Bridget Williams - Courage In Cannabis: An Anthology Of Inspiring Stories Written By Heroes

COURAGE
IN
CANNABIS

Presented

By

Dr. Bridget Williams

2021 Dr. Bridget Williams

Book Cover Design: Faces International

Interior Book Design & Formatting: TamikaINK.com

Editor: TamikaINK.com

Copyreader: Trisha Newland, LISW

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Published By: Tamika INK

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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inter of 1992 was the first time I felt cold air. I had just landed at JFK airport from my homeland of Jamaica. I can still remember the shock of what is that, and why do I have to wear this big coat? I am 6 years old and my family is ready to attack this American dream. I can only imagine the visions my mother had after years of watching planes take off from Jamaica for America. The TV shows and the Americans spending all this money in her homeland every week like clockwork. For a woman who had one pair of shoes and pumped drinking water each morning as a child, America is almost heaven. The sad reality is, we were middle class in Jamaica and just became 100% poor the second we hit American soil. As the saying goes, no one works harder than Jamaicans with 8 jobs mon. So, my mom and uncle would grind, and it was never enough. From basements, halfway housing, and a few places I try to forget. Cannabis seemed to be the only way and my uncle understood it. Remember, the choices made were for economic stability. The crazy thing with the American dream is that you have to live through some nightmares hoping to wake up and see the light. It didnt take long before my uncle was behind bars and we were taking the 6-hour ride upstate. Telling my sister that he was away working. I was 10 at this point, so they couldn't lie to me. For the next 20 years of my life, I have watched many people close to me go behind bars because of cannabis. I can still hear my mom's voice when she found my dimes ($10 weed bags) all bagged up in my shoebox. I will let you fill in the gaps of what she said to me that day. Today, I am a 36-year-old Co/owner of an all-black-marketing firm, yes just like the movie Boomerang. To the movie critic that said this movie was bad because that would never happen, Ha! Jokes on you buddy! I am also the Vice President and co-owner of the Cleveland School of Cannabis. Yep, a Jamaican immigrant with an uncle who still gets taken to the back room at the airport every time we travel. The son of the woman who pumped water each morning to survive owns a school for cannabis education. One of the most influential people I have met on my Cannabis Journey is Dr. Bridget Williams of Green Harvest Health. To see a medical doctor jump into this game and empower individuals to take part in their wellness is by far revolutionary. Just think about the relationship you have right now with your medical professionals. You spend most of the time in the waiting room and they rush in and out. Truthfully, how connected do you feel to the persons that have so much power over your life? Think about it just a bit longer. This person makes decisions that can kill you or keep you alive and you can't get more than 10 minutes of their time to have a real conversation? Dr. Williams' approach of caring for the whole person and educating them so they can be empowered to take part in their wellness, is lost in our world today. The stories you are about to connect with are going to harvest so many emotions. You will be angry, sad, in agreement, shocked, and empowered to share your own. As a leader in cannabis education, I know from personal experience you have to be courageous to take part in changing the world. So many before us are still in prison or are not here with us anymore. So many were deemed drug addicts and low-lives. So many, even within this billion-dollar market, cannot make a dime in legal Cannabis. I can go on with the so manys, but it is time to read the stories of these courageous authors. When the title Courage in Cannabis caught your eye, it spoke to you. It caused you to reflect on your own journey and moments of courage. I want you to remember, you can always be your authentic self and tell your story with your head held high. We got your back !!!

About Kevin Greene

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evin Greene is a father, mentor, compassionate community member, and successful entrepreneur. He has been focused on the equitable development of community and business his entire professional career and continues to commit to having a social impact through economic growth and the advancement of his communities. With ownership of two successful startups-Faces International Marketing and Development and the Cleveland School of Cannabis- he has years of experience developing successful teams. As a VP for the Cleveland School of Cannabis, his role has been crucial in the growth of the student body, partnership development, and community engagement. Mr. Greenes successes have led the way to a multiple-city expansion of CSC and a robust student body serving students between the ages of 18 and 67. Understanding that relationships are vital when developing an ecosystem of prosperity has been his core value. As COO of Faces International, he has led strategies over the last decade with clients ranging from small businesses and city governments to non-profits of all sizes, he has been tasked with creating a culture of inclusion and participation to assist in Economic development and comprehensive initiatives. With the urge to make an impact on the youth, Kevin has Co-Founded R2C2 Inc, a youth development Non-Profit Organization that works to advance teens from disenfranchised populations. Continuing in the space of service he has furthered his impact by board participation with organizations such as the United Way, Valley Youth House, Lehigh Valley Chamber, and the Community Action Lehigh Valley. Mr. Greene continues to make it known that he is always willing to roll up his sleeves and do the grunt work in efforts to advance all facets of community and business.

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To connect with Kevin: https://csceducation.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-greene-48b5b7b7/

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left Medicine for Cannabis! I projected into the microphone. Speaking to an engaging room of enthusiasts and skeptics, I bravely took the stage as medical colleagues stood in the back with their noses in the air. I was used to it; the medical community is harsh and notoriously brutal to one another. A profession that exudes a false sense of confidence and behind the scenes is painfully miserable and insecure. The doctors in the back whispering and scoffing did not bother me because I had a secret; I knew I was happy and was confident they were not. That is what cannabis gave me, my joy back!

I easily could have titled this book Freedom in Cannabis, Liberation in Cannabis, or Empowerment in Cannabis, none of these titles were as catchy. But these titles describe how one plant affirmed me, along with its army of activists, patients, and supporters. I found freedom, liberation, empowerment, and courage in cannabis. I found myself again. Life can often strip you of your superpowers or you simply don't recognize them anymore. Cannabis helped me not only appreciate my talents but I hope I help others tap into their gifts as well.