Medical Cannabis refers to the use of cannabis as a physician-recommended herbal therapy, most notably as an antiemetic. Consequently, an antiemetic is effective against vomiting, nausea, motion sickness, and the side effects of chemotherapy and cancer.

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4,000 years. Writings from ancient India confirm that its psychoactive properties were recognized, and doctors used it for a variety of illnesses and ailments. These included a whole host of gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, headaches and as a pain reliever frequently used in childbirth. The cannabinoids in marijuana mimic the healing effects of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called Anandimide; “also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA,  an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means “bliss, delight”, and amide. It is synthesized from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways. It is degraded primarily by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme, which converts anandamide into ethanolamine and arachidonic acid. As such, inhibitors of FAAH lead to elevated anandamide levels and are being pursued for therapeutic use.

Cannabis also acts as an antispasmodic and anticonvulsant and is indicated for neurological conditions.

In the 1970s, a synthetic version of THC, the primary active ingredient in cannabis, was synthesized to make the drug Marinol. Incidentally, this drug treats or prevents nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines, when other medicines do not work. It is also used to increase the appetite of people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Medical Cannabis also aids in the following:

• Relief of muscle spasms (which I have)
• Relief of chronic pain (which I have due to a herniated disc. Consequently, I had to learn how to walk again after having this disc rupture.)

• Reduction in interlobular pressure inside the eye

• As a bronchodilator it is beneficial for asthma.

Glaucoma – Marijuana relieves the internal eye pressure of glaucoma, and therefore relieving the pain and slowing or even stopping the condition.

Cancer- Many side effects of the medication to stop cancer can be relieve with Marijuana, some studies suggest that Marijuana tends to slow down the progress of some types of cancer.

Multiple Sclerosis – Muscle pain, spasticity, tremors and unsteadiness are some of the effects caused by the disease that can be relieved by Marijuana.

Epilepsy – in some patients, epileptic seizures can be prevented with Marijuana use.

Chronic pain – Marijuana helps to alleviate the pain caused from many types of injuries and disorders.

Anxiety and Depression - Even though mild anxiety is a common side effect in some users, cannabis can elevate your mood and expand the mind

Serotonin is one of many neurotransmitters found in the brain. It is also found in the blood, mucous membranes which line the digestive tract, and stomach. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter made from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. Certain imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitters are correlated to depression. Having higher levels of serotonin is shown to counter some depressive symptoms.

Marijuana doesn’t directly produce serotonin, but it may help to reduce depression for some people. One chemical in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does affect a substance in the brain called anandamide. It causes a soothing sensation in the body when it reacts with THC.  Some of the ways that marijuana can affect people in low to medium doses are by:

• reducing blood pressure,

• increasing relaxation

 Additionally, marijuana has been found to stimulate neurogensis in the hippocampus — another characteristic that may help counter depression over time. Though it is not fully understood how serotonin, depression, and neurogenesis are related, the production of new neurons in the hippocampus has been associated with relief of depression symptoms for many people. Similarly, a reduction in hippocampal volume is often found in patients with major depression. Many factors contribute the production and destruction of cells in the hippocampus and other regions of the brain, including sleep, stress, anti-depressants, and exercise. As you might guess, getting insufficient sleep and experiencing major life stressors can reduce hippocampal volume, while exercise can stimulate the growth of new cells in the brain. Another chemical in marijuana, cannabidiol, is likely responsible for the anti-depressive effects that stem from neurogenesis. This chemical does not produce the psychoactive effects of marijuana, but is likely responsible for the medicinal benefits of marijuana, in addition to the neurogenesis, including relief of nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. Marijuana can be used to enhance personal spirituality through different types of  meditation. The herb tends to reveal your true self. As opposed to tranquillizers and depressants that relax the body and release tension, but the state of mind associated with these drugs is “unconsciousness” whereby we escape rather than resolve our dilemmas. Alcoholism is an extreme need of both the body and personality sometimes to release the nervousness that has accumulated and continues to build up to an unbearable degree.

The point being, medical marijuana is a safe and effective herb when used responsibly.  And, I would advise one use a Vaporizer. The reason being, it is better for your body and it prevents any odor from accumulating within the air.

Blessed be…

Recently the pursuit of my being a good mother has been called into question by certain members that I have associated myself with in the past. Let me start off by saying that I am a Damn good mother, unlike previous examples of parenting I’ve had. I have made a FOCUS of cultivating myself into an example for my children. The fact that I have dedicated myself to their well-being for the past 11 years through much devotion and sacrifice lets the record reflect as such. Though their father is in education, I HOME-SCHOOLED them. And, though their grandfather is a psychiatrist, he Refuses to call my son by his given name and has created a power-struggle within my family. The children are very hurt to realize that they have been shunned due to his ignorance…and others that support his views.  In fact,  I SOUGHT out the needed therapy for my son that was in regard to his autism. Why, well because no courtesy was extended otherwise. Now, in reference to my son’s autism;when the time came for such a diagnosis he was so high-functioning from home-therapy that the “label” was denied him for school records, in kindergarten. Mind you he needed services such as speech therapy and I was told after certain test were conducted he was to be deemed with the label of retardation or ADHD…because it would be good for him in the long run??? I refused such gestures and went about taking him,  paying out of pocket, to neurologist, speech therapist, psychological evaluations…and yadda ya. Can you imagine how stressful that is on a mother, especially without any emotional or financial support? I’ve sold most of my materials to support myself and children. I was even threatened by the school that social services would be called on me because I was taking him in for too many evaluations. And, I was even denied access to the campus because I wanted to pop in and check on him while at school. They said I was too involved. Personally, I was just trying to keep up with his potential of what I was home-schooling him with, the work just never seemed challenging enough that the school gave him.  In fact, the pre-K  he went to  gave him the label of “retardation” or something of the sort. Why did this label surprise me so much? Well, because again, as his mother, I knew his potential. For example, I took him into an audiologist, because he suffers from an auditory processing disorder APD-developmental dysphasia (that I had to inform the neurologist and audiologist about because I personally have a word-recall on verbal demand issue. Therefore, I knew the signs!!!-) for a certain test and they refused him services because he had to be 6 years old to match the research! A lot has occurred. And, now that I’ve put the children into school they bring home behavior that I don’t approve of or conduct in myself. It’s very aggressive. In fact, I have a middle child that now actually hits my 3-year-old and tells her to get away. I know she loves her and doesn’t mean it. However, these are some of the challenges of not home-schooling them anymore, along with their diet. Her attitude has changed so much. It’s not modeled after me!

When I discipline I try to be respectful and firm. I am not their “friend” per se…I am their mother, here to guide them. Listen, I use to do it all! Now, it’s time to let their father take over some of the work. And, for the past 2 years he has pitched in as such. You just get to watch now. Thus, there is no need to get over myself because I am a damn good mother, tired, but…what good mother isn’t! And, I’ve been on STRIKE! I refuse to be over-worked and disrespected anymore! Now, in regard to what I have been doing for Creolemagik while homeschooling the past years. Well, I’ve given tons of advise. I mean I read tarot for goodness sake. And, please note yoga is more than a physical act…as such is TANTRA. I mean there is really a warped view of what tantra really is! I don’t dish out sex! nor shall I ever. I have a clean bill of health! Actually, I’m into SPIRITUAL love and or sex…that’s the tantra I speak of. As the statement reads by Osho ” TANTRA IS THE SCIENCE THAT TEACHES ONE EXPRESSION OF SEX-NOT AS INDULGENCE, BUT, AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE. THIS IS A TRANSFORMATION OF A BIOLOGICAL PHENOMENON INTO SPIRITUALITY. Previously, I have made money off of my art, writing and I usually give health advise for FREE! And, now well it’s time to bring all of this into a form of a making a living with my art, writing and advise. I’ve conducted a lot of research to feel sufficient in knowing what I am talking about. I’ve been training my mind to FOcus since childhood. And, though I was raped as a child,by fellow “church” members, I am a healthy person-emotionally, spiritually, physically or otherwise. I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I’ve had psychotherapy. That is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is depression/posttraumatic stress. Also,  I was not sold into being a sex-slave. And, I have never engaged in free sex or cheated in any of my relationships. Growing up both my parents had their own issues. Furthermore,in my parenting I strive to be otherwise. Please note, they have never sexually abused me.  It’s always been a distant relationship between them, their families, and I.  And, what Gemini doesn’t have a vivid personality…I mean come on…it’s all in fun! We all have ego. And, I am not in denial about my age or education. I am tired of not being appreciated and respected! I am a good mother and person, not a “gold-digger”. I’ve made my own money in the past. I’ve also taken care of myself since grade school. Incidentally, when I marred my children’s father and had my first child-my son became ill. He had a lot of trauma with his medical birth, just to name a few issues.  That very fact changes everything for a woman and or person. People really shouldn’t psychoanalyze so much or prejudge others in their struggles. Everyone wants to be the judge…

Have a good day.

ps…did I mention both my children have been HONOR  students.

Without mindfulness in our daily lives, we feed our anger and despair by looking at or listening to things around us that are highly toxic. But, if we breathe in and out mindfully and realize that these are not the kinds of things we want to consume, then we will stop accepting them. Thus, to live mindfully means to stop ingesting these kinds of poisons. Instead, choose to be in touch with what is wonderful, refreshing, and healing within oneself and around you-Thich Nhat Hanh. Most importantly, Do not pursue the past, Do not lose yourself in the future. The past no longer is. The future has not yet come. Look deeply at life as it is In the very here and now, dwell In stability and freedom-The Buddha.

Have a good day…

This is Soleil at a ‘MULTI-ethnic play-group, since it’s such an issue for certain people. And,  I am a “Feminist” that speaks for all shades of women and children, I am every Woman.

A book that I have found very helpful while on my journey with motherhood is entitled Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali. I’ve read it over several times and always find something helpful in regard to caring for myself as an Esoteric Buddhist; while I continue to live some of the chaos involved with being a mother of three.

An excerpt on the back reads as follows: Buddhism for Mothers explores the potential to be with your children in the all-important present moment; to gain the most joy out of being with them. How can this be done calmly and with a minimum of anger, worry, and negative thinking? How can mothers negotiate the changed conditions of their relationships with partners, family, and even with friends?”

This book applies to my life once again as I realize that I no longer have the same interest with those I have considered “friends” for years. Or better yet, their ill behaviour(s) are no longer acceptable or hold value in my life. I’ve grown into another direction and should not continue to feel guilty for doing so. For the past 10 years, I have been in a very transitional stage in my life that has involved a lot of solitude and exploring. Consequently, I am also left with the impression that it’s okay to want, acquire, and desire “things” in life that help me feel good as a woman, and not just for my children. This is a good thing as I continue to seek refuge inside of myself instead of seeking it in others.

Have a good day,

Z

Today we took a visit to the Indian Film Festival in Hollywood and  The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. It was so Beautiful at the museum. Mother nature felt cold. However,  I could still smell the garden that was not being warmed by the Sun. There were Korean drum performers all dressed in wonderful silks. I spotted a bust of Mary Seacole that was perfection. Incidentally, it was done by Henry Weekes in 1859. Another piece that was so Full of life was entitled Spring by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. 

“click”

Mary Seacole

(1805 – 14 May 1881)

a Jamaican born woman of Scottish and Creole descent who set up a ‘British Hotel’ behind the lines during the Crimean War. Incidentally, Seacole’s mother was a “doctress”, a healer who used traditional Caribbean and African herbal remedies.  Likewise, she passed her wisdom down to Mary that acquired knowledge of herbal medicine and became a nurse.  She is celebrated as a woman who successfully stood against “racial” prejudice.

Jocque-Pierre, Soleil, Lourdes and myself

Peace and Light,

Z

In Tibet it is essential that the ‘Yogini’s’ authority be authenticated in two traditions simultaneously. Consequently,I received my Holy Communion, Ilekes and Warriors in 1976 when I was initiated into La Regla Lucumi (Santeria). Thereafter, I received Ikofá and made Kariocha in 1979 via my Godfather’s Ilé, I am a crowned daughter of Yemanja through “The Lady of Seven Stars Temple” (Shango Baptist). I have been a devotee of Esoteric Buddhism, Zen, and Shamanic Vajrayana  for over 30 years.

BB,

Z

Why restoring the delta should be a national priority.

The Mississippi River Delta Project priority is the economy of coastal Louisiana. It is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Without restoration, the region’s economic health is at serious risk. The Mississippi River Delta is where water and wetlands are constantly shifting with natural patterns of erosion and growth. Because of this, there has never been enough sediment to sustain the entire delta at one time. There have always been areas that are actively growing while other areas disappear. Recent decades have also seen the sediment supply of the Mississippi River cut in half by dams upriver. Still, the amount of available sediment is large enough to build and sustain wetlands in targeted areas of the coast. “Wetland restoration can create twice as many jobs as the oil/gas and road construction industries combined.” “Restoration projects provide strong returns on investment to local and regional economies in the form of new jobs, increased tourism and tourist dollars, hunting and fishing revenues, tax revenues, and property values.”

Z

Click on the links to see and hear about two in particular that spark my interest; Why Feminism is Frightening and Embracing Motherhood & Feminism. After 10 years of Homeschooling my children and 12 years of  a marriage, I realize that I’ve got a lot of catching up to do for myself, in regard to shifting the FOCUS on me and my passions. The choice to leave my education and the workforce 12 years ago was not an easy one. However, I’ve learned a lot about myself via motherhood and I love my children. Nevertheless, the fact remains that, as a Woman, I am still apart of a bigger cause for equality, freedom, and respect… It’s not been an easy fight. I feel that “Third Wave Feminism” is a voice for me and I am interested in doing further work with the Third Wave Foundation.

Z

This is a great piece in regard to Herstory/ Women as Priestess and dispelling the “idea” that we were and are prostitutes. This is an “issue” for me because when I started out on FACEBOOK with my journey-closed mind(ed) people said that I was pushing prostitution because of my LOVE for ISIS, it goes to show how their story is history…go figure. I’ve even been denied access, and or totally ignored while a payed member (my children and I) to”Family” events, “Mother”, “Play” and “HomeSchool” groups, “Social” clubs, work, admissions, artist calls, Cyber-bullied, Sexually Harassed… because of biased opinions in respect to Goddess worship and FEMINISM. It’s been a long hard fight for some RESPECT! And, as a wounded Warrior…it’s so clear that one’s pain can bring so much Focus…Of course I lend the former to my interest extending beyond the two mentioned areas. However, their prejudgement is due to their ignorance, and, it’s UNACCEPTABLE.

Women as Priestesses in Ancient Egypt

BB,

Z