From Corrections Officer to Cannabis Advocate with Alison Myrden

[keith mclaughlin]

In this powerful episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel," Montel Williams speaks with Alison Myrden, a retired corrections officer, drug law reform activist, and MS warrior. Diagnosed with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis and severe Trigeminal Neuralgia in 1992, Alison's life took an unexpected turn that led her to become one of the world's first medical cannabis patients. Alison shares her unique perspective on the war on drugs, shaped by her years working in the Youth Court Justice system, where she witnessed firsthand the criminalization of young offenders for experimenting with drugs, especially cannabis. She recounts her personal journey of managing excruciating pain through medical cannabis and other alternative therapies, long before they were widely accepted in Canada. In this episode, you'll learn: The challenges Alison faced as a corrections officer and how it influenced her views on drug reform. How she became a passionate advocate for medical cannabis, securing federal exemptions and fighting for patient rights. The current landscape for medical cannabis and psilocybin patients in Canada. Misconceptions about medical cannabis and its role in chronic pain management. The importance of education in changing public perceptions and impacting policy reforms. Alison's advocacy work has made significant strides towards the full legalization and responsible regulation of all drugs, emphasizing that the war on drugs is, in fact, a war on people. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Tune in to hear Alison Myrden's inspiring story and gain insights into the future of drug policy reform. Don't miss this compelling conversation on "Let's Be Blunt with Montel." Listen now and join us in pushing for a fairer, more compassionate approach to drug laws and medical access.