As a medical marijuana patient, you understand the concerns
over if the profitable nature of the industry could eclipse the medical
beginnings and research, forcing patients to sacrifice quality and fair practices
for business profit, aka Walmart Weed. As a cannabis advocate for six years at The
Rose Collective, with an interest in integrative health therapy that goes beyond the bud, I
have found two articles highlighting the interesting future for this controversial
plant.
In a recent
article, CNN- “Sanjay Gupta: Time for a Medical Marijuana Revolution”
Dr. Sanjay Gupta calls for a marijuana revolution, being
legalization as the end goal. He references his groundbreaking field study with
young Charlotte Figi, who suffered constant severe epileptic seizures from Dravet Syndrome that left her cannatonic. The family decided to try a special kind of
marijuana, low in THC high in CBD. Now known as Charlotte’s Webb, this strain reduced
her seizures down to just two or three a month. Her miraculous recovery is
leading advocate groups and politicians alike to demand more research, rescheduling,
and reform for cannabis.
In-store Infographic from Rose Collective |
The next article Canna Insider- “Interview with Steve DeAngelo Cannabis Entrepreneur” reveals a provocative interview with famed Harborside activist Steve DeAngelo as he covers his concerns over the industry's growing obsession with profit and money making. He implores the listener to remember the real value
of the plant, which is far greater than any monetary value, that being lessons
in wisdom of the herbal healing attributes of this plant. He highlights the un-sung
holistic benefits of cannabis, like it’s ability to enhance the flavor of food,
spark creativity, open oneself to spiritual experiences, and heighten
sexuality to maximize intimacy.
Interview by MatthewKind @Cannainsider
Drawing on these two articles, I
have several suggestions for patients looking to get involved in activism or
wanting to extend their knowledge of cannabis beyond the “high”:
·
Ask for
CBD – When visiting your local collective ask for information and
descriptions of CBD products. Explore your own treatment options.
·
Vote for
Legalization – Read the laws and become versed in the success and failures
of current cannabis legislation so that you may make educated decisions about your
access to medicine.
·
Speak out
– Share your unique cannabis stories with family, friends, and local
representatives, or online anonymously through blogs and virtual communities.
Starting today, we hope you continue to educate yourself
about the medicinal benefits of integrating marijuana into your healthy
lifestyle, while maintain an active voice in the laws that shape your future as
a cannabis patient.
Kelsey Barney is a student at
Northwestern University’s Social Marketing Specialization Certification at www.Coursera.org.
After almost 7 years of extensive medical marijuana experience and leadership
positions at three Los Angeles collectives, I’m ecstatic to continue my journey
as a cannabis advocate and chief marketing officer for Rose Collective in Venice,
California. I came into the field after discovering marijuana as my only option
for pain management following an injury. Feel free to
reach out and contact me for more about information about our outreach
programs @TheKelseyB or @CollectiveRose Email: KelseyBarney06@gmail.com