Light up! 4/20 is America's Cannabis Holiday

The Cannabis Community has a lot to ponder

Dr. Phil Leveque, who lost his career for standing up for patients’ rights and Jack Herer, author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Photo: Salem-News.com, 2009

(SALEM, Ore.) - On this, the sacred holiday of all Cannabis advocates and enthusiasts, when you take that first toke of the day, there's something you should ask yourself, and that is: Do you appreciate those that came before you? Do you know your fellow true-hearted brothers and sisters out here?

Seriously folks, this is much more than getting high. Not to be a buzz kill, but please consider those on the front lines, working tirelessly to achieve freedom for others, as well as the POWs serving time for this non-lethal herb, and those we've lost; all who have fought and they that continue to fight and sacrifice for cannabis liberation. Let us take a moment to recognize all that has been done in an effort to protect and preserve not only this plant, but our individual rights, freedoms and civil liberties.

Having the "Founding Father" of the Global Cannabis movement, Jack Herer, as my mentor and friend was a blessing with many advantages; one being that I can see things encompassing our community with a realist perspective.

Jack did not want any division among us, and he saw that potential between medical patients, growers, retailers and hemp farmers. He believed in the true of spirit, his "Real Warriors". He tried to convey that we are all a part of the same mission, even if you all are not aware of it. We are on the side of liberation, and that goal is getting closer all the time.

We have declared 4-20 our day. After Jack's death in 2010, many called it "National Jack Herer Day"; he would have been honored, I know. He would be even more honored if you took the time to discover how it is we've gotten to this point.

Many among us have been beaten as we were arrested, many more have been convicted and thrown into hell-hole cages, deprived of our rights, and worse, many have lost their lives while fighting this battle for a simple freedom. So many are no longer with us, and will never see the end of the madness themselves. For them, we must endure.

Jack Herer said, "No one person, not even me, can do this alone... I need each and every one of you to be willing to stand up here with me and be counted so we can get this done once and for all."

Did he "hand a torch" to any one person? No, he instructed we take it together!

I was not expected to live past the age of 20. Cannabis alone is the reason I’m here, it has been saving my life for these last 21 years of "borrowed time". The doctors have no explanation, but they cannot deny, I am alive.

Jack Herer told me personally, "You owe this plant for saving your life... the least you can do is protect and defend it while it saves the lives of others who need it."

And so I shall, alongside the hundreds of others that have been here through thick and thin.

If you are a freedom fighter, don't be silent. When someone asks you why you do what you do, stick out your chest and pridefully say, “I stand for Cannabis, for all of those that cannot stand.”

Lest we forget, prohibition is still alive and well at the Federal level. Cannabis will never be freed until that evil root of prohibition is pulled from the ground, once and for all. On this special day, it is highly important that each and every one of us take the time to thank the front line cannabis freedom fighters that came before. The ones that blazed the trails, took the hits, and literally paid the price for the casual marijuana use that you are now enjoying.

Remember, it's not just cannabis rights we are out here fighting to protect and defend - it is much more than that. It is our inalienable right as Americans to Life, Liberty and Happiness. That’s what is on the line today, and has been since Cannabis was outlawed in 1937.

Reflect on the wisdom taught by our fallen freedom fighters, it’s the gift they left behind. As Jack said, “Take what you learn here, and spread the seeds of wisdom. Soon they will bud.”

We owe our respect to all of them, our Cannabis Family. Prohibition will fall, it is inevitable. Because of their hard work and sacrifice, citizens of our fair country will be Victims No More.

Yes, we will live to see it.

Joy Maxine Graves, published author, cannabis reporter and photographer is best known for her involvement as a Cannabis Freedom Fighting Activist. Joy has shown herself to be quite the trooper when it comes to defending Truth, Justice & Honor, for protecting the "weaker guy", and for standing her ground when faced with nothing but hate and diversity. As the #2 most beloved personal "Jack's Girl" to the Emperor of Hemp himself (Jack Herer, RIP) for more than 13 years, which is how Salem-News.com encountered her by the way, we soon-after couldn't help but to noticed her flare for photography as well as her knack with people, and she has become a valuable part of the Salem-News team.

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