I am, by definition, a conservative Christian. I love Jesus
and the New Testament. I live in Texas. I voted in the Republican primaries. I will attend the Republican state convention. I was baptized in an evangelical Bible church and I pray daily. I am also a proponent for legalization for medicinal cannabis therapeutics in the state of Texas.
The subject of medicinal cannabis is full of history, controversy, intensity, passion, and well . . . desperation. I never saw myself as an activist of any kind. An advocate? Sure. All mothers of special needs wear the advocate hat to some degree or other, but an activist? A crusader? For medical marijuana? A year ago I would have laughed at the notion. And yet . . . here we are. And here I am. I know more about medicinal cannabis and its extracts, tinctures and oils than I ever thought possible. Make no mistake, though, I am fully aware I am only just beginning to scratch the surface on this topic. We all are.
Last night I read an article about seven-year old Lydia Schaffer. Lydia’s parents had fought long and hard for legalization of medicinal cannabis in the state of Wisconsin. The bill passed after much lobbying, but, unfortunately, there was a long waiting list for the medicine her parents were trying to access. Lydia died before they ever had a chance to try. If anyone can read about this family and others like them and not be moved to tears, that person is made of something I can’t recognize or understand. And I wouldn’t want to.
I never saw myself as an activist. But the thought that any family trying to help their special-needs child with a plant, should have to fight and struggle and wait and be refused is unconscionable. As I think about Lydia’s parents and the pain they’ve been forced to endure, I find myself becoming emotional. How many more families are waiting for laws to change? How dare state legislators and state officials across the country play God on this issue? How dare they take it upon themselves to toy with people’s lives in this manner? What are they afraid of? Kids getting high? The oil these parents wanted is non-psychoactive. And why aren’t these same government officials afraid of kids getting high on prescribed narcotics, antidepressants, stimulants, and synthetics? The drugs given to children with ADHD, autism, and epilepsy get them plenty doped up and high. I’ve seen children who can’t function because of their seizure medications. I won’t even begin to discuss the horrific side effects of many of these prescribed drugs. And for the children of autism who bite and hit and bang their heads through windows, wouldn’t any one of us prefer to see them quiet down and relax with a daily dose of THC over Phenobarbitol or Ritalin or Clonozepam?
My son Lance was diagnosed with autism in 2008. Since then, like so many autism moms I know, I have tried any number of therapies and interventions in hopes of helping him reach his highest potential. It has often grieved me that our son’s progress has been painfully slow and fraught with regression. Lance is impulsive, aggressive, inappropriate, and sometimes, downright scary. And yet, I thank God for him every day. I have learned more about myself, life, and humanity through my son’s teachings than I could learn in four lifetimes without him. He has taught me who I am. For that reason, I can never stop fighting for him. There is no giving up on him, because he never gives up on me. That there is a God-given plant with miraculous healing and, in some cases, curative medicinal properties that can help kids like my son, is a wonder to me. That its use is a felony is an injustice and an offense not only to families of special needs, but to God himself.
We know cannabidiol (a component of cannabis) and THCa (the precursor to THC) are non-psychoactive and are helping children around the country with seizures, aggression, language, focus, and cognitive ability. We know THC helps with many of these things as well, and cancer patients around the globe are crediting it with saving their lives. So why is it illegal to try any of it for my child? Why am I not allowed to make a decision about cannabis therapeutics with my child’s doctor? Why are children dying from cancer and epileptic fits because access to this plant is prohibited? Why are many parents forced to choose between their children and committing felonies? What is wrong with us? I never saw myself as an activist, but I am choosing a life of activism. I am choosing to fight for my son. And I’m not choosing just any battleground: I am choosing Texas. Or perhaps Texas has chosen me. Skeptics and naysayers tell me, “It will never happen in Texas,”or “Texas will be last”. I refuse to believe them. Instead, I choose to believe in a God who can perform miracles and in the families who need them. I choose to believe in my conservative values which dictate a desire for state sovereignty on this issue. I choose to believe not only in Texas, but in the Republican party of Texas. I choose to believe in the churches and the pastors who lead them. I choose to believe in freedom. Cannabis is a God-given plant whose components work synergistically to boost our God-given endocannabinoid system, and we have a God-given right to access and use its miraculous properties to help our most vulnerable population.
My friend Amy Lou and I have chosen to shield ourselves in truth and step out in faith for this cause. For our children. We’ve started Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism (MAMMA). We are over 2,000 strong, and we anticipate rapid growth in the next year. We are encouraging our members to contact pastors and state legislators and educate them on the subject of medicinal cannabis.
As it turns out, it didn’t matter how I saw myself. I am indeed – and most officially – an activist. A crusader. A freedom fighter. And most importantly, a mom. Perhaps you are, too. Please join us in our mission to educate our community and country on the subject of cannabis therapeutics. The fear, injustice and prejudice surrounding medicinal cannabis must be eradicated. The only division on this issue is ignorance. Help fight that division for the sake of our children.
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth…. and God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good..” Genesis 1:29-31
~ Tex
Tex on Fox News Austin discussing her work as co-founder of MAMMA:
Click here to watch the founders of MAMMA speak about the benefits of medical marijuana on Fox7. Alternatively, copy and paste this url on your browser http://tinyurl.com/kx56yr7
* For more by Tex, CLICK HERE
For more information on autism and the endocannabinoid system, click here:
http://www.scribd.com/…/The-Endocannabinoid-System-as…
http://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/11/1/78
http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/…/10103/laurel-joss/…
http://pediatriccannabistherapy.com/…/autism-and…
For more information on the science behind medical cannabis, click here:
www.mychronicrelief.com
http://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu
For more information on medical cannabis legislation in Texas, click here:
http://www.texascompassion.com
http://norml.org/laws/TX
http://www.mpp.org/states/texas/
I would just like to share that I have a very good experience with CBD oil. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and water soluble BioCBDplus helps my pain in my joints when I put it on. – William
My journey with cancer began when my dad died from cancer soon after I turned 5 years old. He was a physician and a wonderful man. He saved other people’s lives. He saved my best friend when she had spinal meningitis at the age of 4. We’ve been best friends ever since.
Right before I found out I had breast cancer, I had just completed my Master of Education degree in Creative Arts at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was May 2007. My life during that time was so busy. I was a single mom, teaching full time, and going to Carthage two nights a week. The news of cancer made my life come to an abrupt halt.
I was diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer on August 11, 2007. I was alone, sitting in my living room with the phone, waiting. The doctor called around 9:15 a.m. I was devastated with the news. I remember feeling numb and wanting to deny the truth. I started to think of all of the reasons why I probably got cancer—blaming myself. I sobbed and prayed at the same time. I pleaded with God to not let me abandon my children from cancer like my daddy, who I still missed dearly.
Then I decided to use my energy in a positive way and learn about breast cancer. I went online and i saw testimonies about cannabis oil and how it has save so many life. i had to try it because i believe it would help me, i spoke with Dr. James about my health and i order the cannabis oil via: [email protected], and it was delivered to me. i have been taking the medication and i feel great. thanks to Dr. James.
Florance, have you been using CO since 2007? It takes less than 6 months to cure cancer, so why so long?
I have discovered Dr. Dustin Sulak of Maine, through Green Flower Media. He has the best dosing advice, which is certain to become the standard. Many times, a drop is all most need, Please ck youtube for his videos and also Healer.com. He explains the curve strategy of dosing, and stopping (for chronic patients) every 6 months, and re-doing & reviewing the curve. Usually less is needed each 6 months, because it is helping your body get balanced. See his video for a clear explanation. Don’t use too much, it won’t help.
Texans are empowered right now to Vote for KATHIE GLASS, a Libertarian, running for GOVERNOR of TEXAS. She still has a chance to win. She believes in legalizing marijuana, like beer. It’s not on her ticket, but it’s made the TX NORML list for candidate beliefs. It would really help if our governor felt this way. Please help her get elected. She can help us all. Though, I’ve been a Republican for a long time, I’m voting Libertarian, for Cannabis, for Cancer, for Autism, for Lupus, for MS, for our vets with chronic pain & PTSD. Marijuana must be legalized in Texas. It will help our nation. It will be a big step towards changing the policy of the silly Schedule 1 classification.
I don’t even want any marijuana. I want it legalized.
My mom had a massive stroke in Dec 2004 and has battled with the after effects ever since. The normal treatments for her conditions are not helping, severe Spasticity and pain from spasms and mobility issues are just getting worse. She is stuck in a wheelchair the majority of the time because it is painful for her to walk even though walking is exactly what she needs. Pain pills make her dizzy she doesn’t want to get high she just wants to be able to walk with a little less pain. Medical marijuana could help with more then a few of her issues yet with Texas not having it available she is denied a chance to even see if the treatment might help her. Doctors say they have done all they can for her and it isn’t true. I have seen videos on juicing cannabis and/or baking in with food which is what I thought would be good for my mom to try but waiting ten or more years to find out if it would help her should be what’s illegal. Other states have medical access I don’t understand why Texas is so backwards on this.
I too am a Republican, Christian mother. I was lucky, as my children are perfectly healthy. I had breast cancer twice, in 2007 and 2010. MD Anderson – Houston, TX performed the 2nd set of devastating surgeries and started me on chemo, which ruined me forever in less than 6 months. For all the moms, dads & Kids in Texas, I have to say I have learned about RSO or Rick Simpson Oil, thanks to the CNN neurosurgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his documentary, “Weed”. I wondered what the brown gook was they were giving Charlotte, and found Rick Simpson on Phoenixtears.ca (he was a Canadian, now he lives in Colorado). Texans, Cannabis cures Cancer! There are many, many stories about Cannabis curing cancer, even Cheryl Shuman at Cherylshuman.com – she had stage 4 ovarian cancer and was in hospice when her daughter helped her obtain RSO and now she is living happily ever after. If I had of known, in 2010, I would still have my breast and no chemo damage. I would bet my life on it. I will next time. Legalize Cannabis. I don’t smoke & don’t care to get high.
There should have been a THC: CBD ratio/percentage. In my personal and very humble opinion, your test run wasn’t a very good indicator on how well either of your children might do with the proper ratio of cannabinoids. Being in California, I’d recommend contacting Nathan Coombs at Compassionate Care and asking for his input. He’s been working with autism and cannabis since 2010. A google search should help you find your way. Blessings and best wishes! ~Tex
I am happy that you began this movement in TX. I am in CA and never tried marijuana until my husband was dying of cancer – I was in my 50s. It helped him and it can help many others. I hope that you can get this passed in TX.
I was on Facebook last night and came across Texas MAMMA. I am so thrilled that you all have created this group, advocating for medical marijuana rights in Texas. I have a son with severe autism and we have been utilizing cannabis as medication for the past 4 years. It has truly been so helpful to our son. Cannabis has been the very best thing we have ever done for him, and we have done a lot of various therapies and medications. On cannabis, his severe aggression immediately and very significantly decreased, and he experienced a greater awareness of the world around him. His very limited verbal ability increased, along with a real desire to engage with others. I have shared his story with many people over the years, but I too live in Texas and have to use caution when doing this. I would love to help your organization in any way that I can. I have spoken to a State Representative about my son and he was very receptive to his story. I am willing to go to Austin and help to get the laws in Texas changed. Please contact me. I would love the chance to help.
Debbie,
Please email me at [email protected]. Let’s talk!!!
Blessings,
Tex
Lelia, appreciate your words. I’d bet I’m more conservative than you…even though ewe live in California. I’m an ER doctor with an 11 y/o daughter with intractable epilepsy and was EXACTLY the same as you a year ago (see website MallorysHope.org)
Interesting is the drug Marinol, synthetic THC. It is classified by the DEA in the same category as Vicoden. But the whole plant (THC plus the rest of the plant) is classified with LSD and heroin, thus making research almost impossible and dispensing from a pharmacy illegal.
Changing the DEA scheduling (from I to III) would allow research and regulation.
Imagine getting oil for your child and trusting what was in the bottle?
Tom
I asked the VA for marinol for my dying husband, and I never got it. Had to find mj on my own…
YES!
~Tex
Hi, I am much like Tex, except for the Texas and activism part. When marijuana became legal in my state, I bought some cannabis cupcakes for my sons with ankylosing spondylitis. One son said his pain wasn’t that bad and refused the cupcake. The other son with asperger’s and crippling pain tried one and said it tasted nasty and the drug kept him wired and up all night instead of relaxed and sleeping. So, that was a bust (heh) and the remaining cupcakes went in the trash.
Since we all have such different physiologies, I think we should be allowed to experiment with usually safe substances to see what is helpful and what is not.
Hi Lelia. Thank you for sharing your experience. We agree that families should have the right to try cannabis therapeutics and see what might or might not work for them. One has to wonder if there isn’t another strain with a different THC/CBD ratio that might have helped one or both of your sons. Was the cupcake made from an indica or a sativa strain? Sativas are known for their stimulating effects. Thanks again for your comment. Everyone is so very different.
I have no idea what strain was used. They weren’t sold with a list of ingredients.
There should have been a THC: CBD ratio/percentage. In my personal and very humble opinion, your test run wasn’t a very good indicator on how well either of your children might do with the proper ratio of cannabinoids. Being in California, I’d recommend contacting Nathan Coombs at Compassionate Care and asking for his input. He’s been working with autism and cannabis since 2010. A google search should help you find your way. Blessings and best wishes! ~Tex