Kathleen Anderson: A Lifeline of Compassion in Santa Cruz
Written by Lesley Nickus
In the heart of Santa Cruz County, amidst the towering redwoods and enveloping fog that characterize this coastal enclave, lies a sanctuary for veterans like Kathleen Anderson. Anderson, a Navy veteran with a spirited demeanor and a deep connection to her community, recently shared her journey at the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance, where she receives a monthly donation of cannabis as part of their compassion program.
Reflecting on her experiences with the Alliance, Anderson remarked, “I’ve been coming here for about seven years. In the beginning, we would work in the homeless garden, and then we were able to pick up our bags and go home.” This initiative, rooted in community service, has evolved into a vital support system for veterans grappling with health challenges.
The Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance, known for its compassionate care model, provides Anderson with essential cannabis products tailored to her health needs. “It’s wonderful to come here every first Monday of the month and pick up my dosages. This is incredible,” Anderson exclaimed, highlighting the consistency and support she finds in the program.
Kathleen Anderson picks up her compassion donation from Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance at Cultivate Dispensary in Aptos, Calif.
A veteran of 14 years in the Navy, Anderson’s journey with cannabis dates back to 1972. “I was expelled in 1973 for smoking marijuana,” she recalled with a hint of nostalgia. Cannabis, for Anderson, has been a steadfast companion, offering relief from ailments like arthritis. “I have arthritis and terrible things,” she admitted, emphasizing the therapeutic role cannabis plays in her daily life.
However, Anderson’s journey is not without its challenges, particularly amidst California’s evolving cannabis regulations. “When 2015 came and the law passed, everybody said that was writing it off because they didn’t like marijuana,” Anderson criticized. She voiced concerns about the impact of regulatory changes on small-scale cultivators, lamenting the corporate dominance that has reshaped the industry.
Anderson’s frustration with the current regulatory framework was palpable. “It’s not workable,” she asserted. “I’m very upset with the law and I have been for a long time because it’s not workable.” Her passion for reform is fueled by a desire to ensure equitable access to affordable cannabis, a sentiment shared by many in the veteran community who rely on cannabis for medical purposes.
Discussing the practical challenges she faces, Anderson highlighted issues with current packaging regulations, which can be particularly difficult for individuals with physical limitations like herself. “I have arthritis in my hands. There’s no way I can pull it open,” she explained, underscoring the need for practical reforms that consider patients’ accessibility needs.
Despite these challenges, Anderson remains hopeful about the future of cannabis accessibility for veterans. “Getting it off a schedule one? Just get it off the schedule one and make it easy for us to get it,” she urged, advocating for a policy change that could alleviate regulatory burdens on both patients and small-scale cultivators.
Anderson’s story is emblematic of the broader struggle within California’s cannabis industry, where grassroots compassion programs like the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance provide essential support amidst regulatory complexities. As Anderson continues her advocacy for equitable access to cannabis, her journey underscores the resilience and determination of those who rely on this plant for health and wellness.
In the tranquil redwood groves of Santa Cruz, Anderson’s voice resonates—a testament to the transformative power of cannabis compassion and the ongoing fight for patient-centered policies in the evolving landscape of California’s cannabis industry.