Although Thanksgiving is on the 28th , the entire month offers much to be thankful for . We celebrate Veterans Day , November 11 , to honor our veterans . However , we don ’ t need a single day to honor and thank veterans for their service ; they should be honored daily . Our November 2023 issue included an article by Lieutenant Colonel U . S . Army retired Todd Scattini , a 27-year veteran . His article spoke to the importance of cannabis legalization and how it could help veterans , the deep roots cannabis has in military history , dating back centuries , and more . ( You can review the article at our website on the Past Issues page ).
Veterans are often burdened with the aftershock of their service . Among the most common issues veterans face after serving in the military are chronic pain , insomnia , and post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ), all of which are debilitating conditions that often significantly impact their quality of life in many ways . Despite states legalizing cannabis across the county , the federal government continues to drag its feet with legalization . As a result , veterans continue to be confronted with substantial VA challenges when seeking help with medical cannabis treatment . Thankfully , cannabis is moving toward declassification as a Schedule I substance — if the DEA can get it done , perhaps in 2025 . Revising federal policies would help veterans by allowing them to use cannabis as a treatment for military-related health issues without losing VA benefits and have a wider variety of treatment options that are in line with their state ’ s cannabis laws . Let ’ s hope this happens soon .
November is also National Native American Heritage Month . Our November 2023 cover was titled “ Mashkiki ” ( meaning Medicine in Ojibwe ), which featured an Ojibwe man wearing miigwani-wiiwakwaan ( feather bonnet ) and smoking the pipe in prayer to the Creator for one day to see peace in this war on cannabis . “ To one day see unity and the betterment of humankind and our Mother Earth . For this has been the wish of Tribal communities for centuries ,” said Native American and cover artist Saydee Whitebird of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa ( Minnesota ).
“ It is a plant provided to us by our Great Spirit , our sacred Mother Earth , and has been kept from our communities in an unjust way by the Federal Government … an alternative medicine [ cannabis ], that can help the people of Tribal communities with numerous opportunities …” said Whitebird ( see the November 2023 issue at our website ).
Why is it important to celebrate Native American Month ? The observance aims to acknowledge the historic and ongoing contributions of Native Americans to the United States , raise awareness about the challenges and issues facing Indigenous communities , and foster a greater understanding and respect for their cultures and traditions .
Reportedly , over 100 marijuana dispensaries are operating on Native land . Native Americans have a legend that tells the story of cannabis being brought to Earth by beings they call the “ Star People ,” who populated our world with humanity . It ’ s believed that cannabis was absolutely necessary for humans to survive as a species — according to the legend . Nonetheless , its history of various uses among Native American tribes is fascinating .
Dolores Halbin also wrote an insightful article about Native Americans ’ hemp history and Mother Earth . Be sure to read it on page 46 . Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at The EVOLUTION Magazine . Be kind to someone each day , and Be thankful !
6 November 2024
From
Bill Cromwell , Publisher
TheEditor
, Editor-in-Chief
Being Thankful
Missouri ’ s First Educational Medical Cannabis Magazine Published Monthly by Native Kansas City , MO , Advocates , Publishers and Writers . A True Missouri Born Grassroots Effort to Educate and Inform Patients , and to Provide Businesses within The Missouri Cannabis Industry an Economical Forum to Share Their Story . We hope you join and enjoy “ The EVOLUTION .” Since 2019
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