Showing posts with label weed. Show all posts

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Microsoft Co Pilot & Time4Hemp - Tell Me About The Legendary Dr. William L. Courtney

As a multi century legalization activist, I have a long list of hemp / cannabis champions I love and respect, four of whom are on the screen above.

In this wonderful episode of Casper Leitch's Time4Hemp with joint hosts Al Byrne and Al Graham, they interview one of the most powerful, innovative forces in the effective application of medical cannabis.

Below is how Microsoft Co-Pilot described Time4Hemp's guest in this episode, Dr. William L. Courtney.

"Dr. William L. Courtney is a trailblazer in the field of medical cannabis, best known for his pioneering advocacy of raw cannabis as a dietary essential. With a background in microbiology from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from Wayne State University, Dr. Courtney’s scientific foundation laid the groundwork for his unconventional yet compelling approach to cannabis medicine.

Rather than focusing solely on the psychoactive compound THC, Dr. Courtney emphasized the therapeutic potential of non-psychoactive cannabinoid acids—particularly THCA and CBDA—found in raw, unheated cannabis. He argued that these compounds, when consumed in high doses through juicing or dietary intake, could act as powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents. His work challenged the traditional Western medical paradigm, which often favors single-compound, high-dose treatments, and instead promoted a holistic, plant-based approach to health.

Dr. Courtney’s influence extended beyond the clinic. He presented his research at international conferences, including the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry in Bonn and the International Cannabinoid Research Society in Chicago. He also played a key role in establishing the Cannabis International Foundation, which seeks to consolidate and disseminate scientific knowledge about the health benefits of raw cannabis.

Through his clinical practice, educational outreach, and relentless advocacy, Dr. Courtney has helped reshape public and professional perceptions of cannabis. His vision of cannabis as a “conditionally essential nutrient” continues to inspire a new generation of researchers and patients alike."

ChatGPT - Tell Me About Shane Doull on Paul Stanford's Cannabis Common Sense

ChatGPT said:

instagram.com

D O U L (@d0u1) • Instagram photos and videos

Shane Doull is an American entrepreneur, media producer, and cannabis advocate, best known as the founder and CEO of U.S. WEED CHANNEL (USWC), a pioneering cannabis-themed television network.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Doull's early life was marked by involvement in the underground cannabis trade. By age 14, he was dealing cannabis, and by 19, he was transporting it across borders. He left the illicit trade at 21 following the birth of his first daughter. In 2005–2006, Doull returned to school to study film production, a decision that would later influence his career in media. facebook.com+9stage32.com+9stage32.com+9podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+1podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+1

Career and U.S. WEED CHANNEL

In 2009, Doull re-entered the cannabis industry legally by launching Grand Daddy Phoenix, the world's first legal mobile cannabis store. His experiences with the legal system, including fighting and winning cannabis-related charges in three California counties, highlighted the lack of media support for the cannabis community. This realization led him to establish U.S. WEED CHANNEL, the first federally certified, globally broadcast cannabis lifestyle TV network. stage32.com+2podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+2podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+2

Under Doull's leadership, USWC has expanded its reach to 145 countries and is accessible on platforms like Roku, with over 170,000 installations. The network offers a platform for cannabis-related content and provides advertising opportunities for brands targeting the cannabis community. podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+1podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+1

Media Presence and Personal Branding

Doull is active on social media, branding himself as the "Superman of Cannabis." He uses platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to share insights on cannabis media and advocate for the industry. pitchbook.com+5instagram.com+5podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com+5

Film and Media Work

In addition to his work with USWC, Doull has credits in film and television production. Notably, he produced "Turning Leaf" (2020), "Not Haunted" (2009), and "Tik Tokers" (2021). youtube.com+4stage32.com+4stage32.com+4imdb.com

Education and Personal Life

Doull studied at Palomar College and attended Dana Hills High School. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cannabis advocacy. facebook.com

For more information, you can visit the U.S. WEED CHANNEL website or follow Shane Doull on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Thursday, April 03, 2025

Jesse Ventura Takes Time 4 Hemp

"Apr 1, 2025 Time 4 Hemp Seed 2 Grow

In this segment, we take a Deep Dive into former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura who in early 2024 launched a cannabis edibles brand. Jesse Ventura Farms is in partnership with Retro Bakery, which is owned by a group of black women and established in Minnesota. This marks the first time a former U.S. governor has put their name on a cannabis brand. Ventura, a long-time cannabis legalization supporter, also sits down with Al Byrne for an interesting interview where he discusses how cannabis helped his wife overcome chronic seizures which led him to write his 2016 best selling book, 'Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto: How Lies, Corruption, and Propaganda Kept Cannabis Illegal'. This podcast also includes 3 great songs - either written by or written about - some of the activists who have pioneered the Medical Cannabis Legalization Movement. To find more content like this, visit: https://www.time4hemp.news (https://www,time4hemp.news) Please share this with your friends. This is a production of the Time 4 Hemp Global Broadcasting Network - 2025"

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

I asked A.I. Chat GPT about a hemp rather than rocks based economy

"Currently, humanity is living by an economic system based on rocks, gold, silver, copper... Based on results, homelessness, hunger, thirst, lack of education, rising sickness rates like cancer... It seems wise to allocate resources based on need rather than greed. Would a hemp based economy be better? If so why? If not, what is a better economic system internationally than the one we are using now?"

ChatGPT said:

Hemp Fields and Industrial Prosperity: This image captures the vast potential of hemp fields feeding into an eco-friendly industrial scene, emphasizing economic growth with visual elements like export barrels and statistics.

Why a Hemp-Based Economy Could Be Better

Environmental Sustainability: Hemp is a highly sustainable crop. It requires less water, fewer pesticides, and is more resilient than many other crops. Additionally, hemp absorbs more CO₂ than many other plants, making it a powerful tool for carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change.
Diverse Applications: Hemp has versatility across industries—construction (hempcrete), textiles, biodegradable plastics, biofuels, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. A hemp-based economy would diversify away from non-renewable resources, reduce waste, and promote more eco-friendly products.
Localized Production: Hemp can grow in a wide range of climates, which means more local production and less dependence on global supply chains. This could decrease economic inequality by enabling smaller economies to produce resources locally and build wealth from within, thus reducing poverty and supporting economic independence.
Job Creation and Economic Opportunity: A shift toward hemp could create jobs in farming, processing, manufacturing, and distribution. These jobs could support a transition to green economies that are more accessible to various demographics, potentially reducing unemployment and poverty.
Social Equity: If structured thoughtfully, a hemp economy could reduce monopolistic practices and centralization of wealth. By decentralizing production and basing wealth generation on renewable resources, there’s potential for a more equitable distribution of economic power.

Potential Limitations of a Hemp-Based Economy

While a hemp economy offers exciting possibilities, it may not be a comprehensive solution by itself. Certain industries and products may still require resources that hemp cannot provide, and transitioning could pose challenges for heavily industrialized economies reliant on current systems. Also, without careful regulation and attention to equitable growth, even a hemp-based economy could become profit-driven, perpetuating cycles of inequality.

Infographic on Hemp’s Economic Impact: A visually organized infographic where a central hemp plant connects to multiple industries, emphasizing hemp’s wide-reaching economic and environmental benefits with international symbols.

Alternatives for a Better International Economic System

Resource-Based Economy (RBE): This concept, popularized by futurist Jacque Fresco, suggests an economy where resources are allocated based on availability and need, rather than monetary gain. Advanced technology and data would guide efficient resource distribution, reducing waste, and ensuring equitable access. By focusing on sustainability and minimizing waste, an RBE could address many of the issues related to scarcity and environmental degradation.
Universal Basic Income (UBI): UBI could complement a hemp or resource-based economy, ensuring that all individuals have a basic level of economic security. By providing a guaranteed income, UBI could reduce poverty and hunger, allowing people to focus on meaningful, creative, or community-oriented work instead of merely survival.
Circular Economy: In a circular economy, products and resources are reused, recycled, and upcycled, minimizing waste and resource depletion. If combined with renewable resources like hemp, this approach could support an economy that is regenerative by design, addressing environmental concerns and creating long-term sustainable growth.
Wellbeing Economy: This model prioritizes human and ecological wellbeing over GDP growth. In a wellbeing economy, governments would allocate resources based on health, education, and environmental sustainability metrics rather than economic output alone. Such an approach could reduce social issues, encourage sustainable growth, and ensure that all individuals have their basic needs met.

In Summary

A hemp-based economy could indeed contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world, especially when combined with the principles of a resource-based, circular, or wellbeing-focused economy. By shifting the foundation of our economy from limited, non-renewable resources to a sustainable, renewable crop like hemp—and further refining our economic structures around human and environmental needs—humanity could take meaningful steps toward reducing poverty, environmental harm, and inequality worldwide.

Economic Growth Through Global Exports: Here, a bustling setup of hemp processing for export showcases the seamless transition from sustainable agriculture to international commerce, underscoring financial gains and job creation.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Please Support Pot Pioneer Dana Beal!

PLEASE SUPPORT DANA BEAL

SUPPORT DANA BEAL NOW

SUPPORT DANA BEAL RIGHT NOW!

Click Here To Donate Directly
To The Defense Fund For
Dana Beal

As an old hippie from the 1960s, I find it difficult to comprehend why Pot Pioneer and Ibogaine Scientist/Activist Dana Beal is facing legal troubles for possessing cannabis.

It's perplexing that the industry seems to be neglecting the very person who helped pave the way for legalization. Though their lack of support in his time of need is truly disappointing, I remain confident that the multi billion dollar legal cannabis / hemp industry will come to the aid of our hero, Dana Beal, who is in danger of going back to jail for the crime of possessing a plant.

Having marched with Dana since 1973, both in person and online, I'm stunned by the indifference shown by the multi-billion dollar cannabis industry in response to his 2024 arrest.

"Dana Beal’s journey, marked by relentless advocacy for cannabis and psychedelics legalization, takes a new turn following his recent release from Idaho’s Gooding County Jail. Arrested in January for alleged marijuana trafficking, the 77-year-old activist now faces a potential 15-year prison sentence, even as the U.S. seems to be moving toward legalization."

The legal cannabis businesses have the resources, so why does Dana even need to ask for help? In Arizona alone, legal cannabis made $1.4 billion in 2023$1.4 billion in 2023. If just 8 dispensaries contributed $5K each, it would cover his legal fees for a charge that lacks logical sense.

It's disheartening that the industry has not stepped up to support him in promoting the benefits of hemp and ibogaine for modern issues.

With all the profits from legal weed, it’s frustrating that law enforcement would arrest a man who has dedicated his life, freedom, and health to ending the harmful war on drugs.

My initial shock has turned into determination. The truth is, Dana Beal deserves our support.

Looking beyond my emotions, I asked ChatGPT "Who Is Dana Beal?"

"Dana Beal is a prominent American activist known for his longstanding work in drug policy reform, particularly focusing on cannabis legalization and ibogaine treatment for addiction. Here are some key points about his life and activism:

1. *Early Activism and Yippies*: Beal has been active since the 1960s, beginning his work with the Youth International Party (Yippies), a countercultural group known for its radical activism against the Vietnam War and in support of various social justice causes.

2. *Cannabis Legalization*: He has been a significant figure in the cannabis legalization movement, advocating for the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana for decades. Beal is credited with initiating the Global Cannabis March in New York City during the 1970s, an event that has since spread to over 400 cities worldwide.

3. *Ibogaine Advocacy*: Beyond cannabis, Beal is also a leading advocate for the use of ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from the African iboga plant, which has shown promise in treating addiction, particularly opioid dependence. He has been involved in efforts to promote ibogaine therapy and has even brought this treatment to conflict zones, such as Ukraine, to aid soldiers with PTSD and addiction issues.

4. *Legal Issues*: Despite his contributions, Beal has faced numerous legal challenges due to his activism. Most recently, he was arrested in Idaho for cannabis trafficking, underscoring the ongoing legal battles faced by even the most veteran advocates in the movement.

Dana Beal’s relentless activism has made significant impacts on drug policy reform and has garnered him recognition within the movement, including awards from notable figures like the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams. His work continues to inspire new generations of activists in the fight for drug policy reform and alternative addiction treatments."

In summary, Dana Beal has earned the support of the cannabis community. Why won’t more of the industry owners help Dana?

I also asked about the number of dispensaries in the USA in 2024.

"As of 2024, there are approximately 12,156 legal marijuana dispensaries across the United States. This number reflects a slight decrease from the 12,572 dispensaries reported in September 2023. The state with the highest number of dispensaries is Oklahoma, with 2,387, while Texas has the fewest, with just three dispensaries (DispenseCBD) (Flowhub). For the most credible sources on the number of legal marijuana dispensaries, consider checking industry reports and data from established cannabis market analysts. Websites like Flowhub and Dispense provide detailed and regularly updated statistics on dispensary counts and market trends (DispenseCBD) (Flowhub). These sources are highly regarded within the cannabis industry for their comprehensive data and insights into market dynamics."

Now that I'm calmer, I see that if just 8 out of those 12,156 legal marijuana dispensaries donated $5K each, it would cover Dana’s legal fees.

PLEASE SUPPORT DANA BEAL

SUPPORT DANA BEAL NOW

SUPPORT DANA BEAL RIGHT NOW!

Click Here To Donate Directly
To The Defense Fund For
Dana Beal

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Paul Stanford's Cannabis Common Sense 1133

Monday, November 26, 2018

Cannabis Pioneer & Champion Paul Stanford

"This is a 33 minute video from June 2016 of the first office meeting

at our clinic headquarters in Portland, after the takeover.

My wife videoed it with her phone."

“They haven’t paid me a penny,

but they’ve taken everything I’ve owned in my whole life.”

Paul Stanford

Paul Stanford is in danger of loosing his medical marijuana clinics after decades of work helping over a quarter million patients USA due to a hostile corporate takeover. One of the reasons many of us can go to the corner store to buy our pot is the almost half century of work by hemp pioneer and cannabis champion Paul Stanford.

Paul and his wife Theresa have helped patients legally get the medical marijuana they need to heal and the information on how to best use it for their health issues. This evolutionary work in the face of insane prohibition laws has made Paul a target for the greed in weed that’s taking over, unless we stop it now.

The Stanfords and their crew have done such excellent jobs helping patients that big business came two years ago to take everything from their clinics to Paul's name. They're doing it through a series of court maneuvers. Paul explained in an email to his patients:

“…we are locked in an ongoing court legal battle for our medical clinic, Empower, from a hostile corporate takeover by an Israeli-Canadian energy company, Adira Energy, which is partially-owned by billionaire speculator, George Soros. Since June 2016, we have been in a David versus Goliath legal drama and outspent on attorneys by more than 10 to one.

The Israeli-Canadians took control of the medical marijuana clinic at a 15 minute hearing that had not been scheduled. I was told to report to the would go into court just the day before, an unscheduled or ex parte hearing. My lawyers appeared, but they advised me to not come because they did not know what the Israeli-Canadian raiders would file or do. The trial is currently scheduled for March 11, 2019 in Multnomah County Court, Portland, Oregon, case number 16CV18448. Turns out that they’ve outspent me 10 to 1 on legal fees.”

It is imperative that at least the cannabis dispensaries and recreational shops donate to Paul's legal fund so they can continue to help people heal. This corporate takeover makes patients records public, private information for sale, with not even a fraction of a penny of it going to the Stanfords or, more importantly, THEIR PATIENTS.

Another multi-decade cannabis / hemp activist, Kris Krane, who is also a journalist at Forbes Magazine, wrote a powerful article earlier this year The Cannabis Industry Needs To Support Advocacy. Here's Why

"This industry didn’t expand because of a memo issued by a deputy attorney general, or because some governments simply decided they wanted to benefit from the tax revenue that legal cannabis could bring their states. It happened because of the decades of work by marijuana reform activists and policy organizations, without whose efforts today’s businesses could not exist.

Today’s cannabis businesses, whether they realize it or not, are part of a long-standing movement to end cannabis prohibition, a movement that I am proud to have played a small role in advancing earlier in my career. With the industry under renewed attack from drug warriors in Washington, D.C., it is imperative that today’s cannabis business leaders, many who have only known the “good times” under the protection of the Cole Memo, heed the lessons taught by the early pioneers of the industry and recognize their essential role in the broader reform movement. Their very existence as businesses depends on it."

How is it that with a lifetime of doing his best and beyond to support the legalization process, Paul Stanford, founder of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, THCF Medical Clinic and Empower Medical Clinics is fighting for his patients privacy which can be sold for $100 each, his business and everything he has?

Fortunately he has Theresa as his wife so we know they will make it through, yet, they sure could do with some help, especially from the industry that they helped build. Paul's email to his patients continues:

“It is an incredible, modern David and Goliath story. and below are links to 3 articles from the Huffington Post, Salem News and Ganjapreneur that detail this complex international business deal which includes decades of research and patients medical records. I was informed and have to tell my patients that the possible new owners would sell patients' private medical records for tens of millions of dollars. There is a 4th article below on how they can sell private medical records. The previous clinic location are being run by Adira Energy who has taken control in an unusual financial move called a "reverse merger."

The first appeared in the Salem News, written by Bonnie King in August 2016:

““The activist formerly known as Paul Stanford"

Paul Stanford was fired June 10th. BLINDSIDED, he would say. He received a certified letter from S.M.A.A.R.T., the corporation he owns a majority of, telling him he was out.

For reasons wrought with legalese and plenty of supposition, the S.M.A.A.R.T. board of directors opted to remove him, without ever even calling a single shareholder or board of directors meeting.

On June 9th, the lawyers representing Adira, a Canadian/Israeli petroleum and natural gas company, asked the Multnomah County Court in Portland for a TRO (temporary restraining order) against Paul Stanford to “stop imminent harm” and because they weren’t able to “take the company public in August.” That meant no access to his office, or his bank accounts.

The possible loss of future financial gain for these Canadians was apparently enough for the judge to agree, as she made her ruling in less than 20 minutes. LESS THAN 20 MINUTES.

“The Judge caused harm,”Stanford insists. “Harm against an honest business. The impact is far reaching.”’

The next one was written by Angela Bacca published by The Huffington Post

“While the Canadian cannabis business is booming, LPs have turnedtheir focus towards establishing dominant market shares in the United States aswell. Where Canada has a total population of nearly 35 million, in California alone,which legalized marijuana in 2016, there are nearly 40 million people and a massivealready-established market. A company commanding hold on both the American and Canadianmarkets could generate billions.”

I edited Bacca's article to expand and clarify a few crucial points, with hyperlinks to sources. Ganjapreneur reported:

Longtime Activist New Fighting For Livelihood In Ongoing Hostile Takeover

Ganjapreneur by TG Branfelt:

"The lawsuit stems from Stanford’s desire to do two things: raise funds for a ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2014 in Oregon and take his medical clinics company, Presto Quality Care — which operated dispensaries in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Michigan, and California — public. Stanford said he was approached by Canadian venture capitalists about investing in his company, and in May 2014, he agreed he would work with them to launch Presto on the U.S. over-the-counter market if they agreed to give him $400,000 for the ballot initiative."

The Guardian explains how each person's private medical records are worth over $100 each. Our privacy policy said that these records would never be sold. Now, via a million dollar preliminary court injunction, unscrupulous dishonest corporate raiders have been given your private medical data, entrusted to us by you.

"In a new report from the Century Foundation...“The patient is not really a component of this because their name and connection to the prescription have been stripped off.” But other forms of data, such as information from fitness devices and search engines, are completely unregulated and have identities and addresses attached. A third kind of data called “predictive analytics” cross-references the other two and makes predictions about behavior with what Tanner calls “a surprising degree of accuracy”."

I have difficulty conceiving why Paul has to even ask for help to raise legal fees to keep his clinics and his patients medical information private. So far, he's spent over $170,000 fighting a hostile corporate takeover. The raiders have spent over 10 times more on their extensive legal team. If you are in any position to help, please contribute to his GoFundMe campaign.

Of course, knowing Paul and Theresa, they are already rebuilding. Paul reports:

"We have set up a new clinic on Sandy Blvd. in Portland, just off of NE 28th Ave, to compete with our old business, as we fight in court to regain control of Empower Healthcare.

Please call our office if you need to renew for your OMMP card.

If you are not in Oregon, we can refer you to another physician.

Our number is 503-235-4606 and our new address is 2712 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232.

This is our new website: http://paulstanfordmedicalclinics.com/ "

"If marijuana business leaders recognize their role in the reform movement, and support those organizations whose work has made this industry possible, we will be able to ensure not only the survival of this emerging industry, but we will set the conditions needed to allow it to grow and thrive into the future."

"Kris Krane is co-founder of 4Front, a leading investment and management firm in the cannabis industry. Follow 4Front on Twitter or subscribe to its newsletter."

As the cannabis / hemp industries follow the wisdom of cannabis champion Kris Krane we will succeed in implementing the hemp solution. Hemp / cannabis can solve so many of our problems. The peace pipe may even have an impact on our gun violence and suicide rates (yes, that’s why it’s called the peace pipe).

It's time for Cannabis Common Sense!

If you are in any position to help, please contribute to
Paul's GoFundMe campaign

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

Cannabis Common Sense - March 3, 2017

Paul Stanford and Casper Leitch host the weekly razor's edge cable / web program Cannabis Common Sense. Their work in the marijuana legalization process is legendary and has been for decades.

As part of the weekly news round up, Paul Stanford said about Jeff Sessions marijuana policy.

'We're dead set against it...'

Darcy Cadigan, Dillon Maher, Cannabis Corner Dispensary are interviewed in this program. They talk about their adventurous journey to getting effective cannabis medicine to patients in need as well as the possibilities the recreational weed market opens.

Casper Leitch explains the logic of some Trump supporters during the presidential election. ' I just didn't want another Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. I had limited choices, all right?'

Cannabis Common Sense airs Fridays, 8 PM Pacific Time on Ustream with replays available on Youtube. RESTORE HEMP!