper work. 
Nothing has changed.
Our son still suffers with a terminal illness & in my case I have gotten worse this past year- clearly with surgery just around the corner.  Today the timing is appropriate for what ever reason - only 11a.m. and I'm ready to go back to bed, head pounding, twitching and sick to my stomach.  Counting the days...  15!   Medicate and nap soon.
So on top of all this I now have to fill out the paper work get the Dr. to sign  and hope I get it all back in time - before surgery - just in case I'm not feeling so great and need to get it out of the way now.

 BUT WHY!? If I was using morphine/Oxy/prescribed pain medication from a pharmacy - would I have to go throguh this every fu%^$#@ time? Not just my son but I know so many people now who are - terminal, have cancer, have a hard time just functioning, most of them are NOT going to get better. Many have difficulty just LIVING!   What has happened to compassion where it is needed most with HEALTH CARE?
 
To make people suffer and endure added bullshit over a plant does MAKE ME ANGRY!
Changes MUST be made! With our Health care system - and Cannabis.  End the bullshit by decriminalizing and let people and Dr.s do what they want! A Dr. SHOULD never be made a criminal for helping someone. I DONT want pills.  I'm worried about what Im going to get after the surgery - being even 'aspirin free' for a couple of years. 
With all the horror stories I am hearing - seriously ill people who can not find a signing Dr. 
When all this stated I did not believe in paying a Dr. to get your license. But after meeting people who have cancer, serious illnesses and their Dr.s refuse to sign because of the political crap that accompanies the paper work. People are being forced to look for signing Dr.s who charge to help them. I understand.

I still don't agree with those that just want to enjoy the herb and go to a Dr. to get their license. To me it is almost a sign of cowardice. Stand up for what you believe in! 
VOTE and THANK GOD you are not in the company of the sick who seriously NEED cannabis to make their life liveable! 

WHAT happens between you and your DR. Should be between you and your DR. 
He is the one with the degree. Not Health Canada or any other government agency! 
Part of me wants to say I'm done! I'm done with this paper work!  I have a right to feel better, be better, my Dr. agrees.  I don't need Health Canada or anyone else to tell me I can't use a PLANT to do that.  ARE we hurting anyone??

 I will get it filled in an mailed out. Only because I am under a 'bit' of stress and don't want to add to it at the moment.   I am very tired of it. BUT if I don't- when my paper work expires I instantly become a criminal in the eyes of the law - Really.  That is disgusting.