Tag: cannabis

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Deschedule Now!

In 1970 the 91st US Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which President Nixon signed into law. The CSA established a federal policy to regulate the manufacturing, distributing, importing/exporting, and use of regulated substances. All previous federal drug laws were combined, and the CSA allowed for federal enforcement of all controlled substances. The war on drugs began.

“The war on drugs is a war on people…
It’s a really sad state of affairs
When a human being’s freedom is treated as
Nothing more than an asset or liability.
Prisons are big business in this country.
The war on drugs is nothing more than a war on people
…It’s a bullshit war, It’s a war over money!” – Corporate Avenger


On October 6, 2022 President Biden announced the first three steps he was taking to end the failed federal approach of dealing with the plant. First he ordered a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. That pardon didn’t free a single federal Plant Prisoner, and was a limited time offer. Biden’s second step was urging all governors to also order the same pardon for their state plant prisoners convicted of simple possession. Governors were split on Biden’s call to pardon. For step three Biden asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/10/06/statement-from-president-biden-on-marijuana-reform/

Recently the Department of Health and Human Services recommended to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to whom power is delegated under the CSA by the Attorney General, that cannabis be rescheduled to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Apparently the recommendation was based on a scientific and medical review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2016 the FDA denied a rescheduling petition and determined the medicinal plant was to remain schedule I on the CSA, as a highly addictive drug with no accepted medical use, despite in 2016 science and medical review didn’t support Cannabis’ continued schedule I placement. This all appears to be political theater to appease the now 59% of adults in the US who support legalization for medical and recreational use.

What would Cannabis rescheduled as schedule III look like? It would not federally legalize or decriminalize the plant. It would not set Jonathan Wall, Ismael Lira, Tameka Drummer, Frank Eppler, or any of the countless other federal and state Plant Prisoners free. It would not stop people from being arrested and prosecuted over the plant. Schedule III drugs are obtained through a prescription, and are generally not available over the counter.

Rescheduling would suddenly, magically make the plant considered by the eyes of the government to have low to moderate potential for abuse and/or addiction, while being less dangerous than the plant is considered now. Cannabis is currently schedule I, meaning it’s classified as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. A schedule III classification for Cannabis would give control over the manufacturing, distributing, importing/exporting, and use of Cannabis to the DEA.

The big question as of now seems to be will the Drug Enforcement Agency approve Cannabis as a schedule III substance? The Federal Code of Regulations has recently undergone some changes that signal the rescheduling of Cannabis to schedule III is the plan.

Title 21 Food and Drugs Part / Section
Chapter II Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 1300 – 1399
Part 1318 Controls to Satisfy the Requirements of the Act Applicable to the Manufacturing of Marihuana 1318.01 – 1318.07
§ 1318.01 Scope of this part.
§ 1318.02 Definitions.
§ 1318.03 Implementation of statutory requirements.
§ 1318.04 Specific control measures applicable to the bulk manufacture of marihuana.
§ 1318.05 Application of the public interest factors.
§ 1318.06 Factors affecting prices for the purchase and sale by the Administration of cannabis.
§ 1318.07 Non-liability of Drug Enforcement Administration.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1318?toc=1

The stage appears to be set for the implementation of Big Cannabis.
Marijuana is safer than alcohol, yet alcohol is not classified as a controlled substance on the CSA. Jared Allaway of safershirts.org , has been spreading the message of marijuana being safer than alcohol for years, by painting and mailing safer shirts around the world. When asked how he felt about the possibility of Cannabis becoming schedule III, Jared said “When trying to determine how to schedule Marijuana, one must consider that Marijuana is safer than alcohol.” For years many have been calling to treat Cannabis like alcohol in terms of legislation. While many activists disagreed with that call, in the case of the classification of Cannabis, the common ground now sure seems to be a call to completely remove Cannabis from the CSA, or descheduled. With alcohol not being a controlled substance, why should Cannabis be?

Cannabis prohibition has never been rooted in science, fact, nor the common good. The time is now to put a stop to this senseless prohibition of a medicinal plant that has helped countless lives. The fate of this plant is not solely in the hands of the DEA. There is something we can do. Call DEA headquarters 571-362-8487 and politely state “Cannabis should be completely removed from the CSA.” Getting those phones ringing off the hook to express the will of the people can and will make a difference. Use the hashtag #DescheduleCannabisNow on social media. Let’s get it trending and noticed. Never underestimate the power of a hashtag.

Cannabis Prohibition should not be an injustice passed down to yet another generation. Don’t give away your power by thinking you don’t have any. Stand in your power. Be courageous!

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This Organization Is Changing Lives In Idaho!

Idaho is among the last of the states still engaged in the racist policy of marijuana prohibition. All 6 states that border Idaho have some form of cannabis legalization or another. Idaho’s legislature is not representing the people on the issue of medical marijuana. Patients are left to suffer, or take serious risks by crossing state borders to obtain natural relief from various medical conditions.

The legislature is not on the same page as the people. More than two-thirds of adults in Idaho support medical marijuana legalization according to a recent poll commissioned by the Idaho Statesman. In 2021 Ilana Rubel, (D-Boise) along with Rep. Mike Kingsley, (R-Lewiston) had co-sponsored a bill to decriminalize medical cannabis, that failed to make it on the House floor for a vote.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, Ilana Rubel said she wouldn’t have been surprised if support for medical marijuana among the people (in Idaho) is actually higher. Rubel doesn’t think medical legalization is an Idaho problem, but rather a lawmaker problem. The legislators have shown their incompetence, so it’s going to take a citizens initiative to allow safe and legal access to a medicinal plant. Kind Idaho is on a mission to accomplish what the people’s representatives have failed to do. They aim to ensure Idahoan’s have safe and legal access to medical marijuana in their home state.

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article268261077.html#storylink=cpy

Kind Idaho has launched a citizens initiative titled The Idaho Medical Marijuana Act 2024. Signature collecting is well underway. To qualify this initiative for election, 74,000 signatures must be collected by April 14, 2024. Kind Idaho is a 501(c)(4) non profit organization leading this grassroots effort of Idaho natives and residents.

Kind Idaho

Qualifying conditions under The Idaho Medical Marijuana Act of 2024

Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette syndrome;

Chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis;

Any terminal illness with life expectancy of less than twelve (12) months as determined by a licensed medical physician; and any other serious medical condition or its treatment can be added at a later date.

https://www.kindidaho.org/faq

The Kind Idaho team is Jackee Winters and Joseph Evans. Both are passionate about helping others while keeping in line with an honorable set of core values.

“People suffer in Idaho. That’s not a good thing. It’s time for Idaho to grow up. It’s not about getting high, it’s about giving grandma better quality of life.” Jackee Winters

“Patient advocacy is first and foremost in everything we do as Kind Idaho. Our focus is life, healing and kindness for those we care about.” Joseph Evans

How you can help Kind Idaho

• Idaho residents volunteer to collect signatures, share the message, and make your voice heard at events.

https://www.kindidaho.org/volunteer

• Make a tax deductible monetary donation to Kind Idaho. Donations contribute to the cost of printing petitions, gathering signatures, and raising awareness at events.

https://www.kindidaho.org/donate

• Share your story to help Kind Idaho show that what they are advocating for is a widespread need.

https://www.kindidaho.org/tell-us-your-story

•Help spread the word about Kind Idaho

•Follow Kind Idaho on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

https://m.facebook.com/kindidaho

https://instagram.com/kindidaho1?igshid=ZmRlMzRkMDU=

https://twitter.com/KindIdaho?s=20&t=-g_JxWJ6qkoVYLyFOEBSgQ

It is kind to help others. Cannabis Community, let’s come together and do what we can to help Kind Idaho help everyone in the state that would benefit from compassionate use of medical marijuana.

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Come On Man, Biden Really End Prohibition!

Early afternoon October 6, 2022 my usually quiet phone suddenly became very noisy. First came the news that President Biden is going to pardon all federal offenses of simple Marijuana possession. After the news spread a bit, I was asked over and over if Washington state Federal Plant Prisoner Lance Gloor was being freed. It didn’t feel good to have to deliver the news that neither Lance Gloor nor anyone else who is currently federally imprisoned for Cannabis would not be freed by Biden’s proclamation. The headlines that came out that day weren’t always clear, in fact they were really misleading! Many people are confused and do not understand what the Presidential proclamation really means, myself included. So as soon as I was able, I sought to find answers.

The US Department of Justice quickly had a page up on their website going over the proclamation Biden delivered to the country that day.  On October 6, 2022, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation that pardons federal convictions for simple marijuana possession offenses. The proclamation applies only to federal convictions, including D.C. Code offenses, and does not apply to convictions under state or  local law. 

https://www.justice.gov/pardon/presidential-proclamation-marijuana-possession

Biden’s proclamation will positively affect more than 6,500 people who were convicted on a federal misdemeanor ‘simple possession’ of marijuana charge, as well as those charged and convicted under Washington D.C. law. Amazingly, the proclamation has no effect on those convicted under state or local laws! Biden has encouraged state governors to follow his lead, but we will see if any actually do. Those who will receive a presidential pardon will have their social disabilities removed. They’ll be able to vote again, hold public office, sit on a jury, have an easier time obtaining licenses, bonding and gaining employment. A pardon signifies the president’s forgiveness. It is not an indication of innocence, and will not expunge the conviction. Eligible persons for a pardon should check the DOJ website for the pardon application. 

It is important to note that anyone charged and convicted for federal simple possession of the plant after October 6, 2022 will not be eligible for a pardon, would face up to 1 year of incarceration, and a fine of up to $1000 on a first offense. The President’s proclamation does nothing to help free Federal Plant Prisoners Lance Gloor, Donald Fuggitt, Luke Scarmazzo, Raquel Esquivel, Parker Coleman, Ferrell Scott, Pedro Moreno, Ismael Moreno, Daniel Longoria, Travis Longoria, Jose Cervantes, Gabriel Daniel Gomez, and countless others. The proclamation does nothing for Jonathan Wall and others currently awaiting sentencing on the federal level. Those who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents who were convicted of federal simple possession of Marijuana aren’t eligible for a pardon either.

While I am happy to see this positive step and for those who will receive a pardon, I don’t feel that this is nearly enough. I have come under fire for expressing my views, and for pointing out facts that I’ve written about here. I don’t say these things to attack Biden, I say them because we need to demand more. After years of advocating for Lance Gloor and other Plant Prisoners, I realize that I have different experiences from most other people. It is heartbreaking when I hear from families of prisoners about how their loved ones’ injustice has torn their family apart, as well as causing unnecessary hardship and tremendous stress. I feel deeply for these prisoners and their families. I want their living nightmares to end, and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else!

The truth is that prohibition was created from lies in order to generate obscene profits for corporations. Biden has done much damage during his time serving in government in the past. His 1994 crime bill imposed tougher prison sentences at the federal level and encouraged states to do the same. That bill provided funds for states to build more prisons, and backed grant programs for law enforcement to carry out more drug related arrests. The crime bill also banned incarcerated people from receiving Pell grants for education, which caused hundreds of academic and vocational programs for prisoners to be shut down across the nation. Thank goodness Congress reversed the Pell Grant ban for prisoners in 2021! The Department of Education has until July 2023 to restore the grant for incarcerated students.

On the campaign trail Biden made promise after promise to decriminalize cannabis and automatically expunge marijuana conventions. Time to really walk your talk Joe!

https://youtu.be/V7nQiUl6Iqw

With Biden holding the office of President of the United States of America, he could do a lot more to end federal prohibition on a global scale. I think he should do more! While addressing the nation, Biden stated that he was calling for a review to either deschedule or reschedule. I am skeptical about any government that has kept a non-toxic, medicinal plant as a schedule one drug (ignoring the science and facts for decades) will suddenly deschedule the plant. There are synthetic cannabinoids that are FDA approved for medicinal use, while the organic plant remains defined as  a drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse as defined in the United States drug scheduling laws.

Will the government suddenly right the wrongs of the past? I’m doubtful. Afterall prohibition began as a conspiracy to protect business interests with no regard for the people. Even today, cannabis prohibition is maintained to a degree even where the plant has some form of legalization.


I urge everyone who feels it’s beyond time that prohibition ends, to take action now. How many more generations are we willing to pass down the multiple injustices prohibition causes?  How many more lives are we willing to allow to be lost, destroyed, or needlessly suffer due to prohibition?

Please contact the White House and your representatives and politely urge them to completely remove Marijuana as a controlled substance, set all nonviolent marijuana offenders free, and to repeal all marijuana criminal laws.  I know it’s easy for many to think their voice doesn’t matter, but I have seen and even participated in many calls to action that have been successful. If the people who represent you don’t hear from you, it’s easy for them to assume you are in agreement with what they are or aren’t doing.

Like Activist Alex Gentry says…”Baby steps are for babies.”
https://instagram.com/cannarchist?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

For the love of the plant and humanity, let’s end this.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

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Sensible Philippines

The medical Cannabis movement in the Philippines took off in 2014. What began with a small potluck gathering grew into something much bigger. A grassroots movement  was born that caught the attention of the media, and some lawmakers who got involved in the ongoing effort to legalize medical Cannabis. Fast forward to 2019, one of the organizers of the historic “potluck” and having been involved and a witness to its development,  Kimmi del Prado established Sensible Philippines, the only registered pro cannabis advocacy group in the country. “Grassroots is where the heart of the movement is. This is where we advocates from different backgrounds, from different walks of life, come together. This is where and how core groups are formed. And from core groups we all act together, united with one goal.” Kimmi del Prado  Chairperson Sensible Philippines. 

With the national elections coming next year, the first political party in the Philippines and Asia dedicated to the decriminalization of Cannabis use was launched on 4-20-2021. The idea of a pro cannabis political party was years in the making, and thanks to staunch advocates, The Medical Cannabis or MedCann Party, has established chapters in major cities across the Philippines. The goal is to win a seat in congress in the upcoming national elections. One of the boldest moves so far, according to Kimmi. She added that whether they win or lose, it’s a major achievement.

Kimmi del Prado is a trailblazer in the medical cannabis movement in the Philippines. She learned of families around the world who’s children’s quality of life were improving, or would, with safe and legal access to Cannabis. That sparked her activism. “I got into cannabis activism in 2014. I was a witness and an active participant to the birth of medical Cannabis advocacy in the Philippines. It was the story of Charlotte Figi that helped spark that in me. At that time, I met mothers and family members with patients (mostly children), through a Facebook page”, Kimmi explained. “As a mother, my only frustration is when my kids and I don’t get along. But to these families of children with seizures, it was a daily battle of staying alive. I just can’t watch them and do nothing.  So I followed my instincts, one thing led to another until eventually I found myself as one of the trailblazers of the cannabis movement.” 

At that time (2014) most of the world was familiar with, or learning about the Colorado girl Charlotte Figi, who’s Dravet syndrome was well managed by medical Cannabis. What most of the world didn’t know was that in the Philippines a girl named Moon Jaden Lugtu-Yutuc, was suffering from Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Pharmaceutical drugs were failing her and Cannabis wasn’t an option for her medical treatment. Sadly she spent her last days of life comatose in a hospital bed, Moon Jaden’s story  inspired and helped birth the Phillipino medical Cannabis movement and helped shape it as to what it is today. Sadly both Charlotte and Moon Jaden have since passed away, but the mark both girls left on the world lives on.  The national conversation about a government approved permit to try illegal drugs as a medical treatment, was sparked after Moon Jaden’s passing. 

Cannabis has been illegal in the Philippines since 1972, following the United State’s prohibition of the plant. Prohibitionists in power continue to use the excuse of the country being a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs as a reason to not allow its citizens the benefit of legally using a medicinal plant, despite the fact the United Nation’s removed Cannabis from it’s list of dangerous drugs in 2020. Activists have reached out to government officials who use the UN convention argument, but have yet to receive a response. A loophole in Philippine law does allow patients, as a last resort, the importation of unregistered illegal products. The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration can issue a Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions such as cancer or AIDS to have legal access to an unregistered drug like Cannabis. Epidiolex, a cannabidiol tablet that is approved by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) for use in the Philippines under a CSP is priced at $32,500 per year. Unfortunately obtaining a CSP is a difficult process, with the only approved Cannabis product being imported and pharmaceutical grade. Cannabis in its raw form is prohibited.  CSP is too restrictive and is not applicable to all patients.   Under the terms of “Compassionate Use”, patients must have tried all conventional medicine before being allowed to secure a CSP. Seeking healing through a medicinal plant legally, must be a last resort.

Drug prohibition policies come with extreme, harsh, and unjust punishment in The Philippines. Average citizens are often killed in the drug war, while the big time dealers remain at large. There is a great deal of public skepticism as to if all who have lost their lives were actually involved at all with illegal drugs. The government is constantly threatening anyone involved with illegal drugs, including Cannabis, with harsh punishment or even death. Despite all the drug war casualties, drug related problems haven’t been stopped.  In July 2020 the AntiTerror-Law was passed. This blanket policy grants authorities the power to quash dissent under the guise of fighting terrorism. The MedCann (Medical Cannabis Party) Baguio chapter had a planned public assembly stopped from even taking place in June 2021 under the law,  “We are an opposition party because we aim to confront the existing state drug policies. Under Duterte we have seen the bloodiest iteration of a drug war in history. We believe that the medical benefits of cannabis and even its industrial advantages will be lost to the country as long as our drug policies remain prohibitionist,” explained Henri Enaje, Attorney and the Medical Cannabis Party’s national chairperson.  “The War on Drugs has failed — it failed to bring us a just, humane, and peaceful society. As human rights and drug policy reform advocates, patients needing cannabis medicines, and some of us even victims of the drug war, we strongly call for an end to the so-called war against drugs. In truth, it has only victimized, jailed, or killed the poor and the helpless. It is this same brutal policy that prevents patients from accessing cannabis as medicine.” 

Since 2014, lawmakers working with grassroots activists  have been working to get legislation for medical cannabis passed in Congress. Currently there are 5  pending bills. President Rodrigo Duterte is the main roadblock with his controversial anti-drug policy – popularly called the ‘war on drugs’. His policies  have attracted criticism from human rights advocates due to the rising number of extra-judicial killings. “Marijuana – they are cultivated…I’ll give you the excuse to harvest for… they will say it’s medicinal. Everything is medicinal. That would be an excuse. I will not allow it. Not in my time….” President Rodrigo Duterte. The term of President Duterte and the 18th Congress expires on June 30, 2022. Duarte is ineligible for reelection.  Advocates and Activists remain determined and dedicated .  “As to the country’s collective consciousness on cannabis, I can say it has improved since then [2014]. Although there are still reservations on recreational use – it’s safe to say that more and more people now acknowledge cannabis as medicine.” says Kimmi del Prado 

With all they are up against, advocates  and activists in the Philippines have  made great progress in the 7 years since the movement began. It is important for advocates/activists from around the world to support one another.  Connect with Sensible Philippines: www.facebook.com/sensible.ph/ or email: sensible.philippines@gmail.com.

“We could use all the help we can get from allies worldwide. The more we come together, the more we can put pressure on the government to take action.  I always emphasize the importance of alliance and community building, and to diversify and unite all advocates. “What we are doing has never been done before, and this is a responsibility we took upon ourselves to safeguard the advocacy and make sure all efforts are directed for the benefit of the people and not for profit.”- Kimmi del Prado  chairperson Sensible Philippines

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Cannabis and Pregnancy – What Does Science Say?

A study was done in rural Jamaica, to identify neurobehavioral effects on unborn babies, exposed to Cannabis in the womb. This study was supported by The March of Dimes and later received funding from The National Institute on Drug Abuse, to further study the effects on the children, up to the age of 5.  

Melanie Dreher, PhD, RN, FAAN and team conducted the study.  Initially there were two groups of participants: 24 Cannabis consuming expectant moms, and twenty expectant moms who did not consume Cannabis,  and their babies. The expectant moms from both groups,  were matched for having the same quality of prenatal care, as well as nutrition. 

The new born babies from both groups were compared using the Brazelton Neonatal  Assessment Scale , which included supplementary items to capture  subtle effects.  
The new born babies were observed three times during their first month.

Day one assessments were omitted from the study due to unreliable data. At 3 days,  there were no measurable differences between the babies from the two groups. At one month, the babies who were exposed to Cannabis in the womb  showed better physiological stability.  

The newborns of Cannabis using mothers had better scores on autonomic stability, quality of alertness, irritability, and self-regulation. They were judged to be more rewarding for caregivers. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8121737/

The McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities was used to test the children at the age of 4 and again at 5. Data was collected about each child’s  temperament and home environment.  The results showed no significant differences in developmental testing outcomes between children of Cannabis-using and non-using expectant mothers, except at 30 days. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1957518/

The team who conducted these studies wanted to further their research on identifying neurobehavioral effects on the children who were exposed to Cannabis before birth.   Melanie Dreher, PhD, RN, FAAN  sought out additional funding from The US Federal Government,  to further study the same children from age 5 through 10 years. 

The request for funding a proposed extension of the study, was denied by the NIDA, based upon the results not being as expected, nor the results that Congress wanted. 
Melanie Dreher, PhD, RN, FAAN is often referred to as The Reefer Researcher.  She has conducted many Cannabis studies in Jamaica objectively.

Despite her impeccable credentials and a wealth of  information on Cannabis use, after Dreher released reports showing that children of Cannabis consuming mothers showed better physiological stability than children born to mothers who did not consume Cannabis, she encountered professional and political problems. 

Some have accused the government and anti-Cannabis groups of working to suppress her objective, science based findings. Dreher continues to speak openly about her research and political obstacles that were put in place in regards to her Cannabis research. 

Written by Kerry Cannon exclusively for CannabisActivismNow.com

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Rick Simpson, The Godfather of Cannabis Oil, Needs Our Help!

Since 1991, Rick Simpson has been educating the public on how to manufacture, and use High THC Cannabis Oil aka Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO for short). The results of his efforts have been life saving for thousands of patients around the world, who had terminal life-threatening conditions. For many others, the results from Rick Simpson’s shared knowledge have been life changing, given them quality of life, which they could not achieve from pharmaceuticals.
 

“I want people to know how to heal themselves.” -Rick Simpson 


For several years, Rick Simpson traveled the world, gave lectures and interviews, while authoring 2 books. Through his hard work and activism, Rick has helped pave the way for legalization of Cannabis in many countries throughout the world. He has never used his rediscovery of Cannabis Oil as a means to profit. Rick Simpson has maintained his belief that people have the right to heal themselves, and should have the freedom to grow this miraculous Cannabis plant. 

For the last 2 years, Rick Simpson has been removed from the public arena, and recently shared why. Sadly, he suffered a stroke in May 2018, which left him paralyzed. As a private person, Rick wanted to recover fully focused on doing so, outside of the public’s view. His wife has done an incredible job of taking care of him, and aiding in his recovery. Doctors didn’t think Rick Simpson would ever walk again, but he has been slowly recovering.  The couple lives on income generated from Rick’s books. Unfortunately, it is not enough to help Rick and his wife with the expenses of his recovery. He’d like to fully recover and get back to his mission. The man who has done so much, to help countless people around the world, now needs our help. 

How can you help?

You can support Rick Simpson by buying one of his books or by making a donation.

Make a donation in support of Rick Simpson via GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rick-simpson

Buy one of Rick’s books at: www.simpsonramadur.com

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What Happened To The U.S. Federal Government’s Medical Cannabis Program?

Expanded access, or compassionate use, is a program in The United States, that began in the late 1970’s. It began with a provision of investigational medicine to certain patients. In 1987, a formal program was established in response to HIV/AIDS patients requesting access to drugs in development. Under Expanded Access, people with serious or life-threatening conditions, could be granted use of an investigational drug, or medical device. 

The first legal Medical Cannabis patient to be registered in The United States since 1937, was Robert C. Randall. At 24, he was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma, a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, which results in gradual loss of sight. Glaucoma is treatable,  not curable. Robert C Randall noticed in his illegal Cannabis smoking, that his symptoms of glaucoma were improving. The pharmaceutical drugs he had taken for his condition, had serious adverse effects, while doing nothing to improve the problem. His MD said he’d be blind by the age of 30. The best medicine for Robert, was one that he could be incarcerated for.


In 1975, Robert and his wife Alice O’Leary Randall, were arrested for growing 4 Cannabis plants on their deck in Washington DC. They were growing their own medicine to treat Robert’s Glaucoma. At the time of arrest, Robert and Alice thought they were the only ones who knew that Cannabis may be an effective treatment for Glaucoma. They soon discovered that The US Government was also aware. Several years earlier, it was reported to Congress, but not the public.

Robert and Alice Randall fought their charges, and won with a medical necessity defense. Necessity is a defense asserted by a criminal or civil defendant that he or she had no choice but to break the law. The necessity defense has long been recognized as Common Law and has also been made part of most states’ statutory law. Although no federal statute acknowledges the defense, the Supreme Court has recognized it as part of the common law.

–Legal definition of Necessity defense

The case, United States v. Randall, was the first successful articulation of the medical necessity defense in the history of common law, and indeed, the first case to extend the necessity defense to the crimes of possession or cultivation of Cannabis. 

One of the earliest expanded access programs in the US was a compassionate use IND, which allowed a limited number of people to use medical Cannabis. The Cannabis was grown at the University of Mississippi and administered by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.  After The Randall’s trial, Robert won a lawsuit  (Randall v. U.S), that he brought against the FDA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health, Education & Welfare.

The settlement from that lawsuit, became the legal basis for the FDA’s compassionate IND program. The program only allowed people, with certain medical conditions, known to be alleviated with cannabis, like Glaucoma, to participate. In the late 1980’s, the program expanded to include AIDS patients. 15 people received Cannabis from the US Federal Government at the program’s peak.

A total of 43 people were approved for the program, but 28 of those people never received Cannabis, despite having their doctors complete the necessary paperwork. In 1992, the FDA’s compassionate IND program stopped accepting new people, due to public health authorities concluding there was no scientific value to it, as well George H.W. Bush administration’s policies. Currently there are 3 remaining people who still receive Cannabis from the government under this program. They are George McMahon, Irving Rosenfeld, and Elvy Musikka. 


Former President, George H.W. Bush’s administration followed the precedents set by the cannabis policy of the Reagan administration, including prosecution of the War on Drugs. Bush appointed William Bennett director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, who said in reference to cannabis, “Why in God’s name foster the use of a drug that makes you stupid?”


In 1999, the Bush administration began Operation Green Merchant, a nationwide investigation, and operation targeting businesses advertising specialized horticultural equipment that was supposedly used to grow cannabis. This program traced lists of customers who had bought such materials, and raided their homes. 

In 1990, the Bush administration began another anti-Cannabis program which called for states to further punish drug offenses, including cannabis use, with a six month driver’s license suspension. States were threatened with federal highway funds being withheld if they did not comply by 1995.

It was nicknamed: ‘Smoke a joint, lose your license.’ Upon closure of the Compassionate Use IND, Director  James O. Mason stated: “If it is perceived that the Public Health Service is going around giving marijuana to folks, there would be a perception that this stuff can’t be so bad.


Expanded access or compassionate use programs still exist in the United States. and even in Europe. In the US as of 2018, people could try to obtain unapproved drugs or medical devices that were in development. but under specific conditions. So why is there not a program for medical Cannabis anymore? On a federal basis, schedule 1, along with the FDA’s rules give the pharmaceutical companies favor.

The 2018 specific conditions are:

The person wanting the drug or device and a licensed physician are both willing to participate.

The person’s physician determines that there is no comparable or satisfactory therapy available to diagnose, monitor, or treat the patient’s disease or condition.

That the probable risk to the person from the investigational product is not greater than the probable risk from the disease or condition.

The FDA determines that there is sufficient evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the investigational product to support its use in the particular circumstance;

The FDA determines that providing the investigational product will not interfere with the initiation, conduct, or completion of clinical investigations to support marketing approval;

The sponsor (generally the company developing the investigational product for commercial use) or the clinical investigator (or the patient’s physician in the case of a single patient expanded access request) submits a clinical protocol (a document that describes the treatment plan for the patient) that is consistent with FDA’s statute and applicable regulations for INDs or investigational device exemption applications (IDEs), describing the use of the investigational product; and

The person is unable to obtain the investigational drug or device under another IND application (for drugs), IDE application (for devices), or to participate in a clinical trials


41 states have passed right-to-try laws, as of February 2019, that permit manufacturers to provide experimental medicines to terminally ill people without US FDA authorization. It seems that both State and Federal governments have given Big Pharma exclusivity on Expanded Access or Compassionate Use programs.

Hopefully someone, in some state, (or even Europe) is looking for a loophole in their state’s right-to-try law, and will legally get another Medical Cannabis Compassionate Use program going. With Cannabis having a 10,000 year documented use history, and 0 deaths, it’s absurd that sovereign human beings must be forced through legalities to accept the less safe option of pharmaceuticals, that have a wide range of adverse effects, and claim 1 life every 19 minutes. 

Written by Kerry Cannon exclusively for cannabisactivismnow.com

Posted on

Weed The Homeless

There is a population of people that would greatly benefit from Cannabis, yet seem to remain forgotten. Being homeless brings on many challenges from a mental health standpoint. For many, those challenges add to the already existing challenges one faces housed or not. 


There are no accurate methods of counting the homeless population. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the estimated homeless population in the US is 553,000. That’s 17 out of every 10,000 people.  While in reality, it’s likely to be much higher. This diverse group includes families with children (30%).  1 in every 2 is unsheltered.  70 percent of homeless individuals are men. 17% of the homeless population is disabled and chronically unhoused. Veterans are 7% of those experiencing homelessness. 


While the stigma is that mental illness is the cause of homelessness, the reality is that homelessness causes mental health issues, or  exacerbates already existing mental health issues. Living on the streets causes severe distress. Being homeless is traumatic, it increases the risk of depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues that one may be vulnerable to from a genetic or environmental factor.

 
Cannabis can greatly help many in our homeless population. Access to a natural remedy to ease symptoms of mental health issues, is often more difficult for these individuals, even in legal states. Beyond financial difficulties that may limit one’s ability to obtain cannabis, people living on the streets frequently have all of their belongings stolen, or even thrown away by law enforcement during homeless camp sweeps. Others may have all of their personal belongings stored away and not easily accessible.  Many are left with no ID and lack the proper documentation to obtain a new form of identification. A simple task for most, often becomes a major problem with many obstacles, for those lacking a home. No ID means no legal entry for adults in recreational cannabis stores, even if they have the funds to make a purchase.


Within the cannabis community, there are many who have experienced homelessness, or currently are unhoused.


 “Whenever I have become homeless, cannabis helps ease the anxiety while I figure out whatever ropes I need to learn. It helps me get my head calm so I can think without the overwhelming fear that happens the first few nights.” Seth Cunnigan

Seth Cunnignan

 
“I didn’t smoke cannabis through my last homeless stint because I was doing the total sobriety thing, but it would have helped tremendously with the severe anxiety I struggled with. Even after they got me into an apartment, I slept in the closet for several months. I had no furniture at the time but it was literally the only thing that helped me to feel safe” -William Bradley 

William Bradley (right) with Michelle (left)

“I know that being homeless made me feel I would be judged harshly if I had medication even if it was donated. That said, the only time fear and despair wasn’t crushing was when I could calm my anxiety over being homeless, especially as someone with agoraphobia by using cannabis. Being agoraphobic and a shut in and being homeless? Talk about agony. I personally make it a practice to give cannabis to the homeless whenever I can.” -Victoria Hughes  

Victoria Hughes (left) with Adela Wisdom (right)

A great way to help the homeless is to simply hand over a joint. Many strains of cannabis help ease PTSD and anxiety. Low THC strains are effective at treating mental health brought on or made worse by being homeless. 


Blue Dream  is a slightly sativa dominant hybrid with moderately high THC level that ranges from 17-24% on average. The effects of a Blue Dream are generally a calm head high and full body relaxation, that allows one to go about their day, without being held back by PTSD symptoms. For some though, the moderate level of THC may increase anxiety.


OG Kush helps with pain, stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. It helps the consumer feel happy, relaxed, and uplifted. OG Kush helps  to focus on the here and now. 

Cannatonic  is often used to treat pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, migraines, and a wide variety of other physiological and psychological symptoms, with  a low THC and high CBD content. 


ACDC is a sativa dominant strain with a high CBD low THC ratio. among its many benefits are relief from  pain, anxiety, with a clear head.

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”― Martin Luther King Jr

We can all help reduce human suffering with small random acts of kindness. Gifting cannabis to homeless human beings will help provide them with some much needed great relief. The added bonus is the feel good feeling you get in return, when taking a few minutes of your time to have a conversation with another who’s living in circumstances that are more difficult than our own. If you’ve never been thanked for remembering that another is human, you haven’t really lived.  We always help ourselves by helping others.
#WeedTheHomeless



Originally written by Kerry Cannon for CannabisActivismNow.com 

Posted on

The Cannabis Awards – Inaugural Edition

The Cannabis Awards are for us, and by us. The Mike Wise Show brings us this annual community awards, without any corporate financing or donors. The Cannabis Awards gives the people a voice, to not only nominate those deserving of recognition for their contributions within the community, and beyond, but to select the winners in a totally transparent poll. By us, for us. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and to all of our winners. Thank you for all you do! 

”Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” –Sherry Anderson


There are many categories for awards in this Inaugural Edition of The Cannabis Awards. The Cannabis Community voted for the nominees, and winners, of Best Event, Activist of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Outstanding Patient , and Community Superstar. 


The nominees for Activist of the Year:

  1. Simpa Carter
  2. Phil Monk
  3. Rick Simpson
  4. Madeline Martinez
  5. Callie Blackwell
  6. Corrie Yelland
  7. JJ Clements

Congratulations to our 2 winners for Activist of the Year!

Callie Blackwell:

Callie Blackwell

After illegally curing her son Deryn’s 2 different types of cancer with Cannabis, Callie Blackwell has dedicated her life to helping others to do the same. She continues to make a huge impact and difference in our world, working closely with many organizations, to ensure the terminally ill have access to Cannabis to greatly improve or prolong their lives. 

Corrie Yelland:

Corrie Yelland

After saving her own life with the help of Cannabis Oil, and curing her cancer, Corrie Yelland has been on a mission to help many others do the same. She has helped thousands of people, and changed many lives in all she does. Corrie dedicates 12-14 hours per day to helping cancer patients survive with the help of the plant, and co-hosts a  radio show, Cannabis Health Radio, interviewing patients from around the world who have had success with using Cannabis medicinally. 


The nominees for Advocate of the Year: 

  1. Vera Twomey
  2. Rev Brandon Baker
  3. April Weaver
  4. Gino Kenny
  5. Louis “Bubba” Zerobnick
  6. Sean Kiernan
  7. Kamani D Jefferson
  8. Shona Banda
  9. Chay Godfrey
  10. Trev Coleman
  11. Lisa Quarrell
  12. Tanine Montgomery
  13. Linda Sinclair
  14. Deb Brown
  15. Lee Harris
  16. Karen Gray
  17. Hannah Deacon


Congratulations to our 4 winners for Advocate of the Year!

April Weaver:

April Weaver

After having her family directly affected by Cannabis prohibition, April Weaver became a grassroots Activist in Indiana. She is passionate about Cannabis reform, and safer options than pharmaceuticals.
 

Tannine Montgomery:

Tannine Montgomery

Tannine Montgomery dedicates her life to campaigning for fair access of medical Cannabis for not only her daughter Indie-Rose (who lives with Dravet Syndrome), but for all children who would benefit from medicinal use of Cannabis. Tannine has gone to great lengths to give her daughter the best quality of life, while helping many other families to do the same. 

Lisa Quarrell:

Lisa Quarrell

Former Police officer, Lisa Quarrell, admits to illegally smuggling Cannabis into Scotland, to save her son’s life who suffered from epilepsy. This brave mum chose to risk her freedom, to save her son from partial brain removal, and have a better quality of life with the help of Cannabis. Lisa fights daily so others can access the plant without fear of conviction. 

Hannah Deacon:

Hannah Deacon

Working alongside End Our Pain, on her quest to provide a safer alternative treatment for her son Alfie (who lives with PCDH19), Hannah Deacon helped change medical Cannabis laws in The UK. Hannah continues to advocate for fair access of medical Cannabis for all patients in The UK. 


The nominees for Outstanding Patient: 

  1. Deryn Blackwell
  2. Tonya Sanders
  3. Jenni Christmas
  4. Shane Cognevich
  5. Huanito Luksetic
  6. Alicia Maher
  7. Phillip Anthony Bebington
  8. George Gannon


 Congratulations to our 2 winners!

 Alicia Maher:

Alicia Maher

Alicia Maher replaced opioids with Cannabis.  She is undertaking a PhD in the regulation of Cannabis for medical purposes, and organized a conference at the University of Limerick to highlight limited access to Cannabis in Ireland. She continues to advocate for wider access for all. 

Tonya Sanders:

Tonya Sanders

After the US healthcare system failed Tonya Sanders, she gave Cannabis a try for the first time in her life. Her life was transformed. Tonya is dedicated to sharing her story and helping others to not suffer the way she did. Cannabis has helped her be the RN she set out to be. 


The nominees for Community Superstar

  1. Kerry Cannon
  2. Gary Weevil Youds
  3. Sister Sophia Costaras
  4. Angie Valdez
  5. Deanna Jean (DJ)
  6. Melanie Rodgers
  7. Stephanie Landa
  8. Kayla Farris
  9. Drew & Christina Hausfeld


Congratulations to our winner Gary Weevil Youds!

Gary Weevil Youds

Gary Weevil Youds has been standing against tyranny in the plant war for many years. In the Chillin’ Rooms, he continues to provide a space of music, and great weed, that brings people from all walks of life together in a safe, peaceful space. Despite the many attempts by the botanical terrorists to stop him, up to and including incarceration, Gary persists. He and the Chillin’ Rooms are here to stay. 


The nominees for Event of the Year

  1. DCCC Autumn Expo
  2. Seattle Hempfest
  3. Know Your Roots
  4. Durham 420
  5. Colorado Invitational-Bong-A-Thon
  6. No Co Hemp Expo
  7. 710 Art Fair (Amsterdam)
  8. Cannafest (Prague)
  9. Dab-A-Doo
  10. Marihuana Mars (Ljubljana)
  11. Marsz Wyzwolenia- Konopie (Warsaw)

Congratulations to our two winners!

Durham 420:

Durham 420

Durham 420 is a unique celebration of 420 culture, that takes place across 5 acres of picturesque gardens in Durham. The event is limited capacity, giving attendees the opportunity to relax while learning about Industrial Hemp, Cannabinoids, and the medical benefits of Cannabis, in a county that is infamous for it’s unique approach to judicial leniency toward consumers of Cannabis. 

Know Your Roots:

Know Your Roots

Know Your Roots eco fest tribal gathering, is a true rebel festival. With over 100 workshops, talks, guest movers within the Cannabis Community, and shamanic drums playing, friendships were strengthened, and/or formed. It’s all about the togetherness in the aid of the now rising new Earth, where together we will achieve freedom, love and equity for us all. 

The Cannabis Awards can be found on Facebook at  facebook.com/Official420Awards

Before the end of the year, the polls will be open again to nominate hardworking, dedicated, shakers and movers within the Cannabis Community. 

”Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” –Alan Cohen

Written by: Kerry Cannon exclusively for cannabisactivismnow.com

Posted on

Wendy Love Edge – Love, Health, Hope

Wendy Love Edge is a mother, wife, artist, author, TV show host, journalist, activist and a survivor. Against the odds of modern medicine, Wendy took back her health, and life, while helping others to do the same. 

Pictured: Wendy on the left, Topher Kogen on the right

In 2013, Wendy Love Edge was totally disabled. She was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases. At that point, Wendy was unable to drive, suffered from double vision, and wasn’t able to take care of herself. Wendy faced sickness after sickness, with a destroyed immune system, and experiencing adverse effects from the massive amount of pharmaceutical drugs her MD had prescribed. Modern medicine couldn’t save Wendy. She was told by her Doctor that early death was certain, by either the autoimmune diseases, or caused by the pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat her conditions. At that time, Wendy believed her Doctor, and accepted that her fate was sealed. 

That same year, Wendy’s wife decided a separation was necessary. Before she left, she told Wendy that she knew if she left, she’d find her strength. Not too long after, Wendy’s inner voice told her that her body knows how to heal itself. She began to research ways to do just that. Still unable to do many things for herself, Wendy reached out to a friend to do a grocery run for her. The friend was unable to help, but did recruit the help of a mutual acquaintance.

Wendy was in the process of weaning herself off of the prescribed pharmaceuticals, and experiencing opioid withdrawal. When the acquaintance arrived at Wendy’s home with groceries, she asked Wendy if she had considered using Cannabis as a treatment. Wendy was hesitant, concerned about adding a new drug into her life, while she was in the difficult process of weaning off of morphine, but decided to give it a try right then and there. Much to her surprise, Wendy experienced immediate relief from body pain and withdrawal symptoms. 

It had been quite some time since she had consumed Cannabis. Wendy had toked with friends in high school, and a couple more times in college. She had a career in healthcare, where consuming Cannabis came with the risk of job loss, so she had abstained for years. In hindsight Wendy knows that her high school Cannabis use, helped her then deal with PTSD, anxiety, and depression that was a result of childhood sexual abuse. While in bed, convinced she was dying, Wendy had written a book about her childhood experiences, under a penname. 

With her eyes being reopened to the miraculous plant, Wendy began using Cannabis on her journey back to health. Following her intuition, and trusting her research, Wendy also started eating right, stretching, meditating, exercising, and using herbs. Within 2 weeks of consuming Cannabis, her double vision was gone. Wendy found that by making these changes in her life, the autoimmune diseases became manageable. Her wife was right, Wendy did find her strength. 

Wendy before on pharmaceuticals and after using cannabis

The couple remained separated during a time of healing and personal growth for them both. The wives allowed each other the time, and space, to work on themselves, while still having occasional contact. Life had not been easy for them together, during Wendy’s total disability. With the outrageous cost of healthcare in The United States, the couple had often visited food banks, and sold belongings, in order to eat.

Wendy was nearly bankrupted while just trying to survive the multiple medical conditions, and also had a desire to help others with similar struggles. She started making plans to start a nonprofit organization.  After 6 weeks of no contact, Wendy’s wife sent her some music she had been working on. An original song titled: ‘Bulldozer’. During meditation, Wendy would often visualize a yellow bulldozer pushing a pile of prescription bottles away from her. This synchronicity, made it official, the name of her non profit would be: Bulldozer Health. 

Bulldozer Health became a non profit organization in 2014 to help low income patients have access to medical Cannabis. This was done so on a free basis, by donations from medical providers to patients. No money was exchanged.  Bulldozer Health used a grassroots fundraising approach, holding concerts to raise funds. The non-profit helped income challenged patients obtain medical Cannabis recommendations from a doctor, as well as helping with other alternative health visits, such as chiropractic, and acupuncture.

For 6 years, Bulldozer Health helped many patients with financial difficulties take back their health, while reminding them that they have the power to do so.  Unfortunately 2020 has brought new changes to our world due to Covid-19. Fundraising events are no longer possible. After a great 6 year run helping so many, Bulldozer Health will sadly be no more. All remaining funds from Bulldozer Health will be donated to the Matt Adams Foundation, a non profit that aids others on the road to opiate recovery. It’s a bittersweet ending of a great thing for Wendy. She’s looking forward to what will come, as well as putting some focus onto the lack of patient homegrow rights in Arkansas, as well as a government imposed medical Cannabis shortage across the state, with only 5 cultivators to supply patients. 

After 3 years of separation, Wendy and her wife got back together. They found themselves and what they wanted. Their love continues to endure, and shows the world what true love is all about. Wendy continues to educate and entertain others through The Wendy Love Edge Show With Topher Kogen, The CBD Gameshow, and articles she writes for Cannabis Chronicles of Oklahoma. Her wife recently launched a radio station, WJAE420, focused on music and Cannabis. Keep an eye on Wendy’s current and future projects. She is a light of hope for self empowerment, showing others it’s possible to take control of your life and health. 

Originally written by: Kerry Cannon for cannabisactivismnow.com