I've been Buuuuzzzzzzzy! Check out my 'bee box hempwick* dispenser 'I designed and painted! Hempwick is a company I friended years ago and every now and then we give each other stuff. because it's what friends do. No money, just fun, love and BEEing.  They have free samples BTW- with my little toon on some of them ;)  It is by far one product I don't do without, since I prefer to use a bong I like to lite it with hempwick rather than just a lighter.
We made two, one for them and one for me! the other on my living room dresser.

My little watercolor moleskine sketching/painting was so much fun at the winery the the other day- I've decided to do it more! More painting moments- live- I don't have to travel the world- it would be nice and still in the works for this fall.. until then, I'll paint my backyard and the bigger version of.
 This image with the pond one was literally my back yard, complete with the glass  'totem' my friend Cathy made me! 
Today, I flipped a blanket I had lying out back and had an encounter with a bunch of wasps!  They must have been building a next under it and my hands were being swarmed and stung as soon as I flipped it! lol- I nearly jumped in the pool! I immediately called the girls! LET'S GO! and flew from the pool deck up into the house- Storm came running as he heard the commotion. I spent the rest of the day painting in my office - away from bees.

​I've so much on my mind these days..  painting and thinking, the days fly.
I didn't plant much of a garden only a few plants in pots, I can't be bothered. I feel as though all this stuff just ties me down & prevents me from doing what I really love to do.
What for? For the sake of feeling obligated just because I've done it for so many years before. I don't think so. Change is in the air right now- I found a red hair color!
I'm gonna have some fun.
Change has begun.

believe 
​xox <>< 

I love a garden! Life began in a garden! 
I was out again all day, Tomatoes. Peppers, Peas... but I am most excited about my sunflower wall! :) and Morning Glories! I have them every where and in a month - I will be blessed with Blooms! Oh, and I planted Cosmos! The flower of peace. My grandma had them everywhere and I loved them. TLC, KEEP the girls away and I should have a garden soon enough! With each seed you really are planting hope - I've had a few fail! A few I thin - they look good and the next day - dead. 
Not in my control. In Gods Control.  Every SEED. Human and otherwise... 

I can't help but dream- daydream, and imagine tending to my Cannabis plants! How high would they get 5', 6'?  What creatures would they invite to my garden ? Bee's I know and humming birds! LOL, a few friends might stop by at harvest time - and so what - I share my tomatoes, peppers and more!  I'd pick some fresh every morning to add to my juice! 
Just as I go out and pick fresh herbs for meals and salads and drinks.

What other plant has this stigma attached to it? 
What other plant helps so many in so many ways?
Why is it criminal to GROW a plant? ANY plant? 
WHO are the criminals?  
Who spends more on drug trafficking and less on human trafficking? 
WHO ARE THE CRIMINALS? 

God put it here for each and every one of us. 
Man did not invent it - how dare man - any man, claim it and why are we letting them? 
xox <>< 
Have Faith! 

This toon is for my best bud, Cathy. 
We rode earlier in the week and filled my bike basket with flowers!  
Poppy too! I said, 'All I needed was bread and a bottle of wine and I could envision myself in Paris' ;)  Hee Hee Hee, We had a great day of it, as usual. 
I hope everyone finds a friend like Cathy. 
I miss my bike, I hope it is repaired soon! 
We have EXPLORING to do! 

This is one drawing I wish you could see in person.  I scan at a poor resolution, one that can't be duplicated with out loss of detail. I finish paintings using white and this one just pops ;-) 

I really enjoyed doing it.  It is a gift for a friend. 

Here we worry about medicine and growing and there now they are worry about the soil under their feet and growing food is more of a concern. I’ve read several times over the years that planting Cannabis can  help clean and repair the soil. Why not at least try?! 

Over politics? I think it’s a bit late for that. What ever it takes at this point is what the Japanese Government owes it’s people. Owes US the rest of the people that share this planet to plant this PLANT.  Now.

Here is a link to an interesting related article:http://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2013/10/16/Can-Hemp-Marijuana-and-Mushrooms-Fix-Fukushima-Part-1-What-Happened

If all you can do is raise awareness than do that, or think about them, send them good vibes and love.  No one likes to wonder if what we feed our children is killing them and the Japanese don’t have much of a choice right now. ;-(   
I just made friends with a few people from Japan - one day I hope to visit. It’s so awesome having FB to see into their daily lives.   I’m grateful for that on several levels. The differences... then you start to notice the same. 
The same crimes worldwide, against people. People standing up for something that is wrong in their country.

Protests, punishment  and in some cases ‘lack of’. India and rape. 
I think we should know, and should say - wow, I am lucky that is not happening here. BUT THEN speak up and say  “Really, in this  day?!! - Should WE (as humans)  allow that to be happening anywhere to each other? SPEAK UP! 

Do you think you are here to live in the shadows without opinion?  Then why have a brain.                                                        ^   ^^ This is me speaking to myself in my head. ^^^  LOL
I find me very hard to ignore. 

Over a plant...  
xox
<><

Is Florida next? Not too long ago I ws reading about them banning bongs. How crazy is that. I know people who make bongs out of apples, I bet Florida oranges too ;)I LOVE FLORIDA, as a matter of fact I was considering a visit, but with them being so behind with medical Cannabis I decided not. I went several times growing up. Yes, I did the ‘Daytona thing’ in my day... not quite like it is being depicted in todays movies! Yikes! 

I am also aware of the number of ‘snow birds’, seniors and hope they will be some of the first to be educated on Cannabis. Our elderly take far too many prescription drugs, many killing them because of mixing and over dose.  Cannabis is a safer alternative! 

I’m tired of saying it and luckily with other admitting the knowledge - well AMEN! 
It is only a matter of time. Will Florida be NEXT YEP! I believe so!

If you want to read more abut Cannabis and Florida, simply Google
Cannabis, Florida, medical marijuana.  

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

It's back to nature. For us anyhow. More fresh veges, reading labels and focusing on what goes in  before it comes out, in one way or another. If it can be stored in a box for 6 months we don't want it.  Originally, I saw a post with a photo of a horse, it instantly made me smile. this is my version. 

Is there anyone who claims not to know the benefits of choosing a salad over a cheese burger? Choice. What we put into out bodies. Food and medicine.
 The choice should always be OUR own. 
 xox <><

While working on the Cartoon regarding not being able to consumer products, and thinking how insane it was... I was told  I better be careful about selling my Hempy Stalkers out of the country!  REALLY!

I have a couple that did not sell at the EXPO - I had enquires from many people, but several were from the USA and we were concerned about them being Cannabis stalks, as to wether they might get confiscated at the border.  Since home I have had 3 e mail from people that want to purchase a Hempy Stalker - all are from out of the country. 

I have been seriously warned to be careful - me thinking come on .. are you fucking kidding me? My painted sticks? My favorite - and now, I have decided never to part with him (he was for sale at the EXPO - glad he did not go) I call him “Budda” Like Buddha ;)

Every-time I look at him I smile, to the point I swear he has started to talk to me ;) Not all talking is done with words.  I might make him a regular in the strip. I did a bit of research and I am concerned about mailing them across the border. So I guess I won’t be.                           Hempy Stalkers - Only in Canada you say?   Pity...  

AS insane as it seems that I could be charged with trafficking for this painted Hempy Stalker stick!!?  The  media would be awesome! Perhaps if I was physically feeling a bit better I'd even be up to the challenge...

- Let us not forget Mr. Marc Emery still in jail for selling seeds. A fellow Canadian and Cannabis activist - He gets out next year I think. It is a crime he is in jail at all in my opinion. http://www.freemarc.ca/group/freemarcca/who-marc-emery-0

Mr. Tommy Chong! Who went to jail for BONGS. 
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm669487616/tt0478090?ref_=tt_ov_i
http://www.cheechandchong.com


Countless people have gone to jail for ridicules reasons surrounding cannabis.
It made me realize I just might! I can see us now...  Me & Hempy in our small cell, someone would be pulling out someone's roots! LOL

The only positive note I can think is Jack Herer said did his best work in Jail. That he did!! AND you can read it ONLINE for FREE  (we have a copy signed by Jack) :  http://www.jackherer.com/

Still over a painted stick - Trafficking?  When countless HUMANS of all ages are being bought and sold ILLEGALLY every day? THAT is criminal.

As much as it makes me shake my head ... I better not.
I’ll still make them - I have to - I love them, but they will be special gifts, for sale at the EXPO to Canadians only Eh!  Pity... ;-) 

xox <><

If I can go to jail for this - what next?! You tell me. How crazy is all of this?
JUST think about it.

Introducing Running with Buddha.

Many of you might not be aware of my Hempy Stalkers.... probably because every year I am lucky if I can produce 10. This year only 8.  Each Hempy stalker is made with THC & TLC  & every year they get better and better. It’s only been 3 and like any other work you get better and fine tune it as you go along.  The problem is - NOT a problem for me - I have a few collectors that come back every year, so in essence they are sold before I even display them.

NOT this year!’
I did 2 things. I told all, they have to wait until the EXPO is officially one before they can purchase anything and Running with Buddha is NOT for sale. I decided that  with my ‘show special’ (More on that Wed.) 100 bags- every bag purchased is the only way you also get a chance to WIN Running with Buddha. 1 in 100, those are pretty good odds! 
If you do not win you still get an awesome limited edition bag full of Happy Hippie stuff. 
This way someone that might not be able to afford a Hempy Stalker can possibly own one.

My hubby is right now in the garage building me an awesome display!  Just for my Stalkers ;-) Each made with THC & TLC! Here are a couple of photo of Running with Buddha but like everything else ‘she’ is much more beautiful in real life.  

Of course there will be several available to purchase they are priced from $65.00 Up to $400. for “the Twins”  if you are interested you better decide early...   

Each takes a long time to make, almost a full year, proper drying and prep  then painting, bringing to life - most of them guide me as to what they become ;-)  I add little details, charms, beads, glass and what ever else seems to want to be part of Hempy Stalker ART. 

I have had Running with Buddha on display in my own living room and it is going to be hard to part with. Not one person walks by and does not make a comment! What a wonderful way to start a conversation about Cannabis.  Ideal for a Compassion CLUB, HOME. OFFICE anywhere!   I have a friend with one on order after the EXPO  to display in her store front window! EXCITING! 

To me they are sculpture, art...  that is what they are, NOT for Children. They are not toys. They are a little delicate but made to be handled, touched and appreciated for all they are, and all they represent! 
      LIFE - GROWTH and LOVE.

Want to see more!? See you at the EXPO and I will have a blog with all the Stalkers after the EXPO - sorry no point even showing them now, I don’t like to tell people “No.”
xox <>< 

Some will see this toon and think

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


xox <><

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 <><

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

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

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

How simple.. plant seeds. 
Have you seen seed bombs? I think they are cool! I also like the business cards with seeds in them! They usually come with a sling shot - seed bombs- added fun.;-) 

My tribute trees..  
One of my favorite things to draw and think about. 
So much to think about now that Health Canada wants to change the rules; toon's on the way. 
When I was drawing this I told myself, draw it as a gift for someone - draw it thinking how blessed I am to have this plant in our life.
Draw it to show love and what I think is important. 
Peace and the Planet. With each seed planted we grow Peace, Love for each other  and HOPE  for a better future where people are not treated like criminals. Celebrate a plant put on this earth by our maker to ease ones mind & body.
Decriminalize. 
Make it what it is a plant. Do not ruin lives over a plant.
It is never going away. Too many seeds in the world - just like us humans ;-) 
So do the right thing and end needless suffering. Jail & Pain.  
Educate others. Stand up for your rights! 
Plant the seed of Cannabis education where ever you go! 
To You -that can be who every you want it to be! 
From Me! That too can be from you! 
Give thanks for the healing herb and help end the insanity! 
I wish everyone has a wonderful Christmas - what ever it takes to make them happy.
Click on the image below to see them better. 
xox
♥☮✞☯☦☧☨☩☪☫☬☭   ONE Love.

J.D is another friend I have made via FB, every now and then you 'click' with someone, the way J.D. writes and speaks is music to my ears. 
I get it. I am entertained by him and he often makes me laugh.
He is in the U.S.A and very passionate about Hemp!  I often listen to his youtube video's for material.  I am so excited that he will be traveling to Toronto with his lovely companion Pam this summer to attend Toronto's Treating Yourself Expo! He will educate no mater where he is - as it is his passion and from the looks of his students, friends and from what I have learned  he is an awesome teacher - with a good heart &  enthusiasm that is contagious. 
You can't beat that.   Enjoy:

Potheads are lazy!  -- Weed ruins your memory! --  Just say no! -- Studies prove that marijuana smoke kills brain cells! -- Reefer is a gateway drug! -- Smoking the chronic will give you lung cancer! -- Women, if you smoke that blunt,  you will lose your  honor! --  The police can’t tell the difference between hemp and marijuana! --  This is your brain on drugs! -- The Devil’s Lettuce causes low sperm count and will give you “man boobs!” -- Legalization sends the wrong message to children! -- Smoking that Mary Jane  makes you violent! -- Hemp is a niche crop! -- Buying weed funds the terrorists! -- Wacky Tobaccy makes  you crazy AND schizophrenic!

If you’re like me, these statements really angry up your blood.  For more than 70 years, these absurd “facts” and slogans have been force fed to the public without  any opposing arguments or rational discussion whatsoever.  The government makes up the lies and the mainstream media all too happily parrots the message over and over until the vast majority of people actually start believing this tripe.  The sheer number of lies repeated for so many years has left a seemingly indelible mark on society’s psyche.  Many people just can not fathom the fact that cannabis sativa is a relatively harmless herb.  Most are members of the older generation, but many are young.  

Reefer Madness is a rampant  disease that has infected the halls of justice.  Hundreds of billions of dollars have been wasted demonizing, harassing, stigmatizing, arresting and incarcerating millions of non-violent individuals (disproportionately minorities).  Unbrainwashing society is a very tall order and that's why I’m doing what I'm doing.  Even if prohibition ended today, we still have so much more to do to fully utilize the amazing therapeutic properties of cannabis as well as the numerous environmental and economic benefits of industrial hemp.  We need to reintegrate prisoners back into society.  We need to turn Reefer Madness into Reefer Gladness!

The age of enlightenment is upon us.  Thanks to the mass communication capabilities of the internet, people are finally able to openly discuss the benefits of cannabis hemp and better document the devastating effects that its prohibition has on society. We need to take the debate to the media.  They have owned the issue for far too long and it is time for the hyperbolic hysteria to be replaced by rational discussion. This goes for the pro-canna side too.  Cannabis by itself will not solve all of our problems and we have to make sure our statements are verifiable.  We don't want to be dismissed out of hand for making unfounded claims.  This is a tall order especially considering that its illegality prevents many things from being verified (see Catch-422 below).  Fortunately, despite government's best efforts, more and more positive medical marijuana studies are coming out and lots of really great new hemp products are hitting the market all the time.  

People could care less about apathy.  We need to make people care.  Tens of thousands killed fighting over drug profits. Hundreds of thousands arrested each year.  Where's the moral outrage?  It seems like society has been desensitized to the rampant violence (think Grand Theft Auto on steroids).  Where did the "peace, love and bell-bottoms" ethos of our hippy forefathers go?

One person can't everything, but we can all do something.  That's the key.  I'm not a full time activist. I've got a "square" job.  I do research and write in my spare time.  The important thing is to determine what you can do.  Try not to overextend yourself or over-commit yourself because then you may disappoint others and/or burn yourself out.   We all want to do so many things, but we just don’t have the time or resources.  It is important to build credibility.  Don’t commit to things you can’t do.   And try as hard as possible to fulfill the commitments that you do make.

This is going to be a long battle and we need each and every one of you for the long haul.  Society wasn’t brainwashed overnight and unfortunately, we can’t just flip a switch and enlighten everyone all at once.  But  we can all  educate ourselves and others.   Facebook is a great tool to learn about what's going on all over the world.  I've got "friends" in Australia, South Africa, Europe and even Canada, eh?  You can also receive a daily listing of news articles by setting a Google News alert or visit the Media Awareness Project’s Drug News Archive.   

We need to rebut Reefer Madness.  Write letters to the editor, call in to talk radio, talk to your friends, parents and doctors.   Work with an activist group like NORML, SSDP, ASA or Vote Hemp.  Or, start your own group!  Each  is a part of the church of cannabis.  But I don’t want to be preaching to the choir here.  I want to preach to the preachers!  I want YOU to become a cannabis ambassador and let others know about this ancient plant with so many modern uses.  

Reefer Madness dies hard.  Such an entrenched narrative is very difficult to overcome.  That's why every word, picture and thought is a baby step toward a better society.  Are we close to the time when society finally has its "aha!" moment and sees cannabis prohibition for the absurdly cruel and unusual punishment that it is?   The house of cards that prohibition is built on is about to fall.  Will there be a watershed event that acts as a big gust of wind that blows their house of cards away or will we need billions of baby steps?  Just reading this blog is a big baby step because it shows that you give an aeronautical intercourse about cannabis, hemp and humanity.

Kudos to Colorado and Washington state for legalizing cannabis and striking a huge blow against prohibition.  A big "atta boy" to the states that have passed laws allowing medicinal marijuana or industrial hemp.  The curtain of Oz is being pulled back.  The camel is getting its nose under the tent.  But, we are still being persecuted.  Even in Canada, patients are made to jump through numerous bureaucratic hoops EACH YEAR showing that they “need” medicinal cannabis.   

I call myself a "Hempologist" because I study cannabis hemp. I was a typical “hemp friendly” young man doing a lot of the typical things.  Attending a  Mass Cann/NORML meeting over 20 years ago, I was inspired by the phrase:  “If not you, who?  If not now, when?” I  decided that it was the time for me to do something.  But what?  I started out tabling at events, helped organize a few of the annual Freedom Rallies on the Boston Common and even started giving speeches about  hemp even though I am deathly afraid of public speaking.  I figured that if I make a mistake, so what, at least I’m trying.  I saw that most of the activists wanted to legalize marijuana and free the prisoners which is great.  Others were interested in helping patients get their medical marijuana, which is awesome.   After becoming aware of all the great “green” things that hemp could do, my environmental side took over.   Biodegradable plastic, tree free paper, concrete, insulation, lightweight and strong composite materials, ethanol, diesel fuel.  These are just some of the things that can be made out of hemp.  It’s also a freakin’ super food!  High in Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, high in protein & fiber, no cholesterol and no known allergies.  What’s not to like about that?   Living in New England, I was also lucky enough to be somewhere where hemp has a very rich and deep history, so I started documenting and writing about it and about "modern hemp history" in various publications and on my website, Hempology.Org.

A friend of mine is in prison right now.  He was sentenced to 5 years and during his trial, the prosecution could not even produce the drugs that he was alleged to have sold!  Talk about being railroaded.  And yes, my friend is black.  Sadly, minorities are arrested and imprisoned at a disproportionate rate.  An excellent book about this subject is called the New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.  Everyone should think about how much money is being wasted and how many lives are being ruined because of the war on (some) drugs.  

I have a disabled relative that lives in America’s deep south who must spend each day either in bed, in a chair or electric scooter.  Talk about being confined and depressed!  I used to take the simple act of walking for granted but I now appreciate what I have and try to keep that in mind with every step I take.  Since he lives in such a close minded, bass-ackwards state, medical marijuana is not even close to being legal.  So, he “gets” to take all sort of super powerful pain drugs that “eff” him up nice and good.  They make him groggy and nauseous.   He enjoys having a little puff every now and again because it makes him feel better and helps reduce the number of numbing pain pills he takes.  But he is so afraid of getting arrested and possibly going to jail that he errs on the side of caution.  This makes me so mad I could spit.   

If you ever wanted to get in on the ground floor of anything, the hemp industry is it!  The possibilities for growth are absolutely staggering.  Almost 30,000 acres of hemp were grown in Canada in 2012.  This may seem like a lot, but when compared to 300 MILLION acres of corn, wheat, cotton and soy grown annually in North America, it is 10,000 times less!  That is a lot of room for growth if you ask me.  Thanks to Reefer Madness, the entire American hemp industry has been decimated.  We are literally building an industry from the ground up.  The challenges are enormous, but the potential payout  boggles the mind (think trillion dollar crop).  

Hemp really is the Green Buffalo!  In order to survive, Native Americans used the entire buffalo: hair, snoot, balls ‘n all!  And, like the buffalo, you can make many essentials out of hemp: food, clothing, shelter, fuel and medicine.  We need people to invent new hemp products.  We need people to start new  hemp companies.  But keep in mind that until American farmers can grow hemp, the deck is stacked against you.  One thing that everyone can do is support Vote Hemp, a non-profit organization that lobbies congress and educates the public about the beneficial uses of hemp.  And, the more hemp products we buy, the more pressure we’ll be able to put on our legislators to let American farmers once again grow hemp.  We all need to work to de-stigmatize the humble hemp seed.  

If you are in school or just a “student of life,” the Cannabis Curriculum is for you.  It doesn’t matter what class you are taking or what really piques your interest, you can apply it to cannabis hemp and its prohibition.  Topics such as History, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Nursing, Nutrition, Sociology, Political Science, Architecture, Economics, Environmentalism, Theatre/Arts, Geography and Legal Studies all have components related to cannabis hemp that need additional study.   There is so much research that needs to be done documenting all of the beneficial aspects of hemp.   Hopefully, one day I can give my Cannabis Curriculum presentation at your school or at  one of your group’s events.  

Why don't patients have access to a safe, effective, natural and inexpensive medicine?  Why can't American farmers grow an environmentally friendly and economically beneficial crop?   Why are thousands killed each year in gang violence?   Why are our prisons overflowing with non-violent offenders?  The resounding answer to these and many related questions is:  It's the prohibition, stupid!!   Prohibition is the key concept that I want to drive home.  The prohibition of cannabis, the stigmatizing of its users, the way that the entire cannabis culture is derided.  In order to fight against this, we need to learn as much as possible and we need to share our knowledge far and wide.  Sow the (hemp) seeds of education, enlightenment and empowerment.   

Our government has created a phenomenon that I call Catch-422 (tip of the hempen chapeau to Joseph Heller).  They put up as many roadblocks as possible in an effort to stifle our progress.  For instance, the DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic which, by definition, means there is no currently acceptable medical use.  Everyone knows this is total bullshit, but when researchers ask for cannabis to perform studies, they're told they can't have it because, of course, marijuana has no medical use: Catch-422.  This circular logic jerks patients around to no end.  

Our government says that hemp is the same as marijuana.  They claim that growing hemp will confuse the police even though this is not an issue in Canada or Europe where it is legal to grow industrial hemp: Catch-422.  United States Department of Agriculture studies call hemp a niche crop without fully investigating its myriad uses: Catch-422.  

Another Catch-422 is the institutional hypocrisy that  prevents people from coming out of the cannabis closet.  Consider this:  Mere possession of marijuana is a violation of federal law!  It is very difficult for someone to promote an illegal activity.  You expose yourself to public ridicule or worse.  For many, testing positive could result in the loss of their job, children or government benefits.  Similarly, the IRS has ruled that medical marijuana dispensaries cannot deduct business expenses because possessing and distributing cannabis is against federal law: Catch-422.    Banks and credit card companies are refusing to do business with dispensaries for the same reason:  Catch-422.   We need to recognize this for what it is:  a blatant and callous effort to impede our progress.  Fortunately in the privacy of the voting booth, people are electing to choose cannabis and give a collective middle finger to the powers that be.  

Do you want to be a pioneer?  A trendsetter? A visionary?  A leader that seeks only fairness and opportunity?  You have a unique opportunity to become a member of a small (but growing!) vanguard that is working peacefully against a vicious opposition that thinks nothing of imprisoning our brothers, poisoning our sisters and killing our offspring.  We know that  prohibition is immoral.  We know we are right.  The truth is on our side.  It's not very often that one has an opportunity to become part of a movement and actually make history, but that's what we're doing.  Other epic social revolutions also involved individual rights:  slavery, women, LGBT.  There are many similarities between these struggles and the fight for cannabis rights.  Constant vigilance is needed to ensure that the advances we have made are not eroded and that we continue to move in the “right” direction.  

Positive changes are happening at a frenetic pace on all fronts. We are at a tipping point.  This is great!  We can and will win.  However, fully removing the stigma associated with cannabis will take time.  The derisive pothead references will remain long after marijuana is legalized.  We need to keep the historical perspective of Reefer Madness in mind as we move into the future.  It’s time to make cannabis prohibition history!  

Many thanks to GeorgiaToons for the opportunity to share my story with you on her blog.  Her cannabis cartoons are drawn with love and dedication and I draw strength from her and her drawings.  Keep up the fight, peace and all the bast!

I am, 
JD

Articles written by JD:
1996 Cannabis Cup
http://hempology.org/JD%27S%20ARTICLES/96CANNCUP.html
1997 Bioresource Hemp Conference
http://www.druglibrary.org/olsen/hemp/IHA/jiha4118.html
Hemp's Harried History
http://www.hemphasis.net/History/harriedhemp.htm
Hemp Food Article
https://www.facebook.com/notes/john-dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k/helping-hemp-foods-help-humanity/425796981452
Hemp, A Concrete Solution
https://www.facebook.com/notes/john-dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k/hemp-a-concrete-solution-to-humanitys-pollution/10150110993421453
Hemp, The Green Buffalo
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ISTShMN1lKnARTDj_PbD1Dy0wU7Lt_K--cmOM1ldggs/edit
2010 National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics Report
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fWZDa-Ubl1r_Y6H7GdGrsNgbyYIWQEAqkvAcqP-VeSA/edit
It’s the Prohibition, Stupid!  
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b59R66GnTLofVAAEfEfoYRRYAGvzWEx5PCPTF_L6Ee8/edit
Cannabis Curriculum @ Harry’s Hill in Maine - August 2012
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TWDJjZn2xuiQ4AblUqw5jAvE0nGHdHs0QqUnvsAqv9A/edit
A Day in the Life of a True Hempster
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oz0tAglf9HW6dUL3aTp2QLW6f0i0JEatEHUOSi8rZUs/edit

Videos:
Cannabis Curriculum @ 2012 CannaMaineia Expo (21 mins)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJJnajm4Tsk&list=UUd-CbPPfF3N6uemm57UiLog&index=4
Cannabis Curriculum @ 2011 Maine Homegrown (Medicinal emphasis - 20 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzr0qxjBcfQ&list=UUd-CbPPfF3N6uemm57UiLog&index=9
Cannabis Curriculum @ 2011 Boston Freedom Rally (5 mins)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyYrn6mb35U&feature=youtu.be
It’s the Prohibition Stupid @ 2010 Live Free or Die Rally in New Hempshire (17 mins)
http://blip.tv/the-weekly-show/hempology-with-john-dvorak-4085899
Let’s Talk Hemp @ the 2009 Live Free or Die Rally in New Hempshire (11 mins)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az0Qmq16sec
Boston's Hemp History (10 mins)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usoMCyfEanA&list=UUd-CbPPfF3N6uemm57UiLog&index=22
Hemp Interview (11 short parts) with Susie Codie of hempirestate.org
http://vimeo.com/48269645
2012 Hemp Video Shorts with Francis Fu of Northwestern SSDP
Hemp Ice Cream:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eixoqNLh4xk
Hemp Houses:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM0SrMixql0

Websites:
Hemp History:  http://hempology.org/
Cannabis Curriculum:  http://hempology.org/CANNABISCURRICULUM.html
Please “like” my Cannabis Curriculum Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cannabis-Curriculum/299727610052925

I was asked recently do draw for The WorldWide Cannabis Tribe - of which I am proud to say I am a member!  I loved drawing this cartoon for several reasons. I had complete freedom. The owner asked that I do what ever I wanted with the paragraph he provided. 
The Hemp leaf turned into hemp twine keeping us all connected. Medically, recreationally for religious reasons - what ever the reason,  Cannabis is widely used all around the world and I agree- not until we all stand up and ask, express & in some cases even demand the right to use this healing herb. 
This toon is now on it's way to Scotland! My toons travel more than I do! LOL 
I am honored to say the least that this toon will be displayed in another part of the world. Planting the seed of Cannabis education all around the world! 
I feel blessed! 
Now back to plastering my honey's prop for the front lawn! Then perhaps I can sneak in a drawing today or two! 
xox ☮❤☯

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

Due to demand - I've loaded up some images to Cafe Press. http://www.cafepress.com/+ive_been_framed_mug,667528635
http://www.cafepress.com/sk/georgiatoons
Check it out! I'm so excited I want one of everything! LOL !
Within the next 2 weeks I will be offering several images for your mug, bag or T!
Just one more way to plant the Seed of Cannabis Education! 

When it comes to HEMP - I am proud of Canada - We grow and export Hemp all over the world.  We got that right! I saw this short vid. this a.m. on the Hemp car made way back when!!> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLKDTfQMhfg&feature=player_embedded
WOW!  IF only...  Hemp is used in so many ways all around the world, building material, FOOD, clothing, furniture - it is endless. So NOT to grow it is just - insane! 
Think about it!? 
WHY would anyone NOT grow HEMP knowing all it can do?  Because someone might sneak some cannabis in there to get a little buzz....  PLEASE! That is just an excuse! 
It's all about the $$$ people - want to be a little better educated on HEMP today ? 
Watch this:  
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/hemp-revolution/   Watch it! It is interesting! 
Education is the key to ending the insanity! 
What have you got to lose .. I mean, besides your children's future?

HEMP HEMP HORAY!!! I live in a Country that LOVES it's HEMP!
If you don't speak up! - VOTE.
xox <><