Reblogged from MontanaConnect:

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This has been one of my hardest posts to write - ever - in my entire life.

It has taken quite a few days to get it together and a constant supply of Kleenex.

Yes folks - Cashy has passed on.

It was very sudden. The Hyde family was not expecting Cash to pass away. Not like this - and not so suddenly.

Read more… 2,032 more words

We’re supposed to want to keep drugs away from our kids – right?

Isn’t that the whole point of existence – is to learn when to say NO? Use the least harsh method?

Here’s a glimpse at my ER visit in Florida this morning, July 24, 2012. We are in Rockledge Florida – Brevard County – visiting my eldest daughter. Grace has just come from very arid Montana to very humid Florida. In Montana, there is no pool in the backyard. We swim in the creek, or go to town to the big pool.

Well….Miss Gracey is part fish. She LOVES to swim. She has lived in the pool to a point I almost had to drag her out physically as she was burning her skin. She has been underwater constantly – using a mask – and also used the Hooka underwater scuba trainer – which I’m sure blew some air in those ears under water……

Perfect setup for Swimmers Ear if I ever saw it. Wish I would have thought in advance for it.

Can’t win em all……

So….

Grace had an earache this morning. 4am to be exact – a REAL howler of one – had her howlin anyways.

We wake up Sis – and Tom gets the truck – and off to Wuesthoff Medical Center – Rockledge – ER

We are met with an empty waiting room – and an hour wait. It is visibly apparent Grace is in pain – and we waited….and waited….the whole time Grace lamenting “They wouldn’t do this to me in MT. They’d have me right in there!”

All I could do was hold her – and wait. We FINALLY get into a room – and after another half hour wait in a virtually empty ER we are blessed with the presence of a Dr. G Edward Mallory, DO

Dr Mallory professes that Grace’s problem is due to serious sinus infections and allergies – and recommends we have a follow up with their partner pediatrician within 2 days – to check on her serious otitis media. I asked him if those allergies could have developed in the past 10 days or so since she arrived in Florida – as she has no history of allergies, or serious sinus infections.

Mind you – Grace and I share the same family physician, who has been my personal Dr for 27 years. He delivered Grace. He delivered ALL of my children. He knows EVERY issue any of my kids have EVER had. All my kids saw Jim until they moved out and away. He knows every little intricate detail of their health issues all through their lives, as I have any records from any other visits sent anywhere else to him for his files.

I trust him with my life. I trust him with my children’s life.

Then – this ER Physician? Dr Mallory – well – he has the BALLS to ask me if I would like 2 days worth of vicodin (8 pills – to be specific) for Grace for her pain.

I informed that dumbass that I was highly offended he would even SUGGEST vicodin for SWIMMERS EAR – and told him we wanted the pain drops – and something to dry the ear up. “I am 45 years old and have never taken a Vicodin in MY life – how DARE you attempt to prescribe it for my TWELVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!”

Well – that dope dealer scurried right on out of there – Gracie got her drops and is sleeping soundly – and we will be sure to use the swim ear I picked up once her infection is gone.

When the RN came in after the Doc to take care of things – I told her what transpired and that I was NOT happy about it.

She gave me a double thumbs up and told Grace she had a good Mom to look out for her. Nurse Boggs – you have my undying respect.

OH MY GOD FLORIDA!!!! What in the HELL? You tolerate this? Even my 12 year old knew it was WRONG.

HELLS BALLS – get to FIRING these guys before they damage more of our kids! He wanted to be “sensitive to her pain” with Vicodin at TWELVE for SWIMMERS EAR – what the HELL would he do for her at 21 when she is fully addicted???

I learned a very valuable lesson with this one trip to a Dr in Florida. People are sheep! “Do what the Dr says”

How many of you out there would have just taken the pain meds for your children? How many parents out there question doctors? Question their treatment?

“Do what the Dr says” – we are raised with that principle.

Well…..I contend that you need to “Do what the Dr says” after you evaluate things yourself too. ASK QUESTIONS – ask for alternatives – and QUESTION AUTHORITY – especially when it comes to your children.

If I would have taken that Vicodin prescription and given it to Grace I sincerely believe we would not have had as successful day as we had. As it was – as soon as the Aralgan drops went in her ear – her pain stopped. IMMEDIATELY

We got her home – and she slept over 4 hours – very peacefully – and Mom didn’t have to keep checking her breathing or heart rate – as she has never been on a heavy narcotic like Vicodin.

Grace woke up well rested – and not groggy or out of whack.

She has been perfect ever since.

Our children are our most precious commodities – we must protect them. It’s a pretty sad day when we have to protect them from a Doctor.

Congratulations Bob! Not Guilty on ALL counts!

Jury selection started this past Monday – and even despite the top priority #1 fire in the nation, the Waldo Canyon Fire, which forced  Bob and his ailing mother to evacuate their home directly before the trial, and caused mass destruction to the community of Colorado Springs all week, the trial ensued.

Waldo Canyon Fire. Bob’s trial started 6-25-12. This picture was taken 6-26-12

Bob Crouse – not guilty on ALL counts!

Thank you to the Jurors, many who may have been under threat from fire and remained in their positions. Thank you to the defense attorneys – for working hard, and allowing us to educate them to help fight Bob;s case.

Thank you to the people. Friends, family, and supporters of Bob Crouse.

It has been a LONG hard ride – and Bob SO deserves the rest.

Go get better now Bob. BEAT that leukemia. Teach all them grandbabies how to fish – and enthrall them with tales of Yakky Bob.

HUGEST OF HUGS AND LOVE!

See video from the courtroom HERE

Looks pretty good huh?

You may recall him from this post

Bob Crouse misplaced his leukemia

Lab results and everything. Bob has been doing a wonderful job beating his disease.

Let’s hope he can continue to do so.

You see  - the District Attorney in Colorado Springs seems to have it out for medical marijuana – and any folks who may choose to utilize medical marijuana in El Paso County.

Bob’s case goes to trial Monday morning  June 25, 2012.

I hope as many of you out there who can attend – PLEASE DO! Bob NEEDS support from as many folks as he can get – and El Pas County needs to see that prosecuting patients is just NOT RIGHT and a huge waste of taxpayer monies.

I hope as many of you out there who can attend do. It starts Monday and will more than likely go all week for certain. With the 4th of July upon us – they are going to want to wrap that case up before they have to sequester a jury for any major holiday.

There are events all week in Colorado Springs – here is an update I got from Mark Slaugh – with iComply and CSMCC

Next Monday is Bob Crouse’s Rally for Freedom as he goes on trial. They will be picking the jury that morning and it’s very important we rally as many people as we can to support Bob. Colorado Springs needs to know that we, as a community, will not stand for the prosecution of Cancer Patients who use cannabis.

Bob Crouse Freedom Rally

Monday, June 25^th 2012

7am to 1pm  – El Paso County Courthouse

(EVERY DAY @ SAME PLACE AND TIME WHILE BOB IS ON TRIAL)

After the rally and first day of Trial, join Audrey for a class on nutrition.

Audrey’s Class on Nutrition
Monday June 25^th 2012

7pm – Vibrant Health Clinic – 313 N. Tejon St. Ste 11, 80903

The First patient advocacy group meeting will be in July.

C4CPR Patient Advocacy Meeting
Wednesday June 27^th 2012

7pm – Lofty’s – Fountain and Weber, 80903

Also, we’re having our Veterans Cannabis Council meeting the next night at Lofty’s @ 7pm. Please invite your vets.
Here’s a facebook link if you haven’t liked their page yet. http://www.facebook.com/VetsCann

VetsCann Meeting
Tuesday, June 26^th 2012
7pm – Lofty’s @ Fountain and Weber, 80903

Finally, we have a CSMCC Industry Mixer next Thursday at the Warehouse Restaurant. I’ve attached the flyer for your review and we have a very important guest coming. 

Please join us to find out what the Department of Revenue is doing with the MMED and what the future looks like approaching July 1.

CSMCC June Mixer
Thursday, June 28^th 2012

7pm – Warehouse Restaurant @ 25 W. Cimmaron St. 80903

Bob Crouse Life Celebration Flyer 25TH (2)

CSMCC INDUSTRY MIXER – June 2012

What if

What if Cannabis prohibition for the past 75 years was deeply flawed and has done nothing to help the American population? What if Cannabis prohibition harms the population? What if Cannabis prohibition harms the economy? What if Cannabis was a completely viable, reliable medicine commonly used for over 100 afflictions from as early as 1850? What if Cannabis had more time when being debated on the Congressional floor in the White House in 1937? What if Cannabis had more than one minute and 30 seconds consideration on the House Congressional Floor on a hot friday afternoon? What if the doctors and the American Medical Association were taken seriously, rather than discredited? What if there were rational conversation regarding Cannabis? What if propaganda and social persecution were taken away from Cannabis altogether? What if we spell healTHCare and really include THC when we spell it? What if the DEA and FDA and NIDA were to look at factual studies and conduct their own? What if the American Population started handling this issue with intelligence and tact? What if THC was really considered to be at the heart and center of healTHCare?

What if?

What if Hemp could be grown across America rather than imported from other countries who gain all the profit and benefit? What if Americans could go back to work farming hemp? What if Kentucky and Oklahoma could regain their proud hemp farming heritage? What if we could save resources and better our country with hemp? What if we could make fuels and plastics, homes and hempcrete? What if we could replace tree harvesting for paper with hemp farming? What if we could decrease dependence on foreign oil with hemp farming? What if we could regenerate soils, and clean our piece of the planet with hemp? What if we could grow better foods all over the country by regenerating our soils with hemp? What if we had a healthier America?

What if?

What if we quit incarcerating people for a victimless crime? What if prison populations went down every year, rather than increasing? What if the youth of America stood a fighting chance for a college education with no threats from a harmless plant? What if we built more hospitals than prisons? What if we end the useless war on drugs and begin a war for crimes against children? What is we really protect the children from crime and sickness, instead of posturing? What if we incarcerated more violent offenders than non-violent offenders? What if we encourage family and community support? What if we help one another? 

What if?

What if our children had a safer alternative to toxic medications? What if our children didn’t have to die? What if physicians were allowed to practice medicine without being second-guessed? What if epilepsy and crohn’s disease could be eliminated with Cannabis oil? What if cancer treatment was altered nationally to incorporate integrative medicine and include cannabis? What if Americans recognized they all have endocannabinoid systems? What if all Americans performed a google search for “medical benefits of Cannabis”? What if society wanted folks to feel better? What if all the chronic pain went away? What if patients were taken seriously regarding their conditions? What if people weren’t judged by appearance? What if “You don’t LOOK sick” was never a statement ever uttered? What if “stoned” defined pharmaceutical medications? What if Americans were freed from the entrapment of addiction to opioid painkillers? What if our children didn’t get put on harmful medication at very young ages in attempts at behavior modification? What if Americans quit looking at a pill for an answer? What if we utilized more natural, cleaner, better medicine?

What if?

What if every Cannabis supporter voted only for candidates who support Cannabis? What if politicians who refuse science and logic were fired from their positions? What if politicians turned to physicians rather than law enforcement when it comes to Cannabis and any questions they may have? What if Cannabis could change America? What if Cannabis could regain its right to freedom and helping people? What if Cannabis grew freely across our great Nation? What if our forefathers could come back and see what has happened to Cannabis? What if they were very disappointed? What if it was required of every politician to understand how Cannabis was made illegal before taking their Oath of Office? What if we took the politics out of Big Pharma? What if we took Big Pharma out of politics? What if healthcare was really healthCARE?

What if?

What if my concerns are completely unfounded? Nothing.

But what if my concerns are justified and ignored? Nothing good.

Think about it

What if?

*Dedicated to my friend Richard – you know who you are. Thanks for the inspiration Wolfman ~ Hiedi

When it comes to impaired driving a study conducted by Fox 31 News in Denver has blurred the lines when the topic is cannabis and blood ng levels.

The DUID Bill presented in Colorado’s legislative session was quite the roller coaster ride as it moved through the committees and houses. At some points it seemed legislation was competing with Elitch Gardens with all the ups and downs, twists and turns.

The bill was defeated during special session on a 17-17 tied vote, with one Senator not present. This Senator’s failure to return for special session is believed to be what killed the bill, as they would have been a deciding vote, and had voted in favor of the bill previously.

This report from Fox 31 News was released just a few days after the DUID bill was killed.

Part I KDVR http://kdvr.com/2012/05/16/your-questions-answered-driving-under-the-influence-of-marijuana/

I have pulled some screenshots from the news story to highlight a few points.

First – let’s look at the ng blood levels of the subjects in the study. The subjects were asked to not medicate at all previous to test the day of testing. Blood samples were drawn prior to any testing, and after medicating.

First up – meet “Max”

Now – Max is stated to be a daily user of cannabis for his Psychomotor agitation. As seen in the report from Fox 31 News, Max’s ng blood level for THC was at 6ng prior to any cannabis use for the day.

After medicating – Max’s blood levels for THC went up to 32ng, well over the 5ng level proposed by lawmakers.

Next up is Fran – a 63 year old Fibromyalgia sufferer.

Remarkably – Fran failed her driving test with absolutely no cannabis in her system. The fact that she claims to be a user of cannabis and arrived with product to use, it is quite apparent Fran suffered a placebo effect while driving, and she was actually failed for this test by Officer Ashby. More disturbing is the fact that the product she consumed left her with no cannabis in her system to treat her condition.

Please folks – test your products – and test them regularly. Make a habit of it. The hugest concern is for the patient. As they treat themselves, they need to know they are taking a reliable product that will help them. As more interest is shown to our industry -and trials are conducted – I suspect we will see much more of these type studies. PLEASE test your product.

Patients lives depend on it.

Next is Robert:

Robert – yet another medical cannabis user who passed the driving test. Robert passed his exam even after medicating with a 10ng blood level.

Fox 31 News did a pretty extensive study – and this was actually a two part series. This is the link to the second part – and we will break down the shocking results as we go.

Part II KDVR http://kdvr.com/2012/05/17/web-poll-driving-high-vs-driving-drunk/

Brian and Justin are the subjects in the next study – comparing driving under the influence of alcohol to marijuana.

Now – Brian clearly failed his exam – and pegged his Blood Alcohol Content at .08. Many studies have been conducted on alcohol and impaired driving. With how alcohol is metabolized in the body, it is much easier to study and have quantified answers.

Justin is the final subject – with the most shocking results.

No age was ever given for Justin – so please forgive that omission. It is not remarkable to myself to see the results of Justin’s first blood ng level. For any chronic pain patient out there  I would expect them to be very high. Cancer as well.

Justin started out at 21ng before medicating at all for the day -and went to 47ng post medication.

Yet – he was deemed a good driver – and passed his driving exam with flying colors.

Next – Fox 31 News decided to ensure the driving abilities of both, and as they put it “See if Justin is just a better driver than Brian”. So – Justin imbibed in alcohol and reported a BAC of .04.

This time – when Justin took the driving test – he failed miserably. Alcohol most certainly caused impairment – YET – under Colorado DUI law Justin was still under the .08 BAC limit and would have passed a breathalyzer test. If the 5ng limit were to have been imposed with a DUID law – he would have failed for THC levels, which when he was only under direct influence of cannabis – he passed the driving test with a 47ng blood level.

So – when you mix alcohol and cannabis – is it a fair judgement to state the person is impaired and “guilty” because of the cannabis in their system when even slight amounts of alcohol can completely skew results?

Please keep in mind, cannabis facilitates other drugs within our bodies. Folks who utilize cannabis AND pain medications find they can decrease their pain med intake as the cannabis facilitates the opioids and makes them work better – thus reducing consumption.

Also – did any of these subjects have ANY other medications in their systems? Opioids? Muscle relaxers?

Granted – the Fox 31 News story is not the greatest example of scientific, empirical evidence, but it does bring many issues to light, and exposes many issues in the thought processes of legislators when they try to impose a law with no science behind it.

I stated in an e-mail to Colorado politicians this past session that they should kill the DUID bill and apply to NIDA for funding monies to conduct a truly scientific study funded by NIDA to prove the harm of driving with cannabis in your system. We have to prove harm to get the monies – but it is possible. In Irvin Rosenfeld’s Federal protocol – it is stated he can drive and operate heavy equipment as long as he is not impaired. After years of driving and a few stops as officers smelled cannabis coming from his car – Irvin has never been deemed to be impaired – or been cited with impairment.

Irvin has been smoking cannabis over 40 years. The man should bleed green.

In addition – shouldn’t the Federal government hold some responsibility for helping to determine impairment? A NIDA study could do just that – and the Federal government has the subjects to study as well – if they ever choose to.

There have been Federal medical marijuana patients for 35 years – and the Federal Government has YET to study their own patients.

Please see the poll from Fox 31 News here – and be sure to go vote in the poll. It is located at the bottom of the second story link comparing alcohol and cannabis.

Poll screenshot pulled on 6/2/12 – stats will change over time with additional votes.

The TV Show “The Dr’s” also did an impaired driving study

http://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/0518/is-pot-safer-than-alcohol.aspx

I have left this link for people to go look at – but please note – I do not condone utilization of this study for anything other than showing the differences of the studies. In this study by The Dr’s no blood ng levels were drawn – and personally – I take issue with any driving exam that affects a drivers peripheral vision. It’s great to be sitting in a real car – but take out peripheral vision or impair vision in any way – and the test is just not very effective or representative in my mind. I was also very disappointed in The Dr’s for not having a more empirical study. One would figure a show named “The Dr’s” they would want to know what the blood levels are.

Well….that’s my breakdown folks. Please be sure to share this information, write your politicians and encourage them to pursue NIDA monies for a study, and BE SAFE out there! Please do NOT mix alcohol with cannabis – and if you are too impaired to drive – DON’T!

Please feel free to share this post and my e-mail – and save this little kernel for the next time DUID and cannabis comes up. With how Senator King pursued it this session – I can pretty much guarantee this issue will not be going away.

WHAT AN EVENT!

I had waited in anticipation so anxiously for over 18 months. The weeks before the conference were maddening. I felt like a child the eve before Christmas morning.

I was not disappointed either. Almost everybody a person could hope to meet on the medical cannabis side of things was there. Dr Russo and his daughter Sarah, Dr Weil, Mary Lynn and Al, Elvy, Dr Courtney, Melanie Drehrer, the list goes on and on…..please be sure to visit http://www.medicalcannabis.com for followup. The entire conference was filmed – and is available online. The CE portions will be available for a fee in the near future. Here is a video of Dr. Andrew Weil from the conference. (Click link silly – it’s active). Also – please be sure to find Patients Out of Time on Facebook.

Please be sure to add Patients Out of Time to your groups to support. This incredible conference was their 7th national clinical conference in 14 years. They hold them every 2 years. We will be rolling out a pledge program for the group – stay tuned – and please – support the science and research.

Every bit of our efforts rely on credible science and knowledge.  It is imperative we have a strong voice, and solid support for Patients Out of Time.

I had the honor of helping Jacki Rickert prepare for her day and assisting her throughout the day on the day she spoke. Jacki is an amazing woman, I was quite stunned to learn her story. Jacki was one of the 28 patients who was completely approved for the Federal IND Program, before it was shut down. She has been waiting 22 years for the Fedral Government to send her any cannabis.

For years, Jacki Rickert has been asking, “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?”

Jacki suffers from two painful and debilitating conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Advanced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and was fully approved for participation in the U.S. Government‘s Compassionate Use Investigative New Drug (I.N.D.) Program at the Federal level in May of 1990, and by the state of Wisconsin in December of 1990.

I think she will be waiting until she dies…..unfortunately. When ol George W Sr. shut down the program, Jacki and 27 other folks were completely approved, and awaiting their first shipments. Not one of these folks ever received cannabis – as only the original 13 Federal patients were grandfathered into the program.

It is only through a series of Angels and Miracles Jacki is with us today.

22 years later – Jacki is STILL asking “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?” and is lucky to be alive. What a wonderful heart and spirit Jacki has – and i hope each and every one of you out there follow up on her story – reach out – support her and her group.

Ask the question – every day – “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?” and then fight like the devil to make it legal.

If Jacki can do it all these years from Wisconsin in a wheel chair…….we should ALL be able to fight just as hard.

Blessings to each and all out there in the world. Please – stay in touch – and be brave in your fight!

Hiedi

SO pleased to attend!

I was SO PROUD to be mentioned I coulda busted. Instead – I cried. This was a highlight of my career – and I hope to see many more!

Reblogged from MontanaConnect:

Talk about excitement! The 7th National Patients Out of Time Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics is just around the corner!

Early registration ends April 4th! Call to reserve your spot TODAY! Seating is limited

I don't know about you - but my flights are booked, bags are almost packed, and I feel like I am going to the MOTHER of rock concerts!

Read more… 325 more words

Reblogged from MontanaConnect:

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Montana Connect has been championing children since it's inception.

Please meet the first child featured in Montana Connect.

Meet Joey, and his amazing mother Mieko Hester Perez.

The Unconditional Foundation for Autism

It wasn't always smiles when I met this family 2+ years ago. It was pretty dismal actually.

Joey was at least 50 pounds lighter than he is now, emaciated, and withdrawn into his lil autistic world.

Read more… 353 more words

Because when it’s gone, it’s very painful.

How do I know?

Here’s one example:

Warrior fighting for his life 

Even LANDLORDS are affected in Montana!

So……you may be sitting there thinking “What has Montana got to do with Colorado?”

Well folks, it has everything to do with Colorado. Politically, legislatively, AND in the medical cannabis movement.

If you have followed politics in both of these states for any period of time, you will find that CO and MT are very close in many areas. Of closest interest is the whole Agricultural realm, and many state and government practices and lawmaking.

In the midwest, these two states really have the most in common, from terrain, to weather, to agriculture, livestock, water policy. I could go on and on.

Our politicians and state governments interact – and look to each other for solutions, and feedback. In many political realms, you will see them parallel, and in many instances, MT follows CO legislation within a 5 year window.

Right now – what I wouldn’t personally give to have the problems Colorado has in Montana. From the Beinor case, to the Walsh letters, to the banking issues.

I WISH we had your problems in Montana.

You may think I’m crazy for saying that, but try losing access sometime. Walk a mile in the shoes of a Montana providor or patient….it brings it all into perspective.

Do you have any idea how many folks are affected in Montana?

We had 24 raids in ONE DAY (March 14, 2011 to be exact) in a political move to push repeal through our statehouse.

Those folks are all facing their charges now, and families are being devastated.

Our lawsuit is underway, and we go to court April 30, 2012 to see if we get damaged further. or maybe some relief.

In my opinion, with how Montana’s new law is written, no matter how one interprets it – there is NO WAY to operate and function legally. There is a loophole in there one way or another to screw Montanans, and increase crime rates.

Please see new law detailed out here: See how Montana got screwed

SO – folks

CHERISH WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

I hope this will help some of you understand my views in Colorado, and why I have taken the path I have with Colorado and Montana Connect Magazines.

What happened in Montana REALLY opened my eyes, and shaped my view on how I operate and handle things. I am  ”conservative with a liberal flair” and I have been all of  my adult life.

There are quite a few of us out here – and more and more are coming into the fold every day.

That’s why I have the approach to marketing I have. The attention to public view, from an objective perspective.

The world is watching Colorado – what you folks DO matters!

And folks across the nation watch……some are literally dying to get into Colorado.

I know – we just “imported” our first patient last week, from Florida. A seriously ill Crohn’s patient.

That story will be shared soon……

I meant what I said about increasing registry numbers. We have a HUGE base to draw from in Colorado – and even more from out of state who see Colorado as THE place to be.

After my experience in Montana and Colorado – that’s what I tell folks too. At least until we get Montana straightened out.

I share my experience there. The beauty of the industry – the safety of the patients.

What we have going on in Colorado is not only beautiful, it is history.

Please folks….cherish it. Exemplify the spirit of the Pioneer……lead.

You have the lead – please – act local – think GLOBAL.

So many people around the world are watching.

WIN that Beinor case – and fight for Boulder.

Please stay tuned for a story from Boulder too – there are HUGE problems in the city – and we must rally.

CHERISH what you’ve got – for it is ever so painful to lose…….