From
Editor
November signals that the end of the year is fast approaching as daylight saving time ends on the 2nd, and our days become shorter. At least it feels like they’ re shorter. Nevertheless, there is plenty to celebrate this month, starting with Veterans Day, November 11, the day we honor our veterans for their service. We shouldn’ t need a single day to honor and thank veterans for their service; they should be honored daily. They are still fighting for their right to use cannabis for their healthcare needs. That needs to change. Perhaps in 2026 our government will finally“ honor” their long-fought healthcare requests.
As of October 2025, marijuana use is legal in 40 of 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, four U. S. territories also allow its medical use. 24 of the 40 states have legalized for adult use. Yet, our veterans are not allowed to use it for medical use, or they jeopardize losing all VA benefits because at the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Obviously, states have snubbed federal law, allowing medical and adult use. Apparently, the voice of voters in 40 states has fallen on the deaf ears of our elected officials in Washington, DC. Perhaps in 2026, our government officials will listen to their constituents and remove cannabis from the Schedule I list and pass the SAFE Banking Act, allowing federally related banking services to cannabis-related businesses operating legally under state laws.
Did you know that National Medical Cannabis Week is November 1 – 7? Yep, even in DC, the week strives to increase awareness and access to those who need medicinal marijuana. Even as countries around the world legalize cannabis, many people still lack equal access to this treatment and face stigma when they do. Each day of the week focuses on increasing education, awareness, and support for the medical cannabis cause, helping to eliminate outdated stigma.
November is also National Gratitude Month. It’ s a good time to show gratitude to everyone in our lives and our first responders. Nurses fall in that category. Sammie Pyle, RN, wrote a wonderful article for this issue,“ Breaking the Silence, Why Nurses Must Lead in Cannabis Education,” found on page 24. It’ s a great read about the ongoing stigma surrounding cannabis within healthcare and why it must change.“ And for nurses, avoiding the subject doesn’ t erase our responsibility— it undermines the very principles of patient-centered care,” wrote Pyle.
November is also National Native American Heritage Month, which recognizes the significant contributions of Indigenous people in the U. S. and provides an opportunity to recognize their rich history, culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, ways, and concepts of life.
Dolores Halbin, RN, has written another excellent article,“ How Hemp Can Save the World,” found on page 38. Halbin shares her experience at the 13th International Hemp Building Symposium, sponsored by the Lower Sioux Community and the Cansayapi tribe in Morgan, MN. Learn more about Native American communities using hemp for construction materials and the challenges hemp farms and the industry face after the recent cancellation of grants from the Affordable Care Act for renewable resources.
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at The EVOLUTION Magazine. Be thankful and kind to someone each day.
6 November 2025
From
The
Editor
Bill Cromwell, Editor-in-Chief
The Season to be Thankful
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