We are living in a historic moment for natural health and wellness in the United States. More than half the country—29 states—have legalized medical marijuana. Pennsylvania did so in April of 2017. Despite decades of stigmatization and criminalization, polls show that 71 percent of Americans support full legalization, and nearly 90 percent favor marijuana for medicinal use.

The cannabis plant has demonstrated powerful healing effects on the quality of life for thousands of suffering men, women and children. Medical marijuana (MMJ) has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for PTSD, epilepsy, autism, chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, neuropathy, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.

There is also reason to believe that MMJ may offer a solution to our nation’s catastrophic opioid crisis; studies show that in states with legalized cannabis, the number of opioid overdoses has decreased substantially.

It seems clear that MMJ is among the most important public health issues of our time. Mainstream acceptance that a naturally occurring plant can also be a powerful medicine is radical, and may represent a tipping point for holistic health. It is through this opening that we have the potential to shift the paradigm of healthcare from the “pill for every ill” model to one that embraces whole-self, whole-health care through integrative and preventive approaches.

Starting in 2018, I’ll be doing my part to ensure the movement is successful here in Pennsylvania as organizer of the Philadelphia chapter of Ellementa, a women’s cannabis health and wellness network. I’ll also be helping MarijuanaDoctors.com, the nation’s leading online referral platform, to recruit more doctors into the PA program.

New endeavors are exciting, but not without sacrifice; It is with some sadness, but also great optimism that I share that this will be my last issue as publisher.

Together, with the help of our readers, advertisers and contributors, we have created over 30 substantive and relevant issues whose contents reflect our vital and growing holistic health community here in the Philadelphia suburbs. Together, we have expanded our collective consciousness and created a space for local, purposeful connection.

My trusted colleague and mentor, Joe Dunne, is ideal to nurture this high vibration. A dynamic business leader with an infectious and brilliant spirit, Joe currently publishes two highly successful Natural Awakenings editions in the New Jersey territories abutting ours. He is excited about the BuxMont magazine, and will assume the role of owner and publisher with the February issue. I know the publication will flourish under his leadership.

I came to this magazine eager to understand more about holistic health; I leave an advocate, emboldened by what I now know, and thirsty for change. I am humbled and inspired by what I have learned, and for the honor of serving the community in this way.

It is only goodbye for now; I’m certain that our paths will converge again as we journey toward a collective awakening of mind, body, spirit wellness for people, pets and planet.

Together, we are “Making the Awakening” in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Karen G. Meshkov, Publisher

 

January 2018