The Leaf THE LEAF July-August 2017 | Page 5

A message from Jessica Mountford (NSW) – a Cannabis & do Terra Wellness advocate This can unfortunately at times deter individuals to try and empower themselves by trying a possible alternative in the effort to heal themselves or their family members but often the case is that they will do whatever it takes to save their loved ones and bring relief despite the legalities. Everyday cannabis is improving the lives of individuals. It is happening and it is occurring all over our country! Unfortunately, though we have a law that states that it is now a Cat A drug and the 'drugs' are allowed to be imported have to be run in "ground breaking trials". These laws are limiting and blatantly ignoring the benefits that come with the use of whole plant medicine. Every day I answer the phone at work I am told that patients of GP's, Natural Therapists, Oncologists, Neurologists etc. have sent them to the Ubuntu Wellness Clinic as "they seem to know what they are doing", "I have a few patients that are receiving positive results" or "I can't prescribe it but you can go there to source it." They are telling their patients that they believe that cannabis may help with alleviating their symptoms but I don't know where you can get it, "I am supportive of the choice you will need to ask around and let me know how you go." There are still a lot of Dr's that would like to know more about it I am told. Then there's the other side of the spectrum where I hear that Dr's are referring individuals but turn a blind eye to it, they don't want to know, although if you receive benefits when taking it I can no longer assist you. The stories alter slightly but you get the picture I'm sure. The two things that hang over potential client’s head when trying to source a reputable option is the fact that they could be pulled over by a MDT or they are worried that Child Services will be on their door step because of the legalities around it. This fear is created by a regulated system, a system that ultimately criminalises an individual if they use a medicine considered illegal and when something is bringing someone quality of life this does not matter, "it's unsafe!" These people are every day, often conservative families looking for any option that may assist. We have a system that will condemn people for making choices that will potentially bring relief. These 'ideals' need to change so that this ongoing torturous fear discontinues. Fortunately, we have brave families that make a stand and shout out loud about how they are achieving this quality time with each other, but they too are often still controlled by the system, made out to be 'conspiracy theorists', "mentally unstable", or are used for what it can only seem to be political gain... This medicine is grown freely throughout some countries where they respect the plant as medicine, they respect the fact that it was placed on our earth by creation. On the other hand in our country some politicians views are the complete opposite, "if it's not a pharmaceutical drug then it's unsafe", "bags of weed will be imported" (as opposed to pharmaceuticals). They want trials done in collaboration with other pharmaceuticals. We need all Dr's, Specialists and Therapeutic practitioners to stand up for their patient’s choices when it comes to natural therapies, and not condemn the choices that can knowingly create better quality of life for humanity! To explain that the evidence is not just anecdotal. The need to advocate and educate themselves is critical so that we can all do this together and we need to do this without fear of being discredited!