2013-02-25 - Why I Quit Cannabis
It may seem unusual to see such a post, proclaiming that "I Quit Cannabis", particularly on a site like this, the "Cannabis World Summit". Rest assured, that the decision was made not because there is anything wrong with consuming cannabis, but rather it is a reflection that there is something wrong with the laws. I, the founder of the Summit, had hoped that by now I would have received my MMAR (Canadian license to use Cannabis for medicinal purposes), but unfortunately a few weeks ago encountered another problem that is delaying me from getting my MMAR license. It is a rather ridiculous story, which will be shared during the Summit. It is noteworthy to mention that in Canada getting an MMAR license is exceptionally difficult, despite the person qualifying for the Health Canada program. That is why now this whole issue is being moved up to the Supreme Court of Canada thanks to the wonderful man Matt Mernagh (let's pray he wins, for EVERYONES' sake).
Since I can no longer use this outstanding medicine under the protection of anonymity, my MMAR license is still not happening, and since I am now a potential target due to my public stance as a peaceful cannabis activist, I have decided to play it safe - I'm quitting cannabis... for now. I have decided not to try doing this alone anymore and have secured the assistance of a fine company, GreenLeaf Medical Clinic, to help navigate these muddy waters. I should have gone to them long ago, rather than hoping for the outcome of the court case R. v Mernagh, and for what it is worth, I would urge fellow Canadians to look into their services (don't waste time trying to do it yourself, just call them today). Once I get my license, or once cannabis laws in Canada are significantly relaxed, I will probably resume.
That being said, I shall now go back to pain pills (which I used to regularly take in reckless excess to control the pain) and other herbs to manage my personal issues. Fortunately, cannabis has already worked it's miracles on me. I can provide my own personal testimony that using cannabis has eliminated most of my chronic problems, and it will be mentioned at the Summit. Some things that have been bothering me for years have completely disappeared, and I have not even once in the past 6 months seen any of those symptoms. My main issues have been so dramatically improved, and whenever I sensed a flair up in my knees I was able to contain it before it became full blown, with just a bit of cannabis. I am, however, concerned about those painful symptoms returning now that I have quit cannabis for these legal reasons. For years one of my greatest fears within my gut was that I would end up in a wheelchair, however after using cannabis I now believe that I am walking down another road, of a future that I can walk in relative ease. I have on numerous occasions passionately prayed my gratitudes for this miraculous plant which has done so much for me personally, as it has done for so many others. There is plenty more to share about my personal experiences, and about these topics in general, which I shall reserve for later.
Please understand that this does NOT mean that I am backing down from this cause. If anything this is actually a declaration that I am taking this issue more seriously. I believe in this, and know how immensely beneficial this plant is for the health of so many people, but also from so many other perspectives (hemp is an important solution to many economic & environmental issues). My personal choice to stop using cannabis is simply to ensure personal security, and to ensure that this important Summit event may continue without interruption.
To all of you using cannabis to medicate with (or for whatever your purposes), thank you for understanding my reasons for quitting cannabis. Let's do what is needed to end this senseless prohibition, for the good of humanity, and the planet!
