2017! I’t’s  days away from a  new year! 
2016 was I believe a good year for Cannabis - As in ending the insanity and sending less humans to prison/court for it!  More states in the USA became legal, recreational (i think they like to call it ‘Adult’) and more medical, more lives helped.  Advances are being made, although the DEA still wants some way to convict and control.  I think this will always be the case, and IF you are doing something you should not- then you have to prepare for the possibility of still being prosecuted and going to jail.

What can I say? I don't agree with the ‘drug war’ at all, anymore.  I am just stating what I see & read happening.  We all understand BIG pharma will also want a piece of the Cannapie, still less will be in jail because of cannabis!  Fewer minor possession charges, and in Canada- wow- legalization in 2017 - fewer lives ruined for possession & growing. Everyone eventually able to grow 4 plants- I hope they do, it is such a beautiful plant!  
You then will also see fresh cannabis appearing  at the super market- for those that wish to juice and add some peppery bud to a  fresh salad! It will be all the rage!  Nom Nom Nom!  The times are changing. Thank God

Fellow Canadians, please let us not forget how terrible it was under Stephen Harper, the constant harassment, serious insults and more.  Patients never knowing which way to go- PRIVATE classified information being given out for everyone to see & note.  THREATENING Canadians (patients, many very sick & terminally ill)  to destroy OUR medicine in with ‘kitty litter’ - or we would be persecuted - raided by the police- shoot our dogs?  YES, a reality for some. 
I felt an incredible weight lifted off my heart when Justing became prime Minister.  Breath. 
It takes time, he said he would. He will.  A new era has arrived in Canada - a healthier one IMO. 

2016 brought positive change for cannabis but some countries are still struggling.  
We can not make them change their minds but we can educate by example.  
Less Alcohol, lower addiction rates for tobacco as well- If you believe what you read. Research it.  People are puffing more bud, with far less harmful results- as for brain damage- long term- careful- if that were the case we would see it amongst all those that did ‘inhale- back in the day, and pretty much calling the shots NOW.  
& More revenue going to go to our schools, hospitals and cities & towns etc. because of CANNABIS. I seriously hope the Indian reserves in Canada are researching growing as well. 

I just bought a tube of ‘Brilliant green’ gouache, for more Brilliant Bud painting!
Now, it’s a few days of painting & praying for me.. no social media. 
What do you want in 2017?  I hope you get all you desire.

So - SMILE as we get set to burn the last bud of 2016 & turn over he new leaf of 2017!
Give Thanks! 

                  Fill your bowl and hold  up your BONG with a cheer!  
                              2017 is going to be a  BETTER YEAR!!


Have faith
xox
<><

Thank you!
For every single person who has shared, reposted, talked about (good & bad), glanced at, printed, mailed & e mailed any of my drawings. Thank you.  Each time - bringing ALL of US one step closer to ending the negative stigma attached to cannabis as a medicine.

I started drawing to educate 10 years ago- when at 14 Storm had his first bong hit and his pain was no longer controlling him- he became master & controller of it. No more tylenol, codine or morphine to constantly consider. I thank God & the universe for the cannabis plant daily!

Inspired by love & we did not want parents who were already dealing with a sick child  have to deal with some of the 'BULLSHIT' we had to.  As well as be informed it was in FACT helping with chronic bone pain, that NOTHING was able to do as well & keep our son happy & healhty & active.  We decided to share, because of the loss of judgemental family & friends to the constant questions and concerns raised by othes - including myself at times, AND the politics of it all.  Health Canada Horror stories & fear mongering rampant in our own country, never mind any place else in the past 10 years -Good riddance, to a hateful, harmful government here in Canada.  Welcome Justin, who will legalize. be patient people.

Cananbis has introduced us to a new world, literally, one filled with compassonate & understanding people,  ready to be laughed at and shunned for thier love of a plant.  People who refuse to sit back and watch all day- instead, they draw, talk, protest, bake, blog, bulldoze & blunder thier way through to make a differnence, and they do.  
I am very thankful for them.

We have also met a few 'heavy hitters' in this industry and I am thankful for them, they fight the legal battles and go to bat for the millions who cannot due to lack of  health or finance. Many have been fighting for years and yes- it too can take a toll on thier health. 
We've made many friends ;) thank you...  all around the world!  Thank You!
Friends who showed us the ropes, taught us a few tricks, took us under their wings and more. Thank You.  
A enemy or two had been made a long the way I've no doubts. YOU will never please everyone & I am grateful for them as well - they teach the the most dificult lessons - each time helping make me stronger in the process.  More determined.

Every person who has taken the time to read  this blog and ignored my continued spelling & grammar errors!  I know how difficult it is for many, there too should be a lesson, if you are judge'n me bi my spellin, with out understanding - you have too much time on your hands.
& just like judging someone for wanting to choose cannabis over  pills - we are no better.
I try to only judge 'myself' at the end of  each day. That alone is enough. 

Thank you.

Time to Draw

Has anyone told you lately?  You are Mer-Mazing!
Playing with paint as I work on a bigger acrylic, one I don't know if I'll share. 
I'm really into this 'brush stroke' on black thing-- interesting.
It's got a very powerful, heads on wtf attitude appeal I have finally finished the chalk sketching.  Believe it or not- I do not share quite a few painting.. for different reasons.  

I'm on  a mission if you didn't know- tho.  Bring awareness to cannabis in any way, I can.
Normalize.  Help if possible in Ending  the insanity. 
It is said cannabis helps in assisting with creativity!   What do you think?
To be honest I've always been creative, for as long as I can remember and terrible at numbers, history, geography, lol...   who cares! I am having fun 'if only in my mind' at the moment -  Isn't that the most important place?   So  Yes, I am sure it does inspire creativity - I find I can 'think' of many things  when 'high'  but at times it also can inspire a nap! lol 
You make creativity happen. Make creativity happen. Start with a  pencil and paper.
Have fun, play, imagine !!
I don't know about you,  but it is good for my  head, heart & art. 
Back to it.. working on another little bud along the same lines
& tomorrow I start my new painting apply the first brush stroke of paint! Can't wait.

Have Faith
<><
​xox

 

Yesterday was 4/20 a day to 'celebrate cannabis', now recognized around the world.  I did not do anything 'too special' yesterday- what I did do is enjoy the day, shopping and touring around Aurora with Poppy & my mom, looking for some garden inspiration & something for my mom's B-day - BUT, I was able to do this because of CANNABIS.  Medicating in-between stops, we enjoyed the day.  I was originally  booked to meet with the brain surgeon again, I have as you know decided against this. Id be lying if I said - it did play on my mind a bit yesterday- have I made right choice? I feel I have.

***Todays blog is a guest blog... written by someone I met recently,  just one of the  many stories that far too many people never get to hear. I am grateful she shared & STILL completely GET why she did not use her real name... yet.  
Enjoy. 

Apri 20th, 2-16

Dear Colorado,
You don’t know me.  You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between me and a whole lot of other people.  I’m 38, central/eastern European ethnicity, average height, from a big Midwestern city.  I have a pretty interesting job.   I’m a runner, but not a particularly fast one and not of enormous distances.  I am not unattractive, but I am not a supermodel.   My eyes are a bit of an unusual color.  Overall, I’m really pretty normal.  If you met me at a party, you’d tell your wife that I was friendly and maybe kind of entertaining.  (I think you are a straight dude, Colorado.  I think you’ve got a wife.)
However.
I’ve struggled hard with my mental health for my entire life.  I’ve been in and out of therapy--mostly in--for twenty-one years.  I’ve seen at least seventeen different therapists and doctors.  I’ve taken nine different kinds of mainstream psych meds and I’ve been incorrectly diagnosed five separate times.  A few years ago, I had the breakdown that had been coming, and finally got the correct diagnosis.  PTSD.  I worked and worked and worked to get better and I got to…functional and maybe even mostly OK.  And I thought that mostly OK, most of the time, was as good as I was going to get.
Here is where you enter the picture, Colorado.   Important piece of backstory:  I had never smoked weed ever.  Ever.  Not once.  Not interested.  I am not a criminal.  Smoking is gross.  Etc.  Etc.  But I was going to be on vacation, and when in Rome, you know, so I decided to be a little brave. 

My best friend and I nervously bought some 10mg chocolate bars from Canary’s Song in beautiful Nederland.  After about an hour, I felt...fine.  She got giggly and hilarious, but I was…fine.  Day wrapped up with me sleeping through the night (a rarity—sleep disturbances are a hallmark of PTSD).  The next morning, I woke up, anticipating a galactic hangover, and I felt...good.  Then I ran eight miles in the hotel gym. 
I texted my surprised reaction to my pleasant experience to a friend and got back:  “Do we have a fledgling stoner on our hands?”  I thought, “Of course not.  What a ridiculous idea.”
I announced that I was glad I tried it, and figured that was the end of that.  

My travel companions, however, had other ideas.  After my husband brazenly carried a bag of candy through security at Denver International  (thanks for looking the other way on that one, btw), I was home to start conducting a scientific study on myself.  Turns out, I was NOT worse on weed.  Turns out I was better.  I was a lot better.  

Except.

I was the one person who had swallowed every bit of misleading, politically driven racist bullshit about gateway drugs, about stoners being directionless losers, about how it was going to kill my ambition.  The one kid who believed Nancy Reagan, was, apparently, me.  For months, every time I did something flaky or forgot something, I would freak.  My husband started regularly reminding me that I’ve done flaky shit my whole life.  I kept waiting to wake up in the morning, unable to do anything except dunk Cheetoes in CoolWhip and listen to Phish.
You’ll think this is funny, Colorado, as you used to be the residence of the late Dr Thompson, but I seriously thought that smoking weed was going to send me on some sort of strange path careening into unemployment and God knows what else.
Except, what happened was the more cannabis I consumed, the more things continued to not get worse.  
I discovered I could sit still longer at my desk every day at work.  I started regularly sleeping through the night.  I went to the doctor and dealt with a persistent running injury with the physical therapist.  I noticed that my caffeine consumption went down.  My business revenue went up.  I tackled some more issues with my PTSD.  My husband and I worked out some longstanding problems.   I lost 20 pounds.  I quit drinking.
And I realized that I had to overcome a massive case of culturally conditioned stoner shaming.  And I looked at you, Colorado, and I saw a bunch of people who were out hiking your mountains and biking your trails.   And I talked to people in the cannabis community and found out that everyone to be friendly, welcoming, and not judgmental.  And realized that I’m the healthiest I’ve been, ever, even if I do own a lighter for the first time in my entire life.   
So, Colorado, I guess what I’m trying to say is, you changed my life for the better.  And, in doing that, you changed a lot of lives around me for the better, too.  You can’t even calculate how far this ripple effect could go.   And I’m just one person. 
Millions of people visit you every year.  My story is repeating every day.
Keep up the great work.  The world is watching.  
Eternally grateful, 
Jane

PS Of course Jane is not my real name.  
PPS  But maybe someday I will publish this and sign my real name.  That would be big progress.
PPPS  Buying my first bong for my 39th birthday.  That’s a sentence I thought I’d never write.
PPPPS  I still don’t like the Grateful Dead, but, turns out, Cheech and Chong are funny.
​

;D  Thank you Jane! xox Georgia
Believe
<>< 

Tomorrow we will apparently have the outcome for the verdict on the court case that has been in the Supreme court of Canada- our 'highest' (pun intended).
Can patients continue to grow their own medicine?
This cartoon means no disrespect, quite the opposite in my mind. 
Storm told me 'the verdict will be in on Wednesday around noon'.
I had no fear cross my mind. I feel at peace.
I KNOW the right decision has to be made. The world is watching.
The Supreme Court of Canada will let medical patients continue to grow their own cannabis.  
I think people will have to be "grand fathered in" : 
Grandfathered in is the right or sanction provided in a statute, zoning ordinance, law etc exempting a person or entity from certain provisions contained there in, to maintain their present activities, which will be affected by the new statute, ordinance etc. For example, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban made it illegal to sell and own a semi automatic weapon that was manufactured after the date the law went into effect. Weapons that were manufactured before that date were "grandfathered in" and were allowed to be legally owned and sold.
**American definition, the same meaning - ironic they discuss guns.
Which is the only outcome I can imagine. 
​When we applied for medical cannabis for Storm at the age of 14, we were told "he was too young but he could have a designated grower!"  I remember the conversation like it was yesterday and Storms face when she told us this. The rest is history.   
Frankly, we invested thousands of dollars & took out a loan with the bank, countess hours, endless research over the years to assure Storm has the best medicine available for him, his body, his needs  & now mine  & we do.  Thank God & our grower.  :) 
When you have a child diagnosed with a terminal illness and see how cannabis helps - YOU would DO what ever you can to ease his pain and keep it away for as long as possible.
​There is no way they can NOW come and tell people 'we changed our minds.'  

 I do NOT believe Canada would turn patients not criminals over plants.
Many with severe terminal illnesses, unlike the media portrays.
​The stress alone this case has added to many patients I can tell you first hand,  has been severely CRIMINAL.

I do not believe Canada will now revoke & refuse patients already given permission and even promoted to grow their own cannabis PLANTS. 

Come on we all see where this is going anyhow in a few years... Tweed & Snoop dog? 
I blogged over a year ago about how it was going to be just like a 'brand name beer'.
Personally I was disappointed, as a mother  of a child who suffers like Storm has & the stress added to our lives with all the bullshit with Steven Haper (good riddance) and soon it will all be just a big recreational drug business.  I have nothing against 'Snoop' btw, just another business man.

Patients have been slapped in the face and kicked to the curb. Made to suffer over $$$
Oh well- business is business and if not them then someone else.  I'm still hearing and seeing all kinds of horror stories about  shitty meds that patients are getting from some of these legitimate legal grows and paying $$$ for.  
For something everyone could grow in their backyard for personal enjoyment, like our tomatoes that we jar at the end of a season.

'Grandfathered in' - makes me kinda sad.. they do this because they know we are not well, when we die the right to grows dies with us.  

I believe it is a God given right, everyone should be able to grow this PLANT if they choose to do so. IT IS A PLANT we are talking about - never forget that. Please.

Just like beer- we can make it but we'd rather go to the beer store - most of us.
Only this is NOT beer- NOT alcohol (which hurts) it is MEDICINE that is saving my sons life. & mine.
The Verdict is simple.

Canada we love you & we know you love us back!!
'You got our back '- I'm not worried.
So let's Celebrate!!!  

Believe 
<>< xox


When checking out the Supreme court of Canadasite  they have a terrific download for kids!!! Very interesting and  interactive. I was please and impressed. ;) http://www.scc-csc.ca/res/education/kit-trousse/act/compile-eng.pdf

It's Monday! I just finished my  next saw blade- lol - who knew! I love painting on them.. but no not the traditional landscape scene. Who better to paint on a metal saw blade than the tin man himself!  Ready for some Oil Dabs! lol  
"Oil, Oil..."  he exclaims through a clenched (rusted) jaw. 
Cannabis oil, extract is oil made from cannabis. I make my own medicated coconut oil, and butter,  some make an extra potent oil  a.k.a.: 'Rick Simpson Oil'  Google Rick for more info.
I like oil in my tea on especially bad days when my  condition is hard to control.  As well as for sleeping there is nothing better IMO.  No nasty side effects - OIL is all we need! 
I love the Wizard of Oz so .. Ta Daaaaa!  Saw blade 3   Oil for the Tin man! 
It is a 10 inch saw blade. I've already asked Norm for more! - He has warned me to stay out of his garage! Apparently when the 'teeth' break off they are no good- still fine to paint in my opinion! 

I found this: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Medical-Marijuana-Oil
I have never made this oil and do not plan on it.. it is  a lot of cannabis, a lot of time, work and not something I want to do in my kitchen.  But this explains it pretty well to my knowledge. I have the recipe for making coconut oil here.  

Well it's to be HOT today! Great day to finish a FISH! Paint a rock and perhaps even a canvas!  Keep creative! Child of God you are created to create! 
Have Faith
<><   xox

I think this image would make a fun T! ;) 
Perhaps I'll print one. 

The ruling is in & The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that it is unconstitutional to force Canadians to ONLY smoke their medicine. 
Read More here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/medical-marijuana-legal-in-all-forms-supreme-court-rules-1.3109148   It is now legal for  legal patients of cannabis as their medicine to use and have with them edibles/medibles:  Items that can be eaten with cannabis in them = cookies, brownies, tootsie rolls and teas to name ONLY a FEW.  How I first preferred Storm to medicate - especially when at school, for several reasons * all of which have been covered in this blog over the years - lol  So - to me  it was an obvious decision. medicine that tastes good- Rona Ambrose  Our Minister Health - here in Canada "is OUTRAGED!" Which has me shaking my head for several reasons. 
Outraged? Really and to whom does she direct this rage? Canadians that she is  supposedly to be concerned of our health and welfare, safety?  
WHO is she to feel or direct rage at anyone - including a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada?  A unanimous decision. Had the decision went in the other direction - Rona would EXPECT us to show only respect for such a judges decision! Wouldn't she?  
This woman represents Canada and ALL the Canadian people, No? 
Not just the 'conservative ones'? Am I wrong?  Please correct me if i am.

Not just this decision but the Canadian people - becoming more aware - are opting for legalization/decriminalization-  and we should be - what ever it takes to stop sending out people to jail! These ARE not hard core criminals I am referring to, they ARE non- violent offenders.  Growing a plant, smoking a plant - if for medicinal or recreational use should not be putting people in prison! 

I was angry yesterday. I purposely posted - so I would not post until today - after I had time to process. Process before Posting. < lol I'll try to listen to that more often. Rona is most concerned about the children - then do the right thing and EDUCATE them - on all drugs. NOT fear MONGER. What government rules  by fear - a weak one and that is what is happening - it's nothing but fear mongering lately. ;(  I'm not afraid.   I told Marie this case would be won weeks ago. 

I believe we (Canadians as ONE)  won't HURT our children and we have proven it by making sure edibles are available!!! 
Cookies and brownies for our babies! WHY NOT!?
If they are ill enough for cannabis - let them enjoy every BITE.  
PLEASE remember - Our son Storm was in fact, diagnosed by 'two teams' of Dr.s,  one at the hospital for sick children and then again in Montreal at the shriners hospital - IT was only after years of watching our child suffer that we chose cannabis as an option. Thank God it WAS available.
I am NOT telling any parent to make this decision on their own. I AM begging EVERY parent - IF your child is ill - do your research about Cannabis and make it one of your first choices! It IS one of the safest, compared to our other options available.  

Rona is worried about the children...  Rona, what about he thousands of children who are being HELPED by cannabis, do our children not matter?  
Are we expected to believe that Rona Ambrose - Health Minister of Canada,  mother, < (just a word), professional - who is well aware of Cannabis in Canada - a mistake in HER mind made over 10 years ago - is NOT aware of what cannabis is doing to help save people around the world? Doe she not have cable ? lol 
Does she not ever watch the news or read the paper?  Let me guess,  or in a few months will she be Canada's Dr. Gupta and tell us "I was wrong about Cannabis"  we'll all be expected to 'forgive' her and move on.  

The stress added to sick individuals in this country over cannabis - a plant, is the only real crime being committed. Rona Amrose - our Minister of Health (oxymoron) 
the outrage you feel is simply a reflection of what you have provided to so many others.  

The next court case will be for Canadians who were granted permission to grow their own medicine - will be permitted to continue to do so.  I have no fear regarding this case,  it too will be won.  Why?  It is wrong.
I no longer have faith in our Government to look out for our welfare - I do have faith in each other.

I'm going to go and BAKE to celebrate!  I'm going to go and make some sweets for my sweet- made it TCL and THC by me - MOM!  Here is one posted before that was a hit!  
Storm still prefers homemade banana bread with chocolate chips and extra Cannabis!  
good for his bones!!  Also - some medicate chex mix is on the menu! 

Have faith    <><    xox    

It’s that time of the year! I get to draw the  Cannabis Digest Halloween cover! 
Fun!? For me YOU BET! Halloween for many years is our favorite holiday for fun. 
Time to bring out he imagination in full force! 

This years cover also has special meaning. 
It is my way of thanking Ted & Gail  and the Cannabis Digest team for all that they do 
- as in educating the masses.
My cartoons have been featured in CD for a few years now, and I grateful for it!
I was even working on a regular blog but with health issues what they are - I am  eliminating all stress - including deadlines . LOL   So far so good. 
Ted was very understanding.

I put extra TLC into this cartoon as  I thought of Ted and Gail.
I have only had the pleasure once, of meeting them in person - at a treating Yourself EXPO  and that was fleeting.  Ted was enthusiastic as I thought he’d be and Gail was just sweet. Down to earth. The both of them.  They have educated us with Cannabis Digest, at the same time the stories hey have shared make me feel closer and empowered - strength in numbers. 

Ted & Gail - if you check out their FB page also have a wonderful loving relationship. You see it in all they do! The paper, the Teepee, the tiles behind the fireplace in the place they call home sweet home. You always see people over, hanging out.  I am under the impression that Ted and Gail welcome all. 

Gail is not well, she has been battling cancer for a bit now and still I see photos of her laughing, surrounded by friends and family. I drew Gail laughing! Her and Ted together stirring the POT! In more ways than one!  Ted has a smile in my opinion that goes from ear to ear & has a hint of CHEEKY & FUN.  I hoped to catch it in the drawing- with a touch of madness for halloween of course!
We all need a touch of madness to be by - Halloween or not! 

I put much TLC into the drawing, as my way of saying thank you to Ted and Gail and the team (new and old) @ Cannabis Digest for all they continue to do in helping educate and end the insanity. It was fun! The time flew and I can’t wait to see the cover!  I also enjoy the fact that others will have fun coloring! 

As you read the current copy of Cannabis Digest Please take one moment to thank them for all the hard work they do. It is all many need to simply keep doing that they are meant to do. I wish them continued Love and success at all they do, as long as they do it... and hopefully together for a long time to come!  

Clearly,  two heads & hearts made stronger in love and more. 

Cannabis Digest:
https://www.facebook.com/CannaDigest
http://cannabisdigest.ca/

xox <><

Where does it all go?  Sit and think for one minute.
All the medication that goes in our system eventually if it does not stick around and fuck - (alter) your body in some way.. it leaves via your pee.  Years ago a friend told me of the cancer medication she peed out of her system, how it turned the water a deep red and frightened her... and she like me, then started to think - well then, where does it go? 
Cancer medications where you can't have your husband in the same room as you, for 48 hours or it's toxic!? 
Sadly, I do know about this stuff first hand, because I have first hand friends that deal with this shit.  Forgive me, but I have had an emotional day mentally after attending my first support group for TN.  It only hit me after I retuned home and thought about it all afternoon.  Then napped in the sunshine with poppy for 2 hours ;) Amen.

You know what I heard a lot of, besides people -who I do think can relate- to my pain. 
That is strangely comforting. Is that strange?  lol 
One woman simply said: "You know when the dentist touches your tooth- and your not frozen, for a split second you want to go through the roof?"
Well that was a great way to describe it! 
I get that so many times a day I give up counting... no wonder I am exhausted. 
I will admit I was feeling.. defeated.  
To look around the room and not one person has Hemi facial Spasm as well.  

All very normal people, all have busy lives who suffer with TN, on top of life.
The topic of medication came up over and over again! Never good really. Except for me! 
I'm the only one in the room with positive side effects.  ;) 

Holy cow! Forget it, I'm not going on anything else! I Am keeping it natural. 
Rashes that leave you in the hospital and sick for weeks, throwing up.. the same stuff I hear and read about daily over and over again!! You know I get it, but 'I' don't want to play around with my liver or BRAIN or anything else if I can help it ever again. 

Storm pointed out to me a while ago we all have to learn to live with a little pain, some physical, some mental, some both. We still all have choices to make every day and many do it!! WITHOUT drugs.  When I hear of someone who is on an antidepressant I think of them as being 'on DRUGS'  and I AM thankful for that change in my mindset!
I AM grateful for that change in my mindset! 


What blew my mind or rather 'who' was this older woman, late 70's if I had to guess (I'm not really good at that though, and I can't remember names at all) she was sweet, her hair, makeup & outfit perfect! And it's an early meeting! She appeared 'to me' to be sleeping much of the meeting- Oh well, I saw it happen in church all the time.  
Well, at the end of the meeting  - who walks up to me and asks me about Cannabis? HER! LOL  Sleeping, she was not!  
How awesome, it puts a smile on my face now thinking of her.  I wished I had cookies! 
One for everyone in the bunch!! 
I know what these people are dealing with!  Yet, they all had smiles, and encouragement for each other, it was nice to see a few husband and wife teams. I think Norman is done. LOL He can join me next time. Not that I did not LOVE my friend Cathy's support. 

If not for Cathy, I would not have gone.  She was my driver. 
We had to be there at 9:30.  She attends mass with her sisters every Sunday.  So it was really nice of her.  It was our first drive on the 404! WOW! What a difference! It felt like we were there & home in the blink of an eye!  

I am glad I went,  it has given me much to think about. 
I will go again.  Nice to know I'm not crazy, alone, frustrated, "sitting crying in a corner"... which is very easy for me to do.  Who will it help? Will it make a difference? 
I refuse. WE have to keep busy! 
Maybe those medications are NOT helping you? 
Cannabis MIGHT! It might make you smile too! 
WE MUST keep busy. Learn a new hobby. Volunteer, DRAW! PAINT! 
KEEP BUSY!   & BE. ;) 
xox <><

I know my blog can be all over the place.. so is my mind. 
I know I'm making mistakes but I can't sit and re read. 
I pray my message is understood. It is all I can do.

More on TN as soon as I can . ;)

Yippie! & Horay!!!

Sanity is still alive and kicking in Canada! Amen! 
A judge has ruled it is  unconstitutional to not allow edibles! 
Medibles! What ever you call them.  Cannabis infused products.
Medicated products that you eat - rather than smoke cannabis!!!

NO KIDDING! It astounded me when this case started! Really? 
No baked edibles permitted? No cookies or  brownies?

As a mother  who’s son was 14 when he first used cannabis for pain - I baked him cookies to take to school! I baked him banana bread when he was not feeling well enough to smoke. I make him medicated Toffee for the winter months!  I have super healthy date balls in the fridge that are medicated, ‘CannaTootsie’ rolls are a favorite, we have medicate cocnut oil for me, a personal favorite. I put it in my tea.

How insane that we were expected to only SMOKE it. I do smoke it still - It brings me the quickest from of instant relief.  To sleep or a busy day planned with a lot of walking, standing, medibles are a great way to keep it in your system, much like pills do I guess.
I would not have made it Saturday at the ‘Perch fest’ without my medicated capsules in the a.m. and a few tokes throughout the day.  Thank God.

It was a given! I was so happy!!!!! AM so happy! How wonderful! 
Moms can make their  severely ill children brownies, cookies - instead of fighting and forcing them - already enduring enough- to take a crappy medicine they don’t like! 
Been there! Done that!!! I know.
WE even get to throw in lots of other great ingredients! 
My banana bread is very healthy! 

So celebrate! It’s a step in the right direction!!!  
Thank you Judge with  HEART, Compassion, Empathy and UNDERSTANDING!!!

Now for the rest...   one day at a time.
Read more here:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/medical-pot-cookie-prohibition-ruled-unconstitutional-1.2736526

xox 
<><

Divided we fall...

It’s hard to comprehend somedays to an outsider what it happening in the United States regarding Cannabis laws. I don’t understand how a country called the UNITED states of America can be so ‘UN-united’.   It is one thing to be fighting for the same rights across Canada - from Coast to Coast we continue  to fight for our rights to grow our own medicine and legalization.  

Imagine being a mother in the united states when  your child is suffering, dying from illness you know Cannabis can help - and only a drive away, a state away, the medicine, possibly even the CURE, is readily available IN your country - for others. If you live in a state not yet legal, you are out of luck.
It must be frustrating on an entirely new level, I am grateful I cannot comprehend.

When I hear other advocates discussing with parents of ill children “Move to Colorado!” - it grates my nerves.  
You have no idea the stress parents are already under, illness, hospital bills, family stress,  job security, bills - it’s endless.
Then to have to pick it all up and move away from your support groups, ADD new stress on top of it regarding living situations, schooling,  leave your family & friends - JUST so your child can access Cannabis. A right that should be provided to every child in need. 
I don’t understand.  Do not get me wrong - if my child was sick - my bags would be packed!    ...Why should they?

I can image many Americans understand even less, especially the ones that are suffering, are incarcerated, lost their family and jobs for simple possession charges a state over from one that is legal. 
Recently, a young man was arrested in Texas and  possibly sentenced from 5 years to life. ‘FOR Brownies.’  A substance never proven to kill anyone - could you imagine - IF the pharmaceutical companies were held accountable and charged with each death?  
Jail for BROWNIES!? 
When cousin Jim is baking and selling  legal brownies only a coupe of states over? 
What does U stand for in the U.S.A, Eh?

Before you tell someone to pack up their bags, understand what they are dealing with and why not help them explore other options and rights. Get media attention  and community support (if time allows) IF parents must leave, have family and friends fight to bring them home and EDUCATE others on Cannabis! If you really want to help.

I was asked ‘why touch so much on American topics?’ 
What topics are strictly American? 
What are strictly any countries? 
Not Cannabis,  it is a world wide problem and I focus on ONE love.
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! 

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

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

It's here! Tomorrow is the day! 
All Cannabis any patients have, must be "destroyed in Kitty litter & put out in the trash."
When they recalled OXY and made the new - did Health Canada ask that people put the old in the trash?  I think Not.
As of tomorrow patients (approximately 40,000), some terminally ill, all over Canada turn into Criminals in the eyes of Health Canada and our corrupt Steven Harper. If they continue to grow their own medicine they can be arrested & face jail time.
 Medicine that Health Canada did in fact allow them to grow for decades. Now forced to purchase a less quality (in many cases) medicine, with less control and at an escalated price, forcing many to return to prescribed drugs - simply because they can no longer afford the 'safer' alternative, cannabis.

There is an injunction of course, from the Supreme Court of Canada saying that patients can still grow their medicine until a court rules otherwise, but Health Canada has already expressed intention to which they wish to ignore. Tomorrow is the day. So be it.
No one can and no one will ever, make us feel like criminals.  God has us on this path and I'M NOT BUDGING. Would you? What if it is was your child? 
Tomorrow "let the shit hit the fan", and focus on all that can go right!!!

The only criminals here are those in power, hurting already suffering Canadians for the all mighty dollar. FACT.

xox <><

Good Morning! And  a good one it appears to be so far, thank God.
I have had a terrible past few days, almost as bad as just after surgery. My twitch waking me up at 4 a.m., so powerful it has me crying before I'm out of bed.  And it does not stop. It takes on average 3/5 bong hits JUST to get it under control this past few mornings. JUST to get it to start to give me a break.  
When it is as bad as it is.. I can not walk properly, I can not read, I can not use the computer, I can not function.  The shots of pain I get  instantly stop you in your tracks! Right from the top of my head down now to my chest.  The several days, I've hardly been able to function past 3 in the afternoon. Exhausted, mentally and physically.  What do I worry about - seeing my son and husband watch this. I know it breaks their heart every time.  My days consist of moving from one seat to another - thank GOD, I can draw, or I don't know what I'd do :(  I pray a lot too. 
I have to go and see my Dr. I have decided NOT to renew my license to use cannabis. 

Talk about a week of emotional roller coasters rides! I feel like today I could nap for a month!
Yesterday the court decision was in!  From now until trial outcome, Canadians permitted to grow their own cannabis  themselves or with a  designated grower are permitted to continue! Thank God!  I waited like most others yesterday to hear the ruling expected in the afternoon. I read it, over and over, then I burst into tears. 
Tears of Joy, tears of relief! Then instantly a anger filled me - so angry, that we are even 'here' dealing with this bullshit! 
SO stressed because of Health Canada. Health Canada - here to make us feel better. 
After my outburst, I reminded myself not to get angry but busy... and I wanted to celebrate! Celebrate each small victory!

Celebrate that people see what the government is doing, is WRONG. Cruel and criminal.  
Right now - I just want to smile, thank God, for a while we don't have to worry about Storm and his pain medication. Or me and my head medication, mental and physical. 
I believe this is just the start. There is more good news on the horizon!  
I feel it growing as I type!!!
xox <><

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/medical-marijuana-users-can-continue-to-grow-their-own-pot-court-1.1740201

In other words .. TELL THEM THE TRUTH!
I don't even know what I can say about this anymore.
Look up deaths from any of the above, especially cough syrup ;( 
Enough already!  
Stop with the bullshit. We are killing our children with lies.

xox <>< 

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/strong-reasons-why-nfl-s-roger-goodell-was-correctly-cautious-on-medicinal-marijuana-issue-191729785-nfl.html

The fact that Cannabis USE is even a topic up for consideration is a moment in HISTORY. And what a terrific answer if I do say so myself. It only makes sense! These 'professional' athletes that USE and abuse their bodies from punishment in the physical form - they should be doing as LITTLE damage as possible when they can!  
Just the mention of it is wonderful! A step in the right direction! 
I pay attention to the head injury headlines and the number of football players that commit suicide later in life from head injuries ( I have a foot ball star in the family - I love)  BRING it on and re classify while we are at it! IT is about time! Even the president of the United States last week, came under flack for admitting 'he believes Cannabis to be no more harmful than alcohol!'   WAKE UP!  
So Let the Games begin! & Give thanks! 
Give thanks for EVERY SUPER 'BOWL' you enjoy!!! 

xox <>< 

My wish for this Christmas is everyone put their fears aside if for only a little while and get some peace.  We can all get back to business in the new year. 

Merry Christmas!!!

*wrote By Grama Dee, Drawn By Me.
xox 
<><

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Clearly, I was not alone and  news has it Health Canada is already trying to make up excuses for the latest fuck up. 
http://www.prairiedogmag.com/health-canada-breaches-privacy-of-medical-marijuana-users/

I am exhausted physically and mentally, this is all very upsetting, degrading and it's NOT over.  Today I share a post  from another ( a stranger really- I just saw this comment and asked If I could share) so you have an idea.  Until you live this HELLTH Canada - you have no idea.  I'm done. 
Bring it on and yes Health Canada - Should I have a home invasion, I too will hold Health Canada responsible.

She has asked I don't share her name.. Unlike Health canada I will RESPECT her wishes:

Health Canada has sent out notices to medical marijuana patients with "Medical Marijuana Program- Health Canada" in bold print on the front of the envelope. Up to this point all correspondence from Health Canada has been sent from "Health Canada" by registered mail. This was obviously a letter to a person who is part of the program. Some patients have had their postal workers comment about the program. I live in a small gossipy community, I know the post office gossips. My mail carrier is a close neighbour who can not be trusted with private information.

I feel that Myself and my family as well as my neighbours have been put at risk. It would seem like an easy hit for a criminal, a secluded house, only an ill woman home during the day.

In addition there is our reputation in this small community, my husband and myself are active in the church and the community. Many would not look fondly on us if it were known that I grew and used Marijuana, even as a medicine. My children and grand children are at risk of embarrassment. I could lose friends. My husband could have problems at work.

I feel this is a serious issue and I copied these point off your privacy list. They are all relevant to my and other patients situation.

1- information relating to the education or the medical, criminal or employment history of the individual or information relating to financial transactions in which the individual has been involved,
2- the address, fingerprints or blood type of the individual,
3- correspondence sent to a government institution by the individual that is implicitly or explicitly of a private or confidential nature, and replies to such correspondence that would reveal the contents of the original correspondence,
4- information relating to any discretionary benefit of a financial nature, including the granting of a licence or permit, conferred on an individual, including the name of the individual and the exact nature of the benefit,
It would seem that this was done purposely, with malice, perhaps it was stupidity or it could be that the Minister and her dept are just incompetent.

Whatever the reason, steps must be taken to satisfy the the anger and unease that patients now feel. I am personally very much afraid that the wrong person will find out about my license.

Thank you for your prompt attention. I look forward to your timely response.



More tomorrow - You bet! 
It's far from over.
xox <><

More on  the Health Canada mail. Not only did they make everyone a target by mailing out letters stating  on the outside of the envelope you are a recipient of the Marihuana Medical ACCESS Program 
- it just got more insane from there.

 THIS REALLY made me my hair hackle...
 Health Canada states that all medicine must be destroyed as of March 31, 2014.
 This means Not only are people NOT permitted to grow their own any longer, nor are they permitted to have a D.G. (Designated grower ) AND NOW IF they have ANY medicine in their possession as of March 31,2014 they will be considered criminals and can be charged!  

WAIT - there’s more! -  
YOU MUST DESTROY all YOUR MEDICINE by March 31,2014 Or ELSE!   
GET THIS - the only example they can think of to suggest at this time is to:     
          Mix it with water and add it to the kitty litter and throw it out!!!
        OR Call your local friendly police station and ask for assistance. 

OMGOSH! ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!

FU*K - I was mad when I read that. At first my brain could NOT register - I swear - I thought THIS HAS to be a joke!? DESTROY  OUR MEDICINE!? 
OUR medicine that is saving my sons life!?  TAMES my twitch and gives me a BIT of a break! Helps me eat!? Helps Storm function? OUR MEDICINE - OUR Dr. Prescribed!?
AND the only example you can give us instantly makes one think of cat shit!?! 

REALLY - I am sure that was intentional and it is appalling!!  It is adding insult to injury.

 I read it at night before I went to bed,  my twitch was full force. The next morning Storm came up to my office, (I was on the computer)  I decided NOT to start the day off with talking about it so I kept quiet. He was looking out my office window and he said 

ARRRRGGGH!!!!!!  I am so angry- I can’t even draw- 
I have so many wanting out of my head! 
 Never have I been so insulted as a parent  & as a Canadian.  We got mail. 
Storm & I, from Health Canada  Marihuana Medical Access Program! 
    ^                  ^                    ^
Could you be any more specific!? 
 On the FRONT of the envelope!?

Wow.  Yet the first thing you make sure to point out is the 'safety issues and home invasion' !? WTF!? This has to be some sort of sick joke.
& Don’t tell me there has never been a postal worker that has stole something. 
It happens. Never mind the odd time they accidently slip my mail in someone else's box. I've had it too many times to count.
YOU just made everyone a TARGET!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? 
INSTANTLY, I thought of my pal in her apt. building in a rough neighborhood! In a wheelchair.  And that’s just the start... talk about first impressions.

& THEN... 
Slap - I felt sick to my stomach when I read this!   
You’re also insulting my Dr.!  & the many professionals and Dr.s that have in fact recognized CANNABIS as a legal medicine in this country!  
To ‘Destroy’ my sons LIFE Saving Medicine!? 
Regardless of what you think.. their ARE people WHO NEED This medicine! 
CANNABIS.  Not 'Marihuana'.  Who checked the dictionary on that one? 

You should be treating it with the respect it deserves in a professional manner. 
Your ignorance on THIS topic is astounding.    
 Who do you think you are!? 
 WHO do you think I AM?  This is our only son. My only kid. 
 WHO has suffered more than most of you will ever know. 
 So ‘Destroy’ his medicine because YOU continue to FU*k up?
 Yeah.  I’ll be right on that.  

Who do YOU think WE are? You say there is 45,000 of us. 'Criminals'.
Now you just told everyone where we all live. Making your job much easier!
Class Action looking good...

THAT IS FEAR MONGERING AND you should be charged!!!
 The sooner our medicine is gone the sooner you start to rake in the $$$. 
 Welcome to Corporate fucking Canada! 
 Thank you Steven Harper - Leader of the pack (of wolves)!

 IS anyone paying attention?
 To be continued... 

*No husbands were hurt during the drawing of this toon. 
It still felt good regardless.  hee hee hee
xox <><

The times are changing! Thank GOD! 
People are becoming educated, they can't help it! 
Stories, news, people you know being healed with a plant! Freed from Pain and yes many are saying Free from Cancer! 
I am not going to sit here and say "Believe it Damn it!!!"  
No, I prefer to say - get curious, I dare you.. Do a bit of research.  Then I KNOW you will be shocked and angry and then you will start to research a bit more. It is common sense.
When  DRUG companies are being sued, left and right for side effects and then this:
In one of the country’s largest health care-related settlements, pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson paid $2.2 billion to settle charges of false marketing, and paying doctors and nursing homes kickbacks for promoting drugs for unapproved uses.  
Read More:
http://www.drugwatch.com/2013/11/07/johnson-johnson-settlement-risperdal/
I can't help but sit here between twitches - some so painful  I can't thinks straight while they are going on.  No one seems to be able to tell me why or how to stop it. 
3 Neurologists and a not completely successful surgery... was it pills?  I was prescribed the above drug  "it was to give a medication I was on a boost".  
I've had people say to me "SUE!",  I am too busy living and trying to function to sue. 
THAT is another terrible side effect. How many people are just too sick and tired? 
Too many.  

We have to pick our battles and I'm pretty sure mine is evident to all who know me! 
 I battle for my son's medicine. The love of my life's - Quality of life giving medicine!
Bring it on.
I am confident with each passing day  and continued education that the times are changing! Harper - when you start arresting the sick for something Health Canada allowed for years... I will make sure as will several thousand other Canadians that the rest of the world is aware of  how you treat your your sick and suffering. <3 - They seem to be getting a pretty good idea lately as it is.
xox <3

Tomorow's Blog Radio Interview.