Here we are. 2009. The anxiety of what will be is upon me and I look forward to the possibilities of this New Year. We worked hard in 2008 to be here in 2009 and I plan on making the most of it. I am still in a rebuilding phase, as I struggle to find my way financially, but my spirit is strong. The world is changing, we hope for the best. I feel truly blessed that I am not making plans to turn myself into prison (knock on wood) and that I am capable of looking forward to better days. Please join us in our fight for justice and morality in the world of medical cannabis. Although the country may be on a downhill economic slope, it seems that socially we should all be much better for the wear. My new year wishes are that progress is made in the world of healthcare reform, that we find a path to a more peaceful and sensible world, and that Barck Obama pardons me for my role in providing safe and effective non-smoked forms of medical cannabis to the patients of California. I hope that I can get back to life and get to visit my mother, whom is in Arizona missing me and her grandsons greatly. My family in Colorado and Washington (in-laws) have also been deprived of our family visits, as this battle with justice has consumed our lives for many moons. I would hope to put an end to this madness and get back to a normal and uneventful life :). May all who have supported us on this journey be safe in this New Year. 2009 will be just fine. Be good to someone you love and be good to yourselves.
We are all looking to the New Year to provide change and much needed space from the trauma of this situation. The raid of Tainted Inc. and Compassion Medicinal Edibles has left us with a whole world of issues and we are all working hard at surviving and making it through this tough time. We are looking at our futures in a different light, as none of us can be sure how this will affect us for the rest of our lives. We are confused at our choices and incapable of thinking clearly with all of the chaos that has become our lives. There are positive things happening in the world of medical cannabis and we believe firmly in our quest to see the day when patients and providers no longer have to be attacked and put on trial by a government that obviously has better things to do.
The New Year is a time to reflect on the wonderful things of the year past and look forward with hope to the year future. Everyone can see the change and progress that we hope for and it is imperative that we continue to fight for what is right and moral. The year 2007 ended in a very difficult and trying manner, but it still was a good year. I saw the birth of my second son and finally got a chance to marry the love of my life. I had a great opportunity to advance the movement and was involved with many great projects throughout the year that raised awareness and brought about change. We hold our heads high for our resolution to make a difference in the perception of medical cannabis users everywhere and we look forward to the opportunity to be leaders of activism and a voice for injustice concerning patients and providers. The future is uncertain, as this unfounded and spiteful attack from the federal government on our community has come to a head. It is encouraging to hear that Rep. Conyers may take the DEA to task on their wasteful and aggressive attacks in medical cannabis states. It is hopeful to think that we may see real change in the electing of a new president that is hopefully more interested in ending wars than continuing down the same foolish path our nation has been on for too long. We hope that the pressure in Washington, the pressure here on the ground in California, and the pressure from activists and supporters nationwide will continue to bring about change in the way society views medical cannabis. It is hope that keeps us going and moving forward when the future looks ominous. It is the support of great people and the words of wise leaders that help us to navigate the course that is best for our families and our community. The end of the battle is near and as the DEA heightens its attacks on our communities we must stand up and say enough. We must all make a true and valiant effort to let our voices be heard. It is our duty to improve the lives of the world around and we deserve better. The DEA deserves better. Our nation deserves better. I call for an end to the lies and misconceptions that have shaped the viewpoint of cannabis. We need to remember that this community is strong in our numbers and it is our right to medicate in ways that we and our doctors see fit. The New Year is always filled with the hope of what could be, but it is important also to reflect on who we have been. Please join us in our quest to make a difference and help us to make 2008 a year of history and energy that carries us to freedom and liberty. I am proud to be surrounded by such a brave and dedicated group of individuals that have collectively stood up to tyranny and have made the case for change. You are all beautiful. Never stop believing in what a small group of concerned citizens can do to change the world.
