It’ s July, the month we blast off fireworks and celebrate our freedom. Independence Day commemorates the confirmation of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. Our Founding Fathers declared that the 13 colonies were no longer subject to the British monarch and were now united, free, and independent states, leading to the creation of the United States as a sovereign nation— a democracy free from monarchy.
Thousands fought and died for nearly a decade during the Revolutionary War to defeat British rule, granting us the freedoms we enjoy today. Hundreds of years later, battles to preserve our freedom and democracy continue, which seem increasingly in jeopardy in today’ s world.
It was April 26, 1777, when John Adams wrote, in a letter to his wife Abigail,“ You will never know how much it cost the present generations to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” Was Adams talking to us? Powerful words to remember as we blast off fireworks this month.
Speaking of history, revolutions, and freedom( to consume), on June 5, history was made in Missouri when The National WWI Museum & Memorial held its first educational cannabis event called“ Operation: DOPE – A Blunt History of WWI.” Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed an educational lecture from Dr. Isaac Campos on the history of cannabis prohibition. For many attendees, it helped dispel age-old myths and was a massive step toward destigmatization. See the story on page 34 and the video link at the end to watch the lecture. It’ s entertaining and enlightening.
In June, Missouri’ s new cannabis microbusinesses made more history when the very first microbusiness dispensary in Platte City opened to the public. See page 10 for a story of second chances, fullcircle transformation, and what’ s possible when people are supported, not judged. The journey from incarceration to ownership is not only rare— it’ s revolutionary!
Did you know there’ s a DNA Test that can help you optimize your cannabis use? Yep, it’ s true! On page 24, you’ ll learn more about the way your nervous system and body react to cannabis, depending on your genes. Understanding how your genes metabolize cannabis can help you achieve the optimal experience, minimize undesired side effects, and boost cannabis health benefits so you no longer worry about experimenting with strains that could potentially cause unpleasant results. These DNA tests provide you with personalized test results that tell which strains of cannabis are most compatible with your profile. How amazing is that?
Lastly, enjoy and celebrate your freedoms this month, and remember what John Adams said about the brave men and women who fought to preserve it:“ You will never know how much it cost the present generations to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” Evolutionary words to remember!
6 July 2025
From
Bill Cromwell, Publisher
TheEditor
, Editor-in-Chief
We’ re FREE. Celebrate!
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