Tag: Mike Wise

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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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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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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 

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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

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This Man Cured Over 3500 People From Cancer And This Is How He Did It

High THC Cannabis Oil has been used by numerous people for centuries, but it was banned in the second half of the 20th century, as a result of the rise of the billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry.

Mike with a batch of 60 gram syringes

Mike Wise is a skateboarder and national champion wakeskater with The University of Texas where he graduated with a degree in Radio-Television-Film in 2009. He has never been a fan of doctors, so when he got diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2014 he decided to take his health into his own hands.

Nowadays, he is one of the most well known activists in the world fighting for the legalization of cannabis oil. Using this treatment, he has cured over 3,500 people from a variety of diseases including extremely terminal ones such as Cancer and Glioblastoma (brain tumors).

Since moving to Europe in 2017, he has spoken at over 30 different countries all over the world on this topic. He is also currently filming a documentary with Rick Simpson to tell his story and help to get this information out to the public.

He states that cannabis oil can cure a vast variety of serious health issues, like diabetes, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, asthma, psoriasis, as well as some of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Mike recently recounted his story to a magazine in the Czech Republic: “I always tell people – Cannabis will cure you, and you will see that at present, it is the best cure there is in the world!”

He began his story: “It was 2014.  I had been dealing with symptoms related to Crohn’s disease since 2000. As an athlete, I was always busy traveling and competing. Doing so caused much damage to build up in my body after years of this abuse. The symptoms got worse and worse until I began vomiting blood every morning at 4am when I would wake up, and several times throughout the day; every day.

I had been studying plants as a hobby for years, and had been growing cannabis illegally since 2005 to smoke and occasionally make into edibles. After moving to Colorado in 2014, I began to learn a lot more about growing from other local growers and about cannabis as a medication from other local activists, caregivers, and enlightened doctors. I was filming a movie about families who had to move and relocate from another state to access medical cannabis in Colorado for their children entitled: ‘Illegally Alive’, which you can watch for free with this link.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOn142GAjsU

During the production of the film, I got in touch with Rick Simpson and flew out to Zagreb, Croatia to interview with him in person. While I was out there, we attended a conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia where Rick was speaking. I had to run outside in the middle of the conference to vomit. Rick saw me and said: ‘Mike, you really need to get on this oil brother’.

After getting the kick in the butt I needed from the godfather of cannabis oil himself, I ingested 90 grams in 120 days of high THC oil and cured all my symptoms relating to Crohn’s disease. This first 45 grams I ingested orally, the second 45 grams I took via suppository. Now I only take 1 gram per month as a maintenance dose.

It’s important to note that I never elected to undergo any surgeries. I did not let the doctors mutilate me and remove any organs or other body parts. I also completely changed my diet eliminating all processed foods, sugars, and carbohydrates. If I ingest any of these substances, I will need to take oil to prevent any new symptoms from showing up. I also eliminated as many sources of stress from my life I possibly could.

After curing myself, I decided to share my story publicly on social media. I immediately began to receive hundreds of messages a week from friends and acquaintances of friends. Everybody needed cannabis oil for their brother, mother, sister, daughter, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc…

I decided to get my Caregiver License in Colorado and immediately planted 500 seeds in my basement and began to supply the oil to anyone who asked. I have never turned anyone away since I started making the oil for myself and others started asking for it. I even used to make it for free. I would tell patients if they could bring me the materials and solvent needed to make the oil, then I would make it for them for free and would not charge them for my time or labor.

Mike with his plants in Colorado

To take my activism a step further, I created an activist run and oriented company called: ‘OG Labs’. On my website (www.oglabsgenetics.com) anybody in the world can now reach me and have the oil made and sent discreetly to their doorstep to any state or country in the world. I believe, as the great Thomas Jefferson did, that ‘if a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.’ I am hoping that by openly offering the oil for sale publicly, that other activists around the world will see what I am doing and feel empowered to stand up and make the oil for patients in need as well.”

Cannabis oil therapy is equally effective in all cases, for it knows no age limit. It can even be given to babies. People who publicly claim to cure cancer are threatened with 5 – 40 years imprisonment, according to laws in North America. Mike says the preparation of this miraculous oil is extremely easy. The standard protocol starts with several drops of cannabis oil three times a day.

“The usual dose I start cancer patients on is 60 grams within 90 days. If the patient has undergone any chemotherapy or radiation they will need much more than 60 grams”, he explains.

“Cannabis is not a miracle drug in the sense that most people think. The cannabis itself doesn’t necessarily cure you; your body heals and cures itself. Cannabis simply triggers this reaction to occur. You see, cannabis works like a key inserted into a lock. Your bodies contain what is known scientifically as CB1 and CB2 receptors spread throughout it’s entire system and on every organ. When cannabis gets into the body and into these CB1 and CB2 receptors it works like a key opening a lock, the receptors then began firing correctly and any imperfections or illnesses which are contained within your body will immediately begin to get healed because these receptors are literally located everywhere within your body.”

“This is significant for 2 reasons,” he continues “cannabis can help to heal or cure nearly any illness or disease because these receptors send signs to your body and organs to begin functioning correctly and to stop misfiring. In the case of cancer, these receptors will tell the body how to identify cancer cells and can help to specifically target and kill them without the use of any harmful or invasive treatments.

The second reason this is important is regarding chemotherapy and radiation specifically. I personally believe that these treatments do more harm than good. There are numerous studies out there stating that more people die from cancer treatments than from the cancer itself. To put it plainly, chemotherapy kills more people than it heals. After treating so many patients with cannabis oil, I began to notice a pattern. Patients who have taken chemotherapy or radiation always require more oil than the standard 60 grams in 90 days.

I know some patients who have taken dozens of chemo sessions, and have now consumed over 350+ grams of oil. They have consumed a lot of oil, and continue to take it today; but they are still alive. They often come to me after the doctors have given up on them, with only weeks to live. Their bodies are extremely frail and damaged. I believe that this is from the chemotherapy.

It is not a targeted treatment. It kills all cells in your body, unlike THC cannabis oil which helps to identify and kill only the cancer cells. This is why patients who are diagnosed with cancer and have not done any chemotherapy or radiation typically need 60 grams in 90 days before switching to a maintenance dose, as opposed to those who have done chemotherapy or radiation. They need more oil because their bodies are far more damaged from both the cancer, and the chemotherapy; as opposed to being damaged by just the cancer itself. Your body needs more oil, and more time to rest and heal from all the damage incurred.”

And, it is never too late for the patient to start cannabis oil therapy. Mike believes that every country in the world should allow their citizens to cultivate and use cannabis for medical purposes. He also points out that pharmacies should be opened for those who can’t cultivate it if they can supply it at fair rate for all people, not just the rich.

“Little is known that cannabis has been used as one of the most healing remedies for hundreds of years before Christ.

In the ancient Persian religious scripts, which among other things describe the most healing herbs, cannabis takes the first place,” concludes Mike.

His biggest wish and goal is to live in a world without cancer where every person can legally cultivate as many cannabis plants as they would like on their property or in their home, and where every person in the world can legally and openly consume cannabis in every place where you can legally smoke tobacco or cigarettes. Until that day comes he tells us that he will continue fighting for our rights to do so.

If you have access to materials and would like to watch his detailed video on how to make it yourself, you can do so here:
https://fb.watch/pauNSt-HqK/

He also hosts a page completely dedicated to cannabis patients on Facebook which can be found here:
www.facebook.com/MikeWiseShow

You can watch Mike’s latest documentary ‘Rick and Me’, which details his healing journey with cannabis oil, for free using the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjeR_J3Z-jQ

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RAISED GARDEN BEDS KEEP THE CRITTERS AWAY AND REDUCE BACK STRAIN

Planting means preparing a patch of ground, fertilizing it and then planting seeds or plants, right? Yes, some people are still planting in gardening beds, and while those are still my favorite, I admit I’ve come to appreciate really nice, lofty, raised garden beds. Here’s why.

Raised Garden Beds

YOU’RE IN FOR A GARDENING TREAT

If you’ve never used raised garden beds before, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. They have so many advantages over ground planting:

  1. It’s a lot easier on your back and knees.
  2. You can constantly improve the soil conditions to achieve perfect growing soil in your beds.
  3. Your plants get some protection from critters and insects.
  4. They give your garden a wonderfully neat, organized look.
  5. There are fewer weeds in a raised bed.
  6. Roots can grow deep into the soil to produce strong, healthy plants.

Does it sound good? Here’s how you can get started with raised beds.

EASY ON YOUR KNEES, BACK AND FEET

As you can see, it’s easy to walk around the raised beds to weed, water, harvest and just enjoy your growing plants. You don’t have to worry about bending, kneeling or walking through muddy planting beds.

Raised beds work for flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs and small trees.

TRY A COMBINATION OF GARDEN TYPES

Ideally, you should have a combination of ground plantings, raised beds and potted plants for a vivid, varied garden that you’ll enjoy every day.

Raised Garden Beds

WHERE TO GET THE BEST RAISED GARDEN BEDS

Raised bed gardening is even easier if you don’t have to worry about building the beds. The online store Wayfair has an outstanding selection of premade wooden planting beds.

Have you ever planted in raised beds? Did you enjoy it?

Originally published at: https://goodlivingguide.com/raised-garden-beds/

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Malawi legalizes cannabis amid hopes of fresh economic growth

Law change hailed by supporters as chance for country to benefit from rising global demand for medicinal cannabis products

Small-scale farmer Itumeleng Tau stands among his cannabis plants in a hothouse in Krugersdorp, South Africa.
Malawi follows in the footsteps of other African countries, including South Africa. Photograph: Denis Farrell/APGlobal

Malawi has passed a bill decriminalising cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, almost five years after a motion to legalise industrial hemp was adopted.

The country follows in the footsteps of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho, neighbouring south-east African states that have legalised medicinal cannabis, as well as South Africa, where medicinal and recreational use was decriminalised in 2018.

“Today is a very glorious day for me personally and, I think, for the entire nation,” said Boniface Kadzamira, the former MP who tabled the topic in 2015, following the successful passage of the bill on Thursday.

The economic potential of the fast-growing global medicinal and industrial cannabis industry has been the main driver of the law change in Malawi. In 2019, the World Bank said Malawi “remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite making significant economic and structural reforms to sustain economic growth”. The national poverty rate was more than 50% in 2016.

While Malawi is famous internationally for its recreational cannabis strain “Malawi Gold”, the bill to legalise medicinal and industrial production faced huge opposition from social and religious conservatives in the country.

“It is my strong view that cannabis will in the long run replace tobacco to become our major cash crop – that will contribute hugely to the GDP,” said Kadzamira, who explained that the industry will create employment opportunities in the farming and industrial sectors.

Agriculture offers employment to nearly 80% of Malawi’s population. Tobacco is the country’s major export, and the global decline in its use has impacted the economy. Malawi’s tobacco industry is also marred by exploitation, as international companies such as British American Tobacco have sought cheap labour – including child labour – and low tariffs on raw tobacco for export.The children labouring in Malawi’s fields for British American TobaccoRead more

“We don’t want to replicate what has happened in the tobacco industry. Malawians should participate, not as tenants, but as equal partners in this new sector,” added Kadzamira, who wants cannabis products to be processed in-country.Advertisement

Cannabis, which can thrive in dry conditions, is a good fit for Malawi’s climate, which has been impacted by the southern African drought.

Invegrow became the first company in Malawi to get government authorisation to conduct research trials on low-THC industrial hemp in 2015. Run by Tanya Clarke, a British entrepreneur, Invegrow completed trials in 2018 and was one of the groups that advised on the draft bill.

Invegrow has processed hemp products such as paper, bricks and cosmetics in Malawi, Clarke said. The next step for the company will involve work with the government to investigate local varieties, as imported seeds were used in the trials.

“There will be lots of people interested and looking at Malawi at the moment, but the next step is to make its investment climate favourable and positive,” said Clarke.

She added that she hopes the medicinal cannabis industry, which is less accessible to local entrepreneurs, will “bring foreign currency and exchange to the country, and that [it] should be done responsibly”.

Clarke said government consultations during the drafting of the bill were inclusive, paving the way for the industry to “open a lot of doors for lots of different kinds of people here”, and stressed the importance of traditional farmers and growers being involved.

Malawi’s Rastafarian community has been among those advocating decriminalisation and contributing to discussions on the draft bill. Though Rastafarians in the country face stigma, attitudes are changing; last month, the country’s high court ruled that dreadlocks must be allowed in school lest Rastafarian children be excluded.

On Thursday evening, Lazarus Kadiwa, 36, was minding his friend’s craft shop in central Lilongwe. “As we Rasta, we make food with ganja, we can make soap with ganja, we can make clothes with ganja, we can make medicines,” he said.

“We’ve been looking for this all these years. It’s our chance to do business with the government, because we need to have our own licences to plant our own ganja,” he added.

Lazarus Kadiwa
Lazarus Kadiwa said Rastafarians would ‘celebrate’ the decriminalisation of cannabis. Photograph: Alice McCool

“People are going to celebrate,” smiled Kadiwa. “Rastas are going to sing and chant and shout, because we know at last we’re going to make something through this healing of a nation, ganja.”

Chatinkha Chidzanja Nkhoma, technical director of Malawi Hemp Association and a prospective cannabis farmer, is also excited for the future. Nkhoma explained that traditionally Malawians have used cannabis to treat illnesses “from fever and smallpox to mental health problems”.

“As a young mother, I was taught to give my baby cannabis when he developed chicken pox,” Nkhoma said. “Hemp will be the new economic frontier, which will greatly benefit Malawians.”

Malawi’s minister for agriculture was not available for comment in time for publication.

Originally published by Alice McCool at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/28/malawi-legalises-cannabis-amid-hopes-of-fresh-economic-growth

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Stop Buying Garlic. Here’s How To Grow An Endless Supply Of Garlic Right At Home

Garlic is one of the most delicious and versatile vegetables we can consume, with a myriad of potent medicinal properties, a unique aroma, and a distinguishing taste that are valued all around the world.

It is low in calories, but rich in essential nutrients, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, selenium, and calcium.

Garlic improves overall health in numerous different ways. Its consumption lowers the risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of sickness by an incredible 62%, by strengthening the immune system.

According to Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS:

“Intensely aromatic and flavorful, garlic is used in virtually every cuisine in the world. When eaten raw, it has a powerful, pungent flavor to match the truly mighty garlic benefits.

Garlic is particularly high in certain sulfur compounds that are believed to be responsible for its scent and taste, as well as its very positive effects on human health.

At this time, there are more than 5,100 peer-reviewed articles that evaluated garlic’s ability to prevent and improve a wide spectrum of diseases.

Eating garlic regularly is not only good for us; it has been linked to reducing or even helping to prevent four of the major causes of death worldwide, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and infections. Other than the most extreme, rare situations, I believe every person on the planet should consume garlic. It’s extremely cost-effective, super easy to grow and tastes absolutely fantastic.

The best way to reap the health benefits offered by garlic is to consume the organic one, which, fortunately, can be grown with ease at home.

The best time to plant your garlic is fall after the frost has passed and the soil is cool. You can also plant garlic in late winter when the soil thaws, but the ones planted in fall form larger and better bulbs.

Here are the details you need:

  1. Take a larger pot and fill it with potting soil.
  2. Break a bulb of garlic and place the cloves in loose damp soil, few inches deep, pointing upwards.
  3. The garlic does not need much water, but keep the pot in an area exposed to the sun
  4. Cut the greens when they reach 3-4 inches, and leave an inch so they can regrow again.
  5. When the greens dry up and turn brown dig out the cloves, as each of them has formed a full bulb.
  6. You can take a clove of the bulb and start this all over.

Now, you have an endless supply of garlic to enjoy its amazing healing properties!

Source: www.cleanfoodhouse.com