When I went to Colorado Springs a year ago, I went throught their Marijuana shops out of curiosity. I was quite impressed. You went in and told them what hurt, some people even had perscription, and they would choose the strain you needed. Yes there are many that abuse the system, but I have seen people do some weird things on alcohol. And yes, for some people it does lead to other drugs, but then too that's were alcoholic come from. Abuse of substances happens in many forms, even food. Did I purchase? No! Way too expensive for me, and I was traveling.
You may be surprised to know that I am completely in your corner on this, @Ina I. Wonder ! From what I have read, cannabis is a much maligned plant that has a LOT of good properties, and healing the body is one of them. As I mentioned in my post, there are a bunch of different strains of cannabis, just like there are for apples or tomatoes. They have different properties, some of them have been developed to produce a psychedelic high, and some don't do that at all. However, from what I have read, the parts of the plant that help with healing are in the leaves of the plant, and the part that makes you high are in the bud (flower bud?) ; and when people smoke that part they are only getting a small part of the healing properties, and most of it is destroyed by the heat (when smoking it) that you do get. Using the leaves raw is supposed to be the very best way to get the healing parts of the plant, and people who want to do that will grow their own and pick the leaves fresh. If it were legal to grow it here, I would do that and see what it does. As far as smoking it recreationally, I don't see where that is any worse than drinking alcohol. Nothing is good when overdone, but using either one sensibly should not be a problem.
You are very correct @Yvonne Smith, Remember until young Michael died we had a farm. It is very healthy for the plant to be grown around other beneficial plants. He did a lot of experimenting on that line. He knew much more about it than I. And yes he would harvest the leaves slowly, that and placement could actually extended the plants life up to as much as two years. He would put the leaves on paper towels and store them in a dark dry place letting them slowly dry out. Made a nice tea, but I've never seen it as coffee. I can feel that subtle tug on my leg by @Joe Riley. I do remember your stance on this subject. We spoke of it during my visit last year. But I figured you might be thinking that my joining this discussion, from my point of view, might not be the wisest thing to do. Here is a good recipe for it too. Just add as much of the special ingredient as you wish. I substitute Splenda for the sugar. Enjoy.
That is almost the same thing as Bobby used to make his protein bars. He didn't use sugar or chocolate or butter; just the oats, peanut butter, and coconut milk. And I think that he also added some protein powder, which might be a good addition for your recipe , too. Protein powder is good for us. The protein bars are too high-carb for me, but I tasted one, and they are delicious ! !
@Ken Anderson you'll just have to forgive us, or levy a penalty, because I know that none of us can promise never to do it again. Not without fibbing.