MY STORY     
                    
                   CANNABIS AND CROHN'S 

       
    At approximately 18 years old and suffering agonizing stomach pain, I discovered through exploratory surgery I had Crohns disease. The doctors thought since I was so ill my appendix was rupturing, but soon discovered portions of my intestines were narrowed and an overall mess. I had to have a sizable portion of my intestine removed. This was a time when not too many people talked about digestive issues and there was not many medications for Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis - the therapy at the time was to load patients up on high doses of prednisone. Prednisone worked very well for my condition but no one ever said there were serious ramifications such as - weakening of the bones, thin skin, and a practically non-existent immune system using it in high doses over lengthy time periods. I do not think the doctors at the time knew what else to do for my condition. 
   
   Throughout my early twenties I continued to stay active, working, surfing and riding dirt bikes while dealing with chronic stomach issues and various illnesses because of my weak compromised immune system. I attended college classes at Cal Sate often having to take breaks to have a section of my colon removed or to deal with other medical complications from the Crohn's disease. I vividly remember attending class with a temporary colostomy bag on my side thinking this is going to be a real shitty situation if this thing breaks. Having only prednisone to use for my condition, the doctors discouraged me from almost all pain medications stating "they would cause my Crohn's disease to flare-up and make my illness worse." I started experiencing other physical problems due to having Crohn's an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with Ankylospondylitis in my back, and Charcot (twisting of the bones in my right foot) common in individuals with diabetes even though I am not diabetic. With new medical problems popping up and having to spend more and more time in and out of the hospital - I often wondered what was coming next. With no pain medications available I started to experiment with cannabis to  help me sleep  through the night. I had a surgeon tell me "with your medical issues  - who am I to tell you not to use cannabis - stating "what's the difference if I go home and have a glass of wine to relax or if you go home and use cannabis to help relieve some of your physical pain."
   
   In order to maintain my sanity from hospital visits and doctor appointments, I started to study botany and horticulture. The more I opened up to people about my medical problems- the more people I came across that had similar problems or were suffering from chronic pain from some sort of medical ailment. Over the years, I worked with numerous cannabis cultivators and learned about growing cannabis indoor and outdoor as well as growing in soil and numerous types of hydroponics. I started to grow organic cannabis for myself, family and friends who were fighting medical problems such as stomach issues, arthritis, HIV and cancer. Finishing course work at college, I received a Bachelors Degree, a Mild to Moderate Special Education credential and a credential in Horticulture. While working a side job in the cannabis industry - I maintained a full-time position working in Mental Health for 24 years.
   
    Bud "N" Hemp Industries apparel started by having an understanding of the benefits of cannabis/hemp for both medicinal, recreational and industrial use. Bud "N" Hemp Industries allows me the opportunity to continue to advocate for a plant that has benefitted me in my personal life and those of people I know and love - as well as support charities/organizations that have held meaning close to my heart. 

    BE KIND & STAY ELEVATED