moms for marijuana international - ARCHIVES

There are many stories that are so heartbreaking, when we hear that we wish we could do something to help. We often receive inquiries from the public, asking how they can help as well.

So we have set up this call to action page to help spread awareness about certain situations that have occured in this War on Drugs, and what you can do to help. Thank you for caring enough to take part in these call to actions. By standing together, we can make our voices heard!

Sometimes we have sporadic Call To Action Events on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Moms4MJ/events
Keep up to date by liking our page!

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Please only choose one form of correspondance and only contact each person once. Anything more than that could be consider harassment. We want our voices to be heard but we don't want to harass anybody. Especially since, it's likely the person on the other end is just an aide or an assistant to whomever we are really trying to reach. Please try to refrain from yelling, using profanity, or being aggressive.  Thank you!

 

MORE COMING SOON!

Candace Junkin is the Assistant Executive Director of Moms for Marijuana International and Maryland Moms for Marijuana Chapter Leader. She is a mother of 4, Grandmother of 3, and a medical cannabis patient in a state that does not give her the legal right to be. She works hard to educate the people of her state and of the nation, to the many benefits of the cannabis plant and is doing her part to try to reform unfair cannabis laws.

"Ive have been a cannabis user for 20+ years. Only in the last 15 years has it become a medical necessity for me. I use it for the pain of 2 chronic and uncurable pain conditions, for stress and for depression, in lieu of the pharmacuetical opiates, benzos and anti depressants the doctors want to fill my body with.

I probably would have stayed quietly in my cannabis closet, using in secret, but my dad got sick. In 2009 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. When doing my research about the disease I came across a patent owned by the United States Government (Patent # 6,630,507) on Cannabis as a Neuroprotectant. A patent that specifically mentioned it's benefits for Parkinson's Disease. Wait? What? The U.S. Government KNOWS it's a medicine that would help my dad? Yet they tell us that it has no medical value?! And I got ANGRY! And I started doing more research and I realized that marijuana prohibition was based on lies, and propaganda and fear. It had no basis in truth, logic or science! Why, if we discovered this plant today, we would use science and logic and truth and it would be hailed as a  wonder plant! I knew I had to do something to change this. To tell others the truth about cannabis.

In 2010 I went on a hunt for like minded people. I found Serra Frank and Moms for Marijuana... and the rest is history in the making."

"I BELIEVE in Cannabis as a medicine, as a recreational choice that is safer than alcohol, and as a renewable, versatile, sustainable resource! We need to stop LYING to our children and explore this plant for the benefit of future generations! I am passionately doing my part to promote education, awareness,and discussion about the benefits of the cannabis plant." -Candace Junkin

 

Cash Hyde was 20 months old when he was diagnosed with a 4.5cm Stage 4 brain tumor in March of 2010. Cashy survived septic shock, stroke, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension, all side effects of the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants he had received. His family was told after his 4th cardiac arrest episode that he would have brain damage, organ failure and that he would ultimately die.

From Just Say No… To Just Say KNOW!!!

Why am I here?... Why… Am.. I.. Here?... I suppose the answer to that is a journey all its own… For that.. we must go waaay back… back in time… Back to a time when I had No grey hair…lol.. or daily pains…

The time is the late 80’s.. and I’m in high school.. I had already been through junior high with friends who did things like smoke cigarettes.. drink.. or huff..   and other than the occasional cigarette at that point.. I was still a pretty good kid who was trying to figure out my way in life… High school was no different.. and the friends did all of the above on a more frequent basis… Still.. at his point I had not done anything more than smoke a cigarette now and then.. and I wasn’t really sure why people I knew did some of the things They did… I saw Awesome people do Really Stupid stuff.. I even had a cousin who was a teenage recovering alcoholic.. and because of all these things.. for  a while.. I was in groups like SADD.. and Young Life…

I..Had.. A Plan… I was going to graduate high school and go into the military.. the Coast Guard was the branch I wanted to join.. Specifically because they were “On the Front Lines of the War On Drugs”…I had seen so many people go down bad roads simply because they let some drug control their lives..(Ironically I later became one of those people.. But we will get into that in a few)… After the Coast Guard I was going to join my local Law Enforcement.. probably Fairfax County ‘cuz they pay the most around here.. LOL…  After working my way up through the ranks.. I would be such a good cop that I would make it into Narcotics.. and then.. The DEA… Yeah.. I had a plan.. that never had a chance.. the minute a gallbladder attack derailed a “regular” education…

So.. as I got older.. I had more and more health issues.. But everything was always just out of reach of a diagnosis… It was always things like “an asthmatic reaction to heat.. humidity.. and pollution in certain quantities and exposures”.. or “gallbladder sludge.. not stones”.. stuff that was always just a bit off of a normal diagnosis for whatever… Not asthma.. but close.. Not stones.. but close…

If I broke a bone.. it was in some odd place and fashion… I was constantly getting hurt as kid.. tripping over myself.. and even  to this day.. sometimes my tongue doesn’t work correctly.. Sometimes it feels like it has swollen up and I can’t move it properly.. But.. it’s not swollen and I don’t know why it feels like it is… My jaw will lock in place.. and/or I can’t open my mouth at all for few minutes.. Good thing I sort of learned to do ventriloquism when I was in grade school..LOL…

Now I’m a junior.. and at this point I have had my tonsils out because they didn’t function properly in the first place.. (but they were even worse after I had Mono in 9^th grade.. which officially destroyed them)… I had the almost asthma thing going on.. and I was about to be withdrawn from school because I was having a severe gallbladder attack due to “sludge” that lasted over a month.. and the rules where I was were all messed up.. Not to mention I was having all sorts of body pains I had never experienced before… After being withdrawn from school I ended up in what was called Adult Education.. for a short time.. until.. as an adult over 18 by this point.. I decided it was time for me to move on because of bureaucracy.. and get a GED so I could actually move forward with my life…  Although I had become a full on cigarette smoker by now.. I was still a “good kid”.. and otherwise.. hadn’t done anything more than.. Taste.. some alcohol…

About a year goes by.. and my boyfriend of a few years at this point.. and a former sailor in the navy.. comes to pick me up from my grandmother’s house on Christmas… Amongst all the other time we spent together doing things.. we managed to make time to get pregnant as well.. LOL… From the first second.. (really like week 3).. I was throwing up everywhere for no reason… When I was in high school I had a flu at one point that lasted over a month and was pretty bad.. honestly.. I thought I had another bad flu.. it was the only other time in life I had been THAT sick for so long without it being something like Mono… By the end of January 1993 I finally decided to go see a doctor about how sick I was.. at which time I found out I wasn’t sick.. but pregnant…

For the next 3 months Everything.. and I do mean EVERYTHING.. made me throw up… None of the usual remedies worked.. forget saltines and ginger ale.. Water made me throw up.. smells made me throw up.. (I swear if I even looked at something with wanting intent.. I Threw Up!) … I went for my monthly check up and the doctor told me I was dangerously close to losing my daughter… That.. was the first time I heard I was having a girl…

As you can probably imagine.. finding out that by my next visit.. I most likely would Not be pregnant anymore.. was.. depressing.. to say the least…Being in a distraught state.. I called a very dear friend so I could let it all out… Oddly enough.. I don’t recall actually ever really getting into it with her.. but I do recall some of the other events of the evening…

I don’t remember how the subject came up.. or what actually got the ball rolling to do so.. but I do remember being at her boyfriend’s house after he was able to get some marijuana for us… It was the first time I had ever seen pot for real.. and dealing with it seemed to be a rather tedious ordeal to me… (Having to go through it and take out seeds.. Yes..I know… Shhhhhhhhhh….LOL… having to break..or cut it up so it could be rolled into a joint.. BLAH.. whatever.. ya know!?!) … We finally get finished with the “processing”..lol.. and decided to go for a ride to smoke… We drove around for a few and came to a stop at the bottom of a hill with a path going up it.. One of those.. ya have to know about it.. little local spots…

We got out of the car.. walked up the hill a bit.. and stopped at a bench to chill and actually smoke… I remember.. feeling.. HORRIBLE.. like the WORST Parent to EVER walk the face of the planet… I mean here I was 4 months pregnant.. and I just got told I was going to lose my baby.. and What Am I Doing!?! ………..  Right about now.. is when we finished smoking the first joint I had ever had ever partaken of.. and right about now.. is when I got even more depressed than I already was.. (about the pregnancy.. about not knowing what was going to happen..with.. well. Anything)… So I went off by myself for what I think was about a half hour.. but none of us are actually sure how long it was to this day…

And then…. a funny thing happened…  After Four months of getting sick.. Just at the Thought of eating something… I… got… HUNGRY… I was SOOOOO hungry.. I demanded that we find a Seven-Eleven as soon as possible!!! … For the first time in months.. I didn’t eat what I thought might not make me sick.. I ate whatever looked GOOD… A hotdog.. some doughnuts.. soda.. chips.. some chocolate too… (I know.. All of these things are oooh so good for me.. but as far as I knew.. it was coming up shortly anyway)…………….BUT… Another funny thing happened… IT DIDN’T!!! … So not only did I eat without getting sick.. but All the food stayed down.. and NEVER came back up…      SCORE!!!!!!! …

Here I am.. barely out of high school.. where I was in the anti-drug and alcohol whatever’s.. pregnant… and High… OMG!!! … What Was I Thinking!?…. But… I couldn’t ignore the fact that I held food down.. ALL Night I held it down.. and only a twinge of sickness the next morning… Needless to say I made an appointment to see my doctor again immediately…

I told her what had happened.. how upset I was.. how I wished I could hold down food myself..  So… What could I do??? …  She said I should talk to more doctors than just her.. but in her opinion.. if it worked that well.. I shouldn’t over do it.. “if taking a couple of hits off a joint or a bong, kicks Your system into gear like that, then have a couple.” …  I did exactly what she said.. after I talked to 3 other doctors..  and got the same advice.. Oddly enough.. All of these conversations happened in hallways.. down the hall from doctors actual office… (Anyone who smokes on any sort of regular basis will get a kick out of this.. I got a quarter ounce through a friend and it lasted me for a little over 2 months.. LOL)… A couple of hits when I got up.. before anytime I wanted to eat.. and right before bed…Just enough to be able to eat…

I had lost so much weight by the time I started to smoke.. that even with rapid weight gain after I did.. at the time of birth.. I was still 10 pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant.. and giving birth dropped another 20 pounds off of me… (the day after I gave birth.. I was 30 pounds lighter than the day I got pregnant… I couldn’t believe what a difference it was)… I did ask when I went back to the doctor.. about what I had gone through during my pregnancy.. and if there was a way to explain it to me without getting too technical…It was explained to me that in essence.. My body sees pregnancy like a tumor that needs to be eradicated.. which was why nothing else seemed to work…  and thus ANY pregnancy I might have.. would probably be very similar to what I had just experienced.. if not a bit worse…

About a year and a half years goes by.. I’m in college.. and during this time I’m a social user of everything.. cigarettes.. alcohol.. and marijuana… I hadn’t really noticed the fact that when I would smoke I didn’t hurt.. of course at this point my pain issues weren’t that bad.. at least compared to what I have come to know as Bad pain… Then all of a sudden one day.. I felt ill.. bad ill.. like that flu… it went on for a few days by the time I got concerned…

I’m supposed to be going to school.. but I’m freaking out because I think I might be pregnant again… So.. I went and picked up a pregnancy test and went to a friend’s house to use it.. although when I showed up she had No Clue why I was really there… I went into the bathroom and used the test.. and when I saw the result.. I Lost It!!! … My friend had no idea why I was in the bathroom freaking out.. crying my head off.. until she came in and I showed her the test…  Without getting into all the details.. I was young..stupid.. and Really scared that this pregnancy wouldn’t even make it to birth… Being so Incredibly out of my mind.. I made the hardest decision I have ever made.. and I had the pregnancy terminated… Whether this was right or wrong.. even I don’t know for sure… But believing very strongly in.. Everything Happens for a Reason… I know I would not be who I am now.. and I like who I am now.. nor would I be on the path I am on.. had things occurred any differently…

With that said.. the next part of my journey wasn’t easy for anyone involved in it… Although I met the Love of my Life several months after all of that.. and we were an official couple a few months later.. that didn’t change the fact that not only had I become a  heavy daily cigarette smoker.. and heavy daily drinker.. but a daily pot smoker as well… (Funny enough..it was marijuana that also got me and my husband together)..but That’s a Whole Nother story…

What I can only attribute to Not wanting to deal with life.. reality.. or anything other than self loathing for things I had done.. the following 9 years I stayed a daily.. everything.. user.. but my alcohol consumption went up Drastically… By the time I quit drinking.. I was downing at least 3.. 40 ounce bottles of Hurricane a night.. YES.. a Night… During this period I had even gotten married to the most Wonderful.. and wacked out just as much as I was.. Guy… I told him when we got married I wasn’t marrying the man he was then.. but the man he would become… (and after 8 years of marriage…12 years together)…the day our son was born.. he Finally understood what I meant..

Obviously.. due to things like smoking cig’s.. drinking Constantly.. NOT taking care of myself in any good ways.. and Years of being on Depo Provera (a birth control shot that lasts for 3 months..for those who don’t know what it is).. I was in Bad shape.. Not only physically.. but mentally as well… As my daily pain level increased..  I noticed that when I would smoke-up.. I didn’t hurt as much.. unfortunately.. I noticed the same thing when I would drink.. and so the drinking continued until Our lives were Almost Totally out of control.. (I say Our lives.. `cuz my husband and I live with my Mom and my Daughter..to this day)… One or both of us.. were constantly Partying waaaaaaaay to much.. messing up at work.. Not showing up.. or leaving work early.. `cuz we felt like crap all the time…

The turning point.. after a few attempts to straighten ourselves out.. was when I came downstairs one morning in December of `05.. only to find my husband.. home..  at 10am on a weekday.. drunk off his a**.. attempting to put a new dvd drive in our computer… Something we had NO money to buy in the first place.. then I notice the rest of the $300 worth of stuff around the room..(not only had he called in sick..and used Me as the excuse to stay home..but he had gone out and charged everything to his Work credit card).. When I asked him where he got the money to buy all this stuff .. he said.. his boss said he could.. something I knew was complete lie…

As my husband spent that Christmas AND New Years in Detox.. I had my last beer.. on December 24,2005 at 2 am… While drinking it.. I realized I couldn’t help Him.. without helping me first.. so I walked to the bathroom and poured it out..  Along the rest of the six pack I had bought that night.. I began going to AA meetings.. and of course.. listening to rhetoric.. I quit puffin too.. but the cig’s stayed for a while.. (which is funny.. as anyone who has EVER been to an AA meeting.. knows.. the first thing they do on breaks.. is go outside and smoke cig’s…like THAT is ok for ya..but nothing else is…lol)… Oh.. and let’s not forget the large amounts of coffee.. people at AA meetings drink…

So now I’m not drinking or puffing.. but still smoking cig’s.. and my pain is increasing every day…After about 3 months. I couldn’t take it anymore.. and started puffing again.. I.. Immediately.. noticed a difference in how I felt (although I wasn’t fond of the newbie feeling again.. ya know.. All paranoia.. silly giggles.. and munchies..  lol.. something that goes away after a little time as a regular puffer.. at least for me).. I could do things again… Moving wasn’t as hard anymore.. and so.. life could move forward again…  Towards the end of May `06 I quit smoking cig’s.. I had actually Planned on quitting that June on my 33^rd Birthday anyway.. so when money got tight.. I figured.. Why Not Now!?!...

Spring forward a couple of years… In April of `08.. my husband breaks his leg at work.. and I end up having to quit My job (the job I had JUST .. gone back to.. after being gone for several months).. to stay home and take care of him… It took 3 years for his leg to heal to the point where he could return to work… During which time.. we ended up having to move due to Mold in our rental home.. that was caused by a weird flood in the row of townhouses we were in (the water just  came up through the foundation)… My Mom bought a house.. and my husband and I moved in a month before my Mom and my daughter did… That was the only time we have ever been alone that much.. in our entire relationship…

If you haven’t already guessed where this is going.. lol.. The second day we had the keys.. and the First Night we spent alone together in the new house.. We.. Got.. Pregnant!!!.. Of course with everything that was going on (and the fact that since I had stopped getting Depo shots 5 years earlier.. my body STILL wasn’t on a regular schedule).. having to put in a floor downstairs.. getting an Orange arch from an outlet when I plugged something in.. a laundry room that flooded anytime we drained the tub.. still having to pack stuff at the other house to prepare for the real move.. and getting the new house ready for everything to be moved in… I was going constantly.. so I figured the fatigue was just.. Me.. Being.. Me…

 

A month later.. we are moved in.. and I feel even worse.. (but I still had Not thrown up.. so I didn’t go straight to.. I’m pregnant.. I went straight to.. I’ve been running myself ragged and I’m paying for it.. lol)… Then.. One night.. a dear friend called.. and when she heard I was still not feeling well.. she asked if maybe I was pregnant… Of course my immediate response was.. No.. If I was Pregnant.. I’d be throwing up.. and I haven’t even felt nauseous… (You’re an intelligent bunch I’m sure.. so you can guess what happened next.. that Very Night???.. LOL)… Just a few short hours later.. All of a sudden.. Out of Nowhere.. BOOM.. I’m running to.. well.. you know.. and I’m sure ya don’t wanna hear me say it again…lol…

Needless to say.. Now.. being sober.. And married to the Man of My Dreams.. combined with my medical history.. I was not only Giddy.. but too Scared to think straight for about 10 minutes when we saw the results of the pregnancy test that night (results that showed up in record time.. I wasn’t even off the potty when it showed positive..lol)… My husband knew why I was Happy and Freaked out all at the same time.. and He.. Very Lovingly.. Told Me.. He was gonna be there with me no matter what We.. decided to do next… Which was of course.. to go through with the pregnancy.. while doing whatever we could to ensure the safety of Our Child.. And Me..

Unfortunately.. this time.. even puffing wasn’t enough to help with everything sometimes.. (mind you.. we aren’t talking about High grade here.. but decent middies).. and although I don’t normally say people should take a pill for what ails them.. Thank God for this little tiny pinkish pill that kills nausea 30 seconds or so after it dissolves on your tongue..  I was soo miserable during this pregnancy.. that I stayed home 95 % of it.. usually only leaving the house for doctor appointments and such.. and at home I was either in the Lazy-Boy rocker/recliner.. or my bed.. I barely even left the bedroom.. let alone the  house… About half way through the pregnancy.. right when I had finally gotten a balance of food and such down pat.. we learned I had Gestational Diabetes… In the attempt to “make me better”.. lol.. they had me stop what I was doing and begin doing what Every Other woman does when they find out… We adjusted diet.. they gave me pills.. and so on (I tried to tell `em in the beginning.. that my body just doesn’t seem to go along with “the Norm”.. of well.. Anything.. lol)… By the time we got all my..whatever’s.. leveled out.. it was 2 weeks before my due date.. so they scheduled to have me induced right at the due date…

Our son was born on July 1^st `09… He is a part of our second Chance at life.. He is our second Chance at getting parenthood right.. from early on… He is his father’s Chance to carry on the family name.. He is my Mom’s Chance to be Grandma again.. instead of.. GRAA- Maaaaaaaaaaaa ( in a female..teenage..annoyed voice..lol)… He is my daughter’s Chance to be a Big sister for real.. He is the Chance we give Peace… He will suffer from CRS (Can’t Remember S**t) Forever!!!.. LOL.. His name is Chance Raphael Smith.. and he was born with My attitude.. lol… He was also born hypoglycemic.. and was in the NICU for 10 days.. until he could regulate his blood sugar on his own… It was a rough ten days.. but we All made it through to the other side.. just fine…

Did I mention.. I’m Highly Allergic to certain types of mold.. and that during the pregnancy .. our bathroom.. and my Mom’s bedroom.. had to be redone because.. Our bathroom pipes..and shower bottom.. had leaks in them.. and Our bathroom is directly over my Mom’s Bed… (Oh Joy!!.. What Fun are we having Now!?!.. lol)… I wouldn’t be surprised one bit.. If the reason simply puffing didn’t work all the time.. was because of the mold in the house…

Spring forward to the beginning of This year.. My husband is back at work.. and I’m a stay at home Mom.. but something inside me.. says I should be doing more.. More?? More than being a Mom??..lol.. Yea.. More… So I decide to start going to Rallies.. and Protests.. and whatever else I could think of.. to cover as Independent Media.. and possibly as a Documentary Film maker too… So.. armed with my camera.. I did just that..

After going to a few things.. Including an IMF thing.. that had such bad vibes to it.. it took  2 weeks.. AND.. me meeting all the other Pro Marijuana folk.. for me to shake the vibes… Finally.. on April 20 `11.. I went to DC to cover the rally thrown by Overgrow the Government.. and I met a lot of very interesting people.. some of whom I am now Honored to have as Friends (You All know who you are... lol)… I had already become a part of several groups on Facebook.. and did What I could.. When I could.. Where I could.. Including getting Adam Kokesh to do a shout out to Moms and Overgrow (he is an Awesome individual!!!)… I also began trying to learn Everything I can about Cannabis.. which I must admit.. is a far Greater subject.. than I EVER expected it was…

Ask.. and Ye.. SHALL.. Receive… I wanted to do More.. and I got exactly what I asked for (maybe next time I should be more specific..LOL)… In the midst of life being Nuts.. as it tends to get at times.. I got a random message from Serra Frank.. asking me if I live in Virginia.. I responded that I do. Why?... A couple of weeks go by.. and no answer as to why.. and being the curious sort.. I sent another message asking why… A  few days later I got her response.. explaining that Moms for Marijuana was in need of a new Virginia Chapter Head.. and she wondered if I would be interested in the position…

Having No Idea.. What that meant.. really.. I asked a few questions.. and ultimately decided the universe was sending me a sign.. a Big one.. about what path I should be on.. and I accepted… Although I Still have No Idea what I am doing.. exactly.. lol.. I know one thing for sure… I have Never felt more Centered.. Focused.. and Positive.. about Who.. What.. and Where I am in life.. than I am.. Right Now… (Saying Yes.. to Serra.. also meant I had to come clean about a few things.. with Very Important Family members.. which went a lot better than I thought it would.. and has turned out to be a blessing)… For the First time in My Life.. I am able to be Me.. Completely.. Not only with friends.. But at Home.. where it Really matters…

To Fully answer the question..Why am I here???… I feel you must also hear a few words from the Moms for Marijuana founder.. Serra Frank.. who in an interview stated two things..

“As an adult and as a medical user, I have no other choice, no matter the legality of the drug. I don’t want to go to jail or have to deal with anyone even questioning whether I am a competent parent because of my use. But I have to use Cannabis if I want to live my life and take care of my family.”

AND..

“Cannabis is a renewable, sustainable and versatile resource. It can be used for paper, plastic, fiber, food, fuel, construction, medicine, recreation and more. It can provide our world with a new crop, new biodegradable products and renewable sources of energy. It could create jobs, increase revenue, and provide new taxes that could be used for our communities and schools. It can create thousands of medicines that could help ease the suffering of millions of people and potentially holds the cure for cancer and other elusive diseases. It can help people to become productive members of our society by allowing them to become independent from our welfare systems.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself…

So… Now… I have a Mission… Not just a calling… to Help Educate Everyone I’m able to… About Cannabis.. and ALL its uses… I also have a New Family of sorts.. The Cannabis Family.. Most of whom are Very Loving and Laid back Individuals.. who seem to go out of their way.. Even for people they barely know… I must admit.. it is Truly Wonderful to be surrounded by such giving people.. I Feel the Love.. Every Day.. and Thank the Universe at Large.. for Bringing people with so much to give.. into My life… I Hope I make You ALL as proud to be a part of My World.. as You Make Me.. being Part of Yours…

Special Thanks to All the members of Moms For Marijuana.. and Dads for Marijuana… All of You are a source of Inspiration for Me.. to be.. More Me… The Constant Kindness and Gratitude towards everyone’s efforts.. makes it easier to push onward during the days when things seem bit harder to handle…

As  Always… I say to You to All…

MUCH LOVE!!!

Embrace Your Everything!!!

And.. of course..

One World… One Plant… One Solution…

I am not just a a believer in Cannabis. I am a believer in hemp. Hemp is a miracle plant. We eat it, drink it, wear it and use it treat our ailments and illnesses. But I am here to speak about Cannabis, an herb, a medicine. Its very plain to see why pharaceutical companies are afraid of this super plant. How can one plant, relieve insomnia or increase mental activity? How can one plant induce hunger for anorexics, provide pain relief for migraines, cancer patients, stave nausea, relax a child into concentration without changing their personality? How can the oil of one plant sooth skin problems such as psoriasis, strained muscles, pain in your bones from osteoporosis.

 

 

All chapters are directed and maintained during the spare time of very busy people;

the majority of which are first, and above all else, Mothers.

 

Our chapters include a variety of ages, genders, races, cultures, and even parental status!

Each chapter is going at it's own pace.

Some are active in the community.

Some are only available online.

 

Current Chapter/Subchapter Count- 99

 

If you are having trouble reaching a chapter,
and/or would like to help make that chapter more active,
or if there isn't a chapter near you and you would like to start one in your area,
please email mom@momsformarijuana.org

 

International

Facebook Page -www.facebook.com/moms4mj
Facebook Group - Moms for Marijuana International Members
Twitter: @Moms4Marijuana
Google+: Moms for Marijuana International
CafeMom : http://www.cafemom.com/group/107640
Myspace: www.myspace.com/moms4marijuana

 

Australia - Mums for Marijuana

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AustraliaMums4Mj

 

Canada

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/CanadaMoms4MJ
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/433873106631797/

British Columbia-

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BCMoms4MJ
Kelowna Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Kelowna-Moms-for-Marijuana
Okanagan Valley Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/221416187956498/

Ontario-

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/OntarioMoms4MJ
Kitchener/Cambridge/Waterloo Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KWCMoms4MJ
Kitchener/Cambridge/Waterloo Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/278070058936434/
Trent Hills Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Trent-Hills-Moms-for-Marijuana/406981382672709
Trent Hills Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/456677661024781

 

Holland

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HollandMoms4MJ
Drenthe Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/DrentheMoms4MJ

 

Indonesia

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/IndonesiaMoms4MJ

 

Israel

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/IsraelMoms4MJ
Netayna Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/250815321605986
Tel Aviv Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TelAvivMoms4MJ
Tel Aviv Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/160743090668362

 

Ireland

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/IrelandMoms4MJ

 

Malaysia

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MalaysiaMoms4MJ

 

MMORPGs - Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/MMORPG-Moms-for-Marijuana/343999729010438

Second Life

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SecondLifeMoms4MJ
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/200497463351710

 

Nomadic

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NomadicMoms4MJ

 

Portugal

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PortugalMoms4MJ

 

United Kingdom - Mums for Marijuana

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/UKMums4MJ

England

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/EnglandMums4MJ
Yorkshire Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/YorkshireMoms4MJ
Yorkshire Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/198897243553600

 

United States

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/USMoms4MJ

Alabama

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I am a medically retired firefighter, paramedic and arson investigator.  This is the story of how medicinal Cannabis saved my life.

After 20 years of service to my community and country in the fire service I was seriously injured in the line of duty with the Fresno California fire department and medically retired after a year of surgeries and recovery.  The residual problems resulted in repeat surgeries and the multiple injuries left my body racked with pain.  I spent the next 15 years in and out of treatment centers and the offices of numerous pain specialists and physical therapists.  I was treated with some of the strongest pain medications known to man; taken every way from intravenous to trans-dermal.  I often slept over 20 hours every day for months.  On bad weeks I would sleep 48 hours at a time, waking only to urinate.  My caring friends and family were always available to cook and clean for me, leading to a condition of becoming fat, lazy, sick and depressed.  Without a job, without a care and lots of money coming in from a community that did care about me I became near death from my own neglect.  I became a diabetic; I suffered cardiac problems, stomach ulcers, depression as well as pain and disability.  My weight reached over 310 pounds for a guy that is 6'2" tall and normally weighs 190 pounds.

In July of 2007 I was told by my pain management specialist that if something drastic didn't happen soon I would be dead within a year.  I was also told that if things continued as they were that he would no longer prescribe pain medication to me as he didn't want my death on his head.  I was made aware that I was not only in a lot of pain, but that I had become an addictive personality and there was only one medication that he knew of that would help me; that was Cannabis.  I state the disbelief to my doctor for this suggestion as my medical background and public service background had deeply ingrained into my thinking that the only thing Marijuana was useful for was intoxication and partying.  I accepted his offer to try for just one year and that if I wasn't better he would refer me to hospice care.  I now wish I had tried medical Cannabis much sooner.

I began my medically guided Cannabis plan on 9 August 2007.  The doctor suggested a combination of Cannabis types and methods of administration.  The plan included pain control and a weaning off of all prescription narcotics.  During the first week of treatment I had a small sense of abandon as I used a large amount in combination with smoking and eating the medication, I decreased my narcotic intake by half in that first week.  By the end of the first month I was taking only 25% of the narcotics of the previous month and had lost over 25 pounds.  By the end of the second month I was only sleeping an average of 10 hours a day anymore, I was walking over 2 miles and had lost a total of 55 pounds and to top it all off I was writing and thinking more clearly than I had in over 15 years.

Only five months passed from when I began my guided program back to health with the help of a legally doctor recommended program of medical Cannabis before I noticed an big difference.  I now weigh only 195 pounds; my activity levels are greatly improved, my pain greatly decreased and my mind and ability to think not just unaffected but improved.  I am taking only the rare and mild pain pill and my diabetes is diet controlled.  I feel better than I have since before my accident, I am happier and live with a greater sense of purpose than ever before.  If there is anyone that has learned to hate then love Cannabis, that person is me.  I cannot live happily knowing that my life was saved by a miracle cure in a plant that is still labeled as illegal without trying to change at least one person's mind.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We have a very deep connection in this country with our alcohol.  In the 20's we tried to get rid of it and we learned the dangers of battling a vice.  When prohibition was repealed a great lesson was learned; that lesson was soon forgotten, (you shouldn't try to legislate morality.)  Education and support are the only way to go with free classes and clinics.  Today we have stopped killing our youth by educating them about the dangers of tobacco.  As a firefighter I have seen hundreds killed as a result of alcohol.  As a paramedic I have watched as thousands have died of respiratory failure due to cigarette smoking; I only know of one arrest due to intoxicated driving under the influence of Cannabis.  HOW MANY LIVES DO YOU KNOW OF THAT HAVE BEEN SAVED BY ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO?

I am currently fighting for my freedom after being arrested in Yuma Arizona for an ounce of medical

Cannabis.  I have already spent over three day in jail and over  six thousand dollars in legal and extra expenses after being stopped and illegally searched at a border check station between the states of Arizona and California; that's right, a border patrol check station between two American states!  It is curious that millions have voted for medicinal Cannabis and that it is illegal according to the federal government even though it is legal in many states.  When and where in our countries history has this happened before; pre-civil war.  Can you think of anything that is legal for a civilian to possess in one state that you cannot possess in another?  Sure there are dry counties where you can't sell alcohol, but you can't be arrested for possession.

The Federal government and the States need to find another way to fix the differences between them and their laws.  When the laws and customs of one state become so strange that another state puts up border stops to keep people out, then the Federal government must step in to stop it; in this case it is our Federal government that is the problem.  Make a grievance procedure, create educational classes or in extreme situations turn a person back without arresting and stealing from them.  Our constitutional rights are not for the benefit of the government.  Many wise men before us knew that people abused their office and authority and that the governmental powers needed to be given back to the people to prevent any one man or authority from taking power.  Jefferson felt that Americans had a duty to civil unrest in extreme situations.  SHOULD THESE ILLEGAL BORDER CHECKS CONTINUE THIS MAY BE THE CASE!  Please heed the warnings of history and don't be fooled by propaganda; education is the only way and Doctors have years of it.  Look at the record, study the facts and weigh the evidence: Cannabis/Hemp will save the world and the wealthy drug companies don't want to lose another patient to a drug that can be purchased for pennies.

~Charles

**UPDATE**

After over 2 years of fighting...

Court Dismissal w/o prejudice on ALL charges!

 

 

When it comes to our children, every mother's worst fear is not being able to know where our children are, whether they are safe from harm, or be able to take care of them. This fear is often realized when Child Protective Services and similar agencies get involved in the lives of cannabis consumers and their children.

Children are often removed from the homes of medical patients and recreational users, in medical and non medical states alike. The misinformation that surrounds the Cannabis plant is ingrained within these department. The most tragic thought about situations like this is that these children are being thrown into the homes of strangers, away from everyone and everything they know and love. All because of outdated laws that claim Cannabis is harmful.

Immediate harm is required when removing a child from their home, and those with authority to take these children suppose that it is in the best interest of the children. But, the science and toxicology of Cannabis have proven that Cannabis is NOT harmful.

We feel it is more detrimental to the children, to disrupt their lives by ripping them from the only family they know and then forcing them to live amongst strangers, than marijuana could ever be.

The psychological affects that these situations potentially have on the children concerns us. We can only imagine what it must feel like to be forced to live with people you don't know, in a home you've never been in, be dragged through court hearings, and only receive short visitations with your own parents, at the end of which you aren't even allowed to go home.

What is REALLY in the best interest of the children?

We are outraged by the continued involvement of social services in the lives of Cannabis users. We hope through education and awareness, these outdated laws and practices can be addressed and reformed.

We are frequently asked what to do in these types of situations.  As we are not lawyers, Moms for Marijuana will always advise you to consult legal professionals in your local area in regards to these types of cases.

We have been advised by some legal counselors to suggest that parents prepare notarized temporary guardianship paperwork, to have on hand should such a reason arise.  In this way, parents may be able to protect their children by having the option of  placing them with friends and family, in homes they know are safe, than have the children thrown into foster care while the situation is figured out. Even providing a permanant guardian as an option in the event that permanent custody is ever in question, might help to secure a permanant home and future for your child in a way that isn't often found through the court system.

This is a generic temporary guardianship form that can be filled out and notarized for up to 2 children, and then given to the temporary guardians in case of emergency, arrest, or death - Temporary Guardianship Paperwork

We also recommend that parents review the following information, pulled from the Family Rights Association website -

WHEN THEY COME AFTER YOU

When the Child Protective Service comes to your door, take it seriously. Never think that it can't happen to you because you're a good parent. It can, and has happened to millions of good parents. Being a good parent is an aberration to a DHS/CPS/DCFS agent. They're taught that all parents are "potential" child abusers and that if any of the symptoms (including drug use) are present, it's better to "err on the side of caution" and take the children. They're also taught to do anything, say anything, lie, con, and swindle to get into the house to question the children and the parents.

Be polite, even if you're incensed: Their insufferable, insidious, condescending attitude will make you angry. It is designed to do so to allow them to write in their report: "Subject exhibits latent violence and is uncooperative." Strike one.

Don't allow them into your home without a proper warrant: They will lie, intimidate, and attempt to con their way into your home, but don't allow it. Unless they have a properly issued warrant, signed by a judge, based on sworn testimony by a named person, they have no right to enter your home -- unless they can pony up a possible danger to the child. Be polite while refusing entry. There's nothing a DHS/CPS/DCFS worker likes more than for you to show anger and, especially, curse them. They are usually accompanied by policemen, some of whom will push their way in. If this happens, you may sue each person involved personally (police officers and all authority figures are personally liable for damages when they exceed their lawful authority and exceeding their authority is not protected by the Good Samaritan laws) not for charging you, but for forcing his or her way in. Don't get beat up trying top stop them in this case. Sue them later.

Remember, case law has held that if you invite them into your home, you give up your right to be safe from search and seizure. Don't let them in! Make them force it.

Don't sign anything: They will try to get you to sign papers, "just to get this sorted out, don'tcha know," but don't fall into their trap. The only reason for you to have to sign anything is for you to sign away your rights. Politely refuse to sign anything until your attorney has seen it and advises you to do so. And suspect your attorney's advice if DHS/CPS/DCFS recommended him.

Don't answer any questions without (your) lawyer being present: DHS/CPS/DCFS workers will take this as an indication of guilt, but that's OK. They twist everything you do or say into an indication of guilt in their minds. But if you allow them to ask you questions without a lawyer present, you've given up your right to remain silent.

Do allow them to see the children through the window to assure them they're OK: To reduce the possibility that they'll testify that you kept them from seeing the children because they were abused, bring the children to a front window and let them see them.

Do take the children to your own doctor as soon as possible: The next thing to do is take the children to your own doctor and have them examined to show that no abuse, sexual or otherwise, has occurred. Then have the doctor write a report on his findings and give a copy of it to DHS/CPS/DCFS. If they have decided to charge you anyway, they will reject it and insist on their own examination, which, once they have taken the children they may do, and you can't stop it. But your original doctor's examination can be an effective counterpoint if their doctor says abuse has occurred, which they often do. They know who pays them for the right finding.

Don't believe anything they tell you: DHS/CPS/DCFS workers are trained in all the best ways to con and scam you into doing what they want you to do. They're experts at it. Their training spends a lot more time on this than it does on what actually constitutes child abuse. They're subjected to months, even years of conditioning and brainwashing themselves, disguised as training. Many are not even aware they're running a con on you. They think what they do is necessary to get child abusers off the street. Many are good people who really do care about the welfare of the children. It is the people in charge who have the ulterior motive to take complete control over your children for their nefarious purposes. But the result is the same. They lie.

Don't allow unsupervised interviews with the children: Unsupervised interviews with your children are little more than conditioning sessions where DHS/CPS/DCFS workers and their captive counselors use questioning methods that would not be allowed to be used against a murderer, much less against a frightened and impressionable child. Your children just aren't prepared to withstand such leading questioning, which is designed to get something on you. They con them into believing that you're already in big trouble, and you can be saved if the children will just say you did something so they can go home. After children have been taken, there's nothing you can do to stop these unsupervised interviews that will take place over a period of months, even years, until your children may finally break down and tell them what they want to hear, just to make it stop. But if you stop them from doing it in the beginning, there is a chance that charges will never be filed and they will not be taken from you.

Don't allow them to physically examine the child without your presence, or your lawyer's presence: Never allow them uncontrolled access to your children as long as they are in your custody. If a court orders a physical examination (while you still have custody), insist on either being present yourself, or have your attorney present to protect your, and your children's interests In addition, you should try to videotape all sessions or get a court order forcing them to do so, with copies to be available to you.

Don't allow them to come to your home later for an interview: Allowing them to enter later also forfeits your right to be safe from search and seizure. And you can be sure that a sharp-eyed DHS/CPS/DCFS worker will be able to find something they can twist to incriminate you. If interviews are required, insist that they be at the DHS/CPS/DCFS office, or better still, at your attorney's office (that way they can't just take them while you're there).

Tape record all conversations with DHS/CPS/DCFS workers and others involved: To keep an accurate record of events, plus to have proof of any threats made by DHS/CPS/DCFS workers or counselors, always tape record all conversations with them, either in person or by phone (there's an inexpensive attachment for your phone available at any electronics store, or Radio Shack). Some states restrict your right to tape conversations, so check your state laws. In states that allow secret taping if one of the parties to the tape knows, you can either let them know they're being taped, or not, at your wish. But in states where notification is required, you should place the tape recorder in full view in personal interviews, and make it a point to advise them they're being taped at the beginning of every phone call. In this day and age, where there's almost a videotape camera in every home, videotapes of proceedings can also help. Make a record. Then they can't deny their violation of your rights (Personally, I would make sure they knew they were being taped, even if the law doesn't require it).

Keep a journal: The same applies to keeping a journal. If you keep a detailed chronological (day-to-day) journal of events, showing dates, times, quotes, reference to audiotapes and videotapes, etc., they won't be able to get away with lying when they say they notified you of a hearing when they didn't. The very existence of such a journal (and you should definitely let them know you're keeping it) will tend to keep them somewhat more honest, or at least make it more difficult for them to scam you.

Never accept a plea bargain if you're innocent: One of their basic patterns is to pile charge upon charge, knowing they can't make most of them stick, including the ones they hope will stick, so they can tell you all about all the long years your children will spend in foster care if you don't accept the plea bargain they're offering you. One of their best-used lines is that “if you just confess you will get your children back sooner”. It's a tired old con, people. If they had any kind of a strong case, you'd never see them until it was court time. I don't care how good their plea bargain sounds, if you're innocent, don't fall for it. That's how they get most of the convictions they do get of innocent people. They make it look as bad as possible, then get you to plead guilty, which involves an admission of guilt. or plead no contest, which allows them to still treat you as guilty.

Hire a private investigator if you can afford it: I know that most of the people they go after are the poor. They're easier targets. But one of the factors they forget as they move up the ladder and start charging more and more middle-class people is that these people aren't nearly as likely to buy their con. They are much more resistant to being intimidated because they aren't government wards. And they have more money for such things as lawyers and private investigators. If you do, by all means hire one to investigate everybody involved, especially the worker, the counselors (especially the counselors), the guardian ad litem, the foster parents who have your child, etc. You'll be surprised how much evidence of naked bias you'll find in such an investigation. It's legal, and it's your right. If you find something, by all means use it.

Don't willingly surrender the children: Don't ever willingly surrender the children. To do so gives them the whip hand. Anything you can do to keep the children out of their hands stops them from being able to hold them for ransom (your hopping thru hoops).

Don't do anything that puts you under the control of DHS/CPS/DCFS: Don't willingly move out of the home on DHS/CPS/DCFS demand, or do anything that puts the family under DHS/CPS/DCFS control (see don't sign anything, above). When they get control, they go wild.

Fight them, tooth and nail: DON'T EVER GIVE UP -

One of my favorite pictures is of a heron that is trying to swallow a frog headfirst while the frog has his "hands" firmly around the heron's throat. That, for me, is the picture I want to convey to you. Don't ever give up your quest to keep, or regain your children from these vicious and evil people who have a demonstrated anti-family bias. True, many DHS/CPS/DCFS workers are honestly trying to do the best they can for the children, and there is still a lot of child abuse for them to work on. But their incessant pursuit of demonstrably innocent families takes money and manpower away from their ability to pursue other families. And remember that it is safer to take a nonviolent persons children that a violent persons children (as they may get hurt at violent persons house).

Unfortunately situations in which the custody of children is placed into question occur frequently all around the country.

The following are stories from parents who have dealt with similar situations. We hope that through awareness we can begin to prevent these situations from occuring.

 

Bradi

Daisy

Melanie

 

Sarah, Lindsey & Josh

 

Billy & Lilly Fisher

 

If you, or someone you know, has a story to share, we can help spread awareness through our website and social networking forums. Please email mom@momsformarijuana.org for more information.

I am a mom for marijuana!  If it wasn't for herb I would have killed myself by now.  I have suffered from depression my whole life.  I have been hospitalized, medicated, and been to so many therapists, and psychiatrists.  After I had my Son I developed postpartum depression.  And a very severe case.  I started Smoking again, and it has helped me even out and be able to deal with my baby's colic, stress of not having money, and the total hatred of my in laws.  I honestly don't think I'd be alive right now if it wasn't for marijuana helping me get my stress and depression under control.

I'm a 58 year old single mother of five children who, looking back on my life, realizes that without marijuana it would have been very different, in both good and bad ways.  Well, actually, there is only one bad thing.  It's freakin' expensive.  I used to be able to buy local home grown at reasonable prices, but in my area, the police have nothing better to do than go after the growers so I'm forced to spend much more.  If I didn't smoke marijuana I'm sure I would have had lots more "disposable income" over the years.  Fortunately I'm not a very materialistic person and value my children over money and the things I could have bought with that money.

This brings me to the good effects it has had on my life, and the life of my children.  I've often joked that if I didn't have pot my kids would probably be dead.  Of course, that was a joke but it has had a huge effect on how I've dealt with my children over the years.  All mothers realize how frustrating and stressful raising children can be.  I realized, early on thank GOD, that smoking marijuana greatly lessened that frustration and stress so that I could focus more on the love and joy my children could give me and I could give them.

I'd like to add a little advice to all parents here.  If you smoke marijuana, NEVER, I repeat, NEVER hide it from your children.  By hiding it you are saying that you're ashamed of it and that you are doing something wrong.  My kids grew up calling it "mommy's medicine."  They all went through the DARE program in school but I had already educated them on the benefits of marijuana and the illegality of the law against it.  I remember one day my youngest daughter came home from school laughing at what she "learned" in the DARE class that day.  I think she was in 4th or 5th grade.  They showed the class pictures of pot smokers, depicting them as total derelicts unable to add anything to society.  She thought that was so funny because she knew the truth.  You deserve the truth from your children and they deserve the truth from you.

Now lets touch on the physical effects.  I have arthritis and the only thing that helps the pain is marijuana.  I've gotten prescriptions from the doctor that have done nothing to help.  But I light a bowl and within a few minutes the pain is almost gone.  A couple more tokes and the pain is just a memory.

I thank GOD every day for marijuana.

Thanks for listening.