FREEDOM FLOWER

BY CHET TUCKER

At what point did we wake up to realize that we've been indoctrinated into a system that curbs our natural instincts of being at one with ourselves and our provider, earth? Who decided that a truancy officer could enforce a dictated governmental (govern mental states) school systems that box our thinking and funnel our energy to learn so many irrelevant idealisms? When did we give up our individual and parental rights in exchange for what some foreign entity deems right for our minds? What form of being freely born unto a planet formed without ownership have we misinterpreted? Why does some collective bureaucracy dictate what we can and can't do with our bodies, land, and property? Really think beyond a "that's just the way it is" and realize that's how programmed we are to accept the current state. We've clawed back civil liberties and still haven't won all the battles for self autonomy ... but we're getting there and just have to continue standing and speaking up. No single other person should control our individual rights. Not a single other person. If we are doing harm to another human then that's where the line is drawn. However, to trust a collective of suits and ties to make decisions about our right to cultivate plant medicines, amongst other self liberties that I'll not address here, is giving up our own rights. At what point were we convinced to keep pretty green lawns in exchange for spraying down some amazing and healing "flowers/ weeds" (cannabis aside) like dandelions. At what point did we wake up to realize the propaganda to spray DDT and other chemicals in the interest of our health? So, what do we do to press forward a powerful republic of Oklahoma and put our rights above the "rulers" that say cannabis, again trying to keep it down this narrowed scope but it relates to so many other liberties, must be managed so tightly and that we allow a government to spend these tax dollars in ways that aren't fully accounted for ... only to spread their tentacles of control as if they're doing us a favor? Whether you see it as medicinal or a basic right to a plant, it's our right to consume as we may and without so much governmental overreach. The additional costs for tracking businesses and the rising taxes that stack up on the back end only comes out to cost the consumer/patient more. And for what benefit? The consumer then is faced with paying more for a plant than possibly their government assisted pharmaceuticals that are proving more and more to be less helpful than plant based medicinals. In addition, it creates a marketplace that's considered as the illegal black market. Ironically, it's more of a free market trade without all of the strings and costs attached. I've passionately shared before that there is a need for regulating testing and dosage because we know that it's important for consumers (patients) to know what they are taking. However, the tax monies earned by the state should be leveraged for honing in these test results with developing more useful and educational ways for the marketplace to thrive. THC, cannabinoids, terpenes, and how they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could only further illustrate the power of the plant, especially when the variety of characteristics are understood and illustrated for a better result for all. It's not just indica, sativa, or hybrid; it's how does this particular flower or processed flower product assist me personally? I hope that words are read and digested to continue helping not only Oklahoma but other communities of people to demand transparency and more individual rights. A right to cultivate is a born right and we certainly don't live in a "free" country if we are taxed to death (and sadly after too) and dictated as to what we can or can't do with our bodies, lands, and property. The key is in our hand, not the other way around. Hanta Yo!