I wrote some kind of intro yesterday, but I think I had 2 windows open for Reddit, and deleted the one with the post. I was probably stoned. :-p

I grew up half assed active in the Church until I left at 14. I started smoking the ganj back when I was 13 in the early 80's and the Deacons Quorum President. I didn't like the duplicity, so I withdrew myself from Church at 14, and stayed inactive until 23. I had this big turn around for various reasons, got active, and went on a mission the next year. Home at 26, married at 28, right into the YM Presidency, followed by EQP, Bishopric, and bishop, with a few other sheet term commitments like Gospel Doctrine teacher in there. So, I was all in, fully active TBM. I even voted against Prop 215 here in California l, even though I didn't agree internally with that vote.

While I was bishop, a sister came in who asked about medical cannabis and worthiness. I had already posed this written question with another bishop doing the same at a leadership training with Elder Christofferson. They answered some lame ass questions, but not ours. Once the sister asked, I was determined to get an answer. I still didn't get the answer from the 2010 leaked videos (which is the Church has NO position on medical cannabis). Instead, I got the stake president telling me is was fine, as long as not smoked.

I was intrigued. I had a huge insomnia problem that was trashing my overall health. I decided to give it a try. I was so much better in 2 weeks, that I got pissed off that the Church had kept this from me for so long. I started to ask "what else are these fuckers lying about?" I would soon find out. Cannabis gave me moments of time in another paradigm, and I was able to seriously question my actions in behalf of the Church, my motives, my belief, all of it. I had seen and done enough in 4 1/2 years as bishop, and suggested they pray about a replacement after 2 months as a patient.

After being released, I had the time to investigate the Church anew, and found all of the serious problems. I was done. I did the compromise with the wife and attended for several months, but after awhile, she was done too. I resigned in July 2014. Cannabis saved my life in several ways. I lost 60 pounds, do yoga, meditate, exercise, and approaching 50 am in better shape than my 20's. I lost the emotional baggage of a controlling cult. It helped me see that, getting my kids out was critical for their long term well being. I sleep very well most nights, which for an insomniac is heavenly. The muscle relaxation effect has been huge in the strides I have made in restoring mobility and flexibility in my body over the last few years. It's truly miracle plant. I also got my 70 year old mother to leave the Church and become a patient, and her experiences have been miraculous as well

"What would you ever do without the Gospel?" is a question I'm sure we have heard a few times. My answer is "be happy". Cannabis has been a huge part of that for me.