I believe in being authentic, and speaking out about the things that make me cry.

I believe it is worth it to use our voice when we hear the call from our intuition–that it is time to take a stand. That’s when we have to speak, to step into our power to create positive change in the world.

Because for every person who can speak, there are many others who cannot or will not.

This month I testified in favor of reforming my state’s medical marijuana program in the Maryland House Government and Operations Committee.

I believe this is not only necessary for many many people in pain–in such pain that it made me cry talking about it in this video–but it is also necessary for people with seemingly “unworthy” causes.

I’m talking about women’s problems. The procedures, disorders and the problems that only women experience and understand the pain. For some reason these problems are so unworthy of treatment–the pain is unworthy of medicine– that women every day have no options besides over the counter pain killers. Why can’t medical providers offer something that humans have used safely for millennia?

In this video I speak about WHY this is an issue worth speaking on. I know from personal experience with a painful medical procedure in which I was instructed to only take over the counter medication. It took days to recover  but it inspired me because I know there are many other women with this pain. So I’m going to talk about it.

Let’s face it: women do not have effective medication for their problems and won’t unless they speak about it.

I’m planning a project further down the line that will empower other women to speak on this issue. Hence the tag, #MJ4PMS the name of the campaign. Feel free to use it on twitter, your blog, or where ever you express yourself.

It hasn’t been easy to share this video with you. It hasn’t been easy to talk about in the past, but it’s getting easier. The tide has shifted. Other countries, and other states are changing their laws, we can, too.

But it did really take me aback that I started crying. After I finished I thought about redoing it or holding it back, but this is a very important time, and when I ask myself, should I put this up? Should I do this? All I hear is YES.

Thanks for holding space for me to express what I believe in, whatever you believe, I support the same for you.

Currently a medical system is one of two kinds of legislation that are moving forward in Maryland. Public opinion has been polled as in high favor (90%) of a medical program, but a majority also supports full legalization. Thursday March 12, the Maryland house will be hearing testimonies  for a proposed bill that charges possession of the plant with a $100 fee rather than arrest.

This law could change the current situation which often penalizes nonviolent people with jail time, loss of income, and damage to work opportunities.

For the second year running, this bill has passed the Senate and now awaits approval in a difficult committee to be voted on by the floor. The Senate bill has been passed for the second time with bipartisan support.

But a medical system is still necessary. A medical system will give people in pain, whether temporary or chronic, as well as ill children with life threatening disorders (epilepsy, cancer) a powerful and fast acting medicine–and protect caregivers.

Please contact your local legislation representative about your opinions on this issue.