Mr Frizell,
I run and manage the BudGuru Facebook page and associated website, amongst others. I wanted to personally thank you for making and posting the follow-up video to the initial item that had been published, showing the effect that consuming cannabis has on your Parkinson’s symptoms – and also for engaging with ‘commenters’ on the original post and for continuing to do so on the follow up.
I had discovered the original video on an article by the Daily Record (of all places!) and had found the video to be both greatly moving but also uplifting – the sense of relief that you display after bringing your symptoms under control is almost palpable to the viewer, one feels that they are sharing in that relief along with you.
I have seen my fair share of crank articles, videos and claims but it is immediately evident in your video that this is in no way falls into those categories. As a natural born sceptic, I generally question everything and rarely rely on empirical information or claims, instead preferring evidence to carry the burden of proof. However, obviously understanding the constraints that you are under with respect to the legal concerns, it is clear that there is little for you to gain by making these claims – other than to bring it into the public domain to provoke conversation on the issue and, perhaps, assist in educating those that are not informed on the palliative effects that cannabis can promote – something which, once again, I would like to thank you for.
People can be presented with all the literature, medical studies and information of the day but will remain closed minded, preferring to hold dear the disinformation about cannabis that they have been fed for decades. Your video singlehandedly manages tear down a lot of those preconceived notions – a picture paints a thousand words and all that… I think it is because through the course of your video(s) that your own warmth of personality and the genuine nature of your message shines through, despite the obvious discomfort that you experience. As one commenter quite succinctly put it ‘the eyes don’t lie’.
Reports, studies, data and cold hard statistics do not convey the human aspect of medical conditions, both in terms of suffering and relief in such a graphic and accessible manner. Whilst outwardly being an entertainment page/site, the main thrust of the BudGuru is to collate and bring forth newly published information and educational material into the public sphere on the true nature of cannabis and it’s beneficial effects and properties – not only in the medical sector but also, for example, the industrial sector in terms of the multitude of applications for hemp as a raw material that could replace our current over-reliance on other non-sustainable materials and resources, particularly petrochemicals.
As the original article was openly published by a mainstream media outlet, I featured the article giving reference to the Daily Record as the source – I would not have lifted the video straight from your YouTube channel without gaining prior permission from yourself. I must be honest, whilst I suspected there would be an interest in your video I certainly did not expect the level of attention that it has received – currently at 31M views, 720K shares and over 23K comments and continuing to rise. Truly staggering numbers. I am glad that the response to the video has been so overwhelmingly positive – both in terms of how it was received but also in the way that it has served to be a springboard for others to detail their own personal accounts and testimonies in respect of the use of cannabis in the treatment of a myriad of conditions and ailments, for themselves, family members and acquaintances, providing exchanges of information and ideas and furthering the general discussion on the palliative effects of cannabis.
I am sorry if I inadvertently put you in a position where you felt compelled to address any naysayers or detractors by having to produce and publish the follow up video – although I am delighted that you have, as it only strengthens the credibility and impact of the original video. I must add that you appear to have a natural affinity for conveying your message in this medium – it is captivating and informative. I firmly believe that the power to challenge and change the status quo with respect to the current classification of cannabis rests solely with the general public, where there is increasing appetite for reliable independent information that will enable people to make their own informed decision as opposed to relying on the old lazy ideas that are propagated to maintain prohibition – either deliberately or through wilful ignorance.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, not only for publishing the original video, but especially also for taking the time to specifically produce the follow up to directly address comments that arose in light of my publication of your video, whilst maintaining your dignity and humour in the face of what is a very personal matter for you and for allowing other people to share in this experience.
I only hope that you can continue to find relief in whatever way you find gives you the most benefit to go about your daily life as unhindered as possible and wish that in the near future the risk of falling foul of the law in doing so is removed.
My very best wishes – to you and your family.
Sincerely and with best regards