Cannabis Corporation of Ohio

As I was sitting in the square across from the West Side Market in Cleveland today, a woman with a clipboard approached me. She asked if I was a registered voter and I responded affirmatively. Then she asked if I wanted to sign her petition to legalize marijuana.

In the world of cannabis activism, I’m nowhere near as well known as someone like Willy Nelson. However, love me or hate me, cannabis activists in Ohio know who I am. The fact that she didn’t have a clue was an indication that she is not a true cannabis activist.

Our conversation continued like this…

Me: Do you represent ResponsibleOhio?

Petitioner: “No.”

Me: What organization are you petitioning for?

Petitioner: The Blue Team! (she flashed me her blue fanny pack)

Me: The Blue Team?

Petitioner: Yes

Me: Do you have any literature I could read?

Petitioner: Sure!

She reached into her blue fanny pack and pulled out a full color, glossy brochure that clearly had ResponsibleOhio’s logo all over it. I held the brochure up, pointed to the logo, and explained to her that she does represent ResponsibleOhio. She looked at it rather confused.

Not only is she not a true cannabis activist but, I am not certain that she can read.

Then I started firing questions at her about ResponsibleOhio. She had no answers. However, she did make the mistake of telling me, “If this passes, the government will provide marijuana for anyone who needs it for medical reasons.”

That was my breaking point. I heard myself shout something like, “Have you ever needed the government to provide you with any medical necessities?”

When she could no longer handle my interrogation, she finally said something honest.

Petitioner: I’m just doing this for the money.

Her response reinforces my theory that ResponsibleOhio is working toward being the cannabis corporation of Ohio.

It's Coming Out Day

Dear Readers,

I don’t often write about my ‘day job’ as a Holistic Vitality Educator here but today I am because I have an important and controversial announcement to make.  This just feels like the most appropriate place to share this information for the first time. 

First, as a HolisticVitality Educator, my job is to teach people about the numerous holistic ways there are to achieve and maintain good health.  I pride myself on being a living example that regardless of a person’s diagnosis, there is always room for improvement.  The modalities I employ most often in my teaching are herbs and nutrition.

Second, the majority of my students are either people who do not have health insurance or victims of traditional medicine.  “Victims of traditional medicine” may sound rather harsh but it is fitting.  One such gentleman came to me after surgeons who claimed to be “cutting out his cancer” butchered him.  Upon first meeting him I thought he was in his 70’s.  He was actually only in his 50’s.  The cancer and ‘treatment’ had aged him significantly.  He said, “I know I’m going to die.  Can you just suggest something to make me stop vomiting every few hours?”  My heart broke.  With most students, I either direct them to an herb shop, health food, or an alternative practitioner like a Massage Therapist, Colon Hydrotherapist etc to get what they need.  This particular student however, had to suffer because I could not refer him to a dispensary that would provide him with the one herb that could have brought him comfort because it is illegal.  With cancer statistics rising, I am seeing more and more situations like the one I just described.

I am an Herbalist, a Certified Natural Health Professional, as well as a Holistic Vitality Educator and I support the legalization and use of Medical Marijuana.  I guess you could say that today, I am coming out of the 'Green Closet!'

The scientific facts and personal stories, which lead me to make this decision include but are not limited to the following:

• A study conducted by The International Medical Veritas Association (IMVA)
• The documentary "What if Cannabis Cured Cancer" which features respected medical doctors Dr. Robert Melamede PhD, Dr. Sean McAllister PhD, and Dr. Manuel Guzman
• Dr. Karsak's studies on Osteoporosis 
• Cheryl Shuman
• Phoenix Tears
• Brave Mykayla

If you are a caregiver, health care provider, or have a personal story to share regarding your experience with Medical Marijuana and you are hiding in the 'Green Closet,' I urge you to come out so that we can make this medicine available to those who need it.

Namaste',

Jane Hash, CNHP