04/06/2022
If you live in the Pratt-Willert neighborhood, you should be in attendance for tonight’s meeting to discuss neighborhood improvements. See the flyer for details.
Buffalo Ellicott District
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Operating as usual
03/17/2022
Sorry for the late notice but our office just received the flyer about this meeting tonight at Dorothy Collier Center. This meeting regarding Masten Park and the neighborhood improvements.
03/15/2022
Tomorrow, the City of Buffalo will be hosting a webinar regarding 204 High Street property. This meeting will be held virtually at 6:00pm. If interested, please reach out to City Planner Nkosi Alleyne via email at [email protected] or call 716-851-5082 for the WebEx info.
03/14/2022
Last week, we took part in the announcement of City of Buffalo Parks Master Plan. Part of this plan, includes the $23 million investment into the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion Masten Park, something Council President Darius G Pridgen has been advocating for over the years.
03/07/2022
This morning, we celebrated the Grand Opening of Three Stories Coffee at 1021 Broadway. It’s a great partnership with 716 Ministries and the community with in-store manager, Herman Cooks. If you get the chance stop by and support!
02/25/2022
Thank you YMCA Buffalo Niagara for taking the time to interview Council President Pridgen for Black History Month.
02/17/2022
Residents and Stakeholders of the Ellicott District: We are looking for your recommendations on what streets need to be paved, sidewalks to be replaced, or streets/neighborhoods that are interested in speed humps. Please provide suggestions on this post, so we can have our Department of Public Works create a plan for the Ellicott District.
02/16/2022
Tomorrow, Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, NYS Assemblywoman partners with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for a Job Fair and Resume Writing Workshop at the Delavan-Grider Community Center from 3-6pm. Details are on the flyer.
02/09/2022
Special Presentation - Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor - Buffalo Common Council Meeting 2/8/2022
Special Presentation - Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor - Buffalo Common Council Meeting 2/8/2022
01/10/2022
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor would like to invite you to our MLK Day of Caring at 9 AM on January 17th. We have partnered the Monarch of Infinite Possibilities to host a 1-hour clean-up along the historic Michigan Ave. in the heart of Buffalo's East side.
Participants are asked to gather on the grounds of the Michigan Street Baptist Church at 8:45 am ready to clean-up and pick up trash along Michigan Ave. There will be free coffee and donuts. Instructions and cleaning supplies will be given out upon arrival, but if you have a favorite tool please feel free to bring it!
We are asking all participants to wear a mask and pre-register for the "MLK Day of Caring Community Clean-up" below!
https://www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/mlk-day
01/03/2022
Congratulations to Council President Darius G Pridgen for being voted in unanimously for another term as Council President of the Buffalo Common Council! He was sworn in today during the bi-annual Reorganization Meeting by Buffalo City Court Judge Betty Calvo-Torres.
12/06/2021
Mark your calendars so you can share your thoughts on streetscape concepts for Jefferson Avenue. This project is focusing on Jefferson Ave, between Main and Best Streets. There are three meetings listed on the flyer with different locations. Please make sure you share and attend. Masks are required for all meetings.
11/23/2021
Buffalo Common Council hiring Council Staff Attorney in Buffalo, New York, United States | LinkedIn
We are currently in the recruitment process for a Council Staff attorney. If you know a qualified attorney who is a resident of the City of Buffalo and would like to be considered, please have them apply.
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2796454747?fbclid=IwAR3Bc46xC6OqG9rVERqFnzw6ArTlvUsCJIJCoCUz3o7lREeYTrht_Pp-5BU
Posted 8:20:29 PM. This position will act as the lead staff attorney serving as legal counsel to the City of Buffalo’s…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
11/22/2021
Protecting Tenants with Legislative Solutions
On November 16, 2021, Council President Darius G Pridgen introduced a resolution, and the Council unanimously adopted the item titled "Pridgen - Protecting Tenants with Legislative Solutions". This resolution calls on the Council to provide public input and to perform extensive research on a slate of legislative ideas to strengthen tenant rights in the City of Buffalo. This public input process will last until January 1, 2022.
Here is the link to submit comments:
On November 16, 2021, the Buffalo Common Council unanimously adopted the resolution titled Pridgen - Protecting Tenants with Legislative Solutions. This resolution calls on the Council to provide public input and to perform extensive research on a slate of legislative ideas to strengthen tenant righ...
10/20/2021
It’s that time of year again, our annual Senior Citizens Halloween Party, Drive-Thru Edition! We will be at the William Emslie YMCA on Friday, October 29 beginning at 11am. To register, please call 716-845-5440. Prizes are still be given out for best costumes.
We are grateful to our sponsors and those that are helping make this even a great success!
10/13/2021
Today we joined Stephen Butler and the community as they cut the ribbon on the second location of IKE & BG'S Restuarant in Downtown Buffalo (56 Niagara St.) They also announced plans for expansion at their current location on Genesee Street.
10/06/2021
New Rental Inspections Program: Impact on Tenants
Thursday, October 7, 2021, 12pm-1:30pm
Do you work with tenants who live in one- or two-unit homes? The City of Buffalo may be contacting them to inspect their apartments. They’re starting a new program to make sure apartments are safe to live in within the City of Buffalo. How will this work? What do tenants need to know? What are landlords responsible for? What will happen after the inspection? Come to our informational event on Thursday, October 7th, at 12pm to find out.
Event hosted by: Partnership for the Public Good and City of Buffalo Inspections Dept.
Register here: https://bit.ly/PRITenants
Tenants, tenant advocates, and service providers are invited to attend and learn more.
09/16/2021
Yesterday, we were excited to attend the Kick-off Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic and Latino professionals, educators, scientists, artists help make our communities more resilient & equitable. We celebrate the start of that runs through October 15.
08/14/2021
Today was a busy day in the Ellicott District. We were only able to make it to a few of the many events happening today. Pictures here are moments from Mt. Moriah MBC Community Day on Northampton, the Jefferson Ave. Business Bazaar, and the Frederick Douglas Apt Family.
07/24/2021
Buffalo Ellicott District updated their address.
Buffalo Ellicott District updated their address.
07/21/2021
Today will be the first Wellness Power Pop-Up event from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There will be City Hall departments and community organizations all tabling and offering resources that all center around the concept of wellness to residents. Event will take place at 238 Carlton Street.
07/20/2021
Good to be back in Council Chambers for today’s meeting. You can always tune in to meetings at Buffalo Common Council FB page.
07/16/2021
Yesterday, Council President Darius G Pridgen had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new “Dr. Eva Doyle Auditorium” at the Merriweather Library. What a tremendous way to honor the life and work of Dr. Eva Doyle. Make sure you stop by and check out not only the auditorium, but grab a book from the library while you’re there.
07/02/2021
Today, Council President stood with his colleagues on the Council and the Administration to announced a proposed plan to spend $13 million to expand the Water and Sewer Amnesty program to provide financial assistance residents who are behind on their water or sewer bill.
The announcement also included a policy to permanently end shut-offs for low-income residents who are struggling to stay current on their water and sewer bill payments. If you would like more information on the programs, you can reach out to Buffalo Water at 716-847-1065.
06/08/2021
In an effort to honor the freedom that Juneteenth celebrates, there is a Seal & Expungement of Criminal Records event. This event will begin the process of expunging and sealing criminal records for those disproportionately impacted by the failed “War on Drugs”. This event is being hosted by Rashied Hamid McDuffie and Buffalo Nan. Please see the flyer for information on how to register.
05/03/2021
On Saturday, Council President Darius G Pridgen was able to stand with and introduce Kelly Diane Galloway and participants of The FreeThem Walk. They will being an over 900 mile walk from Lynchburg, VA back to Buffalo to bring awareness about human trafficking.
To learn more or support, go to: www.theefreethemwalk.com
04/28/2021
Don't miss the Be in Buffalo Virtual Career Fair! Connect with career opportunities of all levels at some of WNY's most innovative companies. Tuesday, May 4th from 11am - 2pm - Register for free today!
To register, click this link: https://app.brazenconnect.com/events/0ZVo0?utm_medium=Partners&utm_source=LB%2C+Buf+Bridge%2C+etc.
04/23/2021
WUFO Radio selected for location in African American Heritage Corridor
Yesterday, it was announced that Sheila Brown & Vision Multi Media Group, parent company of Power 96.5 WNY, is being recommended as the tenant for the renovated 509 Michigan building.
In a statement by Council President Pridgen:
“I am excited to hear the recommendation that will be submitted to the Common Council for an occupant to 509 Michigan.”, said Council President Pridgen. “As Ellicott District Councilmember, 509 Michigan has been a focus of mine for a couple reasons: It’s placement in the historic Michigan Avenue Corridor and its proximity to the first known Archway in the City of Buffalo. This recommendation is another step toward the continuation of making the Corridor a travel destination in Western New York.”
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/wufo-radio-selected-for-location-in-african-american-heritage-corridor/article_0eb46f7e-a3b4-11eb-9fbe-1754497ce93c.html
A Black-owned Buffalo radio station will occupy a soon-to-be-renovated building in the city's African American Heritage Corridor.
04/22/2021
This morning we were able to celebrate the opening of the Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. Financial Education Center, powered by Northwest Bank. The Center is open to provide information to individuals looking to enter the housing market.
Also, earlier this week, murals were unveiled on the Jefferson Avenue buildings in cooperation with the tenants and neighbors. Thanks to People Inc. for your work and dedication.
03/30/2021
For our Lower West Side residents by Niagara and 7th Streets, please make sure you in attendance for this project for a new Tim Hortons’s at 380 Niagara Street. This Zoom meeting will be Wednesday, March 31 at 5:30pm.
02/22/2021
In the Ellicott District, one of the biggest challenges we work on is "slumlord" properties. We are looking for community input again, identifying problem properties in our district. They can be residential or commercial structures.
We are not trying to humiliate or attack struggling homeowners, but those who receive income for their property should be taking care of their properties.
You can call our office at 716-851-4980 or email [email protected] to inform us of the property and we will reach out and investigate the property in question.
Address
Buffalo, NY
14202
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| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |
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Videos
Power to the People Show - October 29,
Juneteenth 2020 Video
Ellicott District National Grid Update
Council Updates October 2019
Stop The Madness Basketball Tournament 2
Pop-up Clinic
Interview with Apostle Gelsey
Category
Nearby government services
-
208 Norton Hall
-
Cheektowaga, Cheektowaga
-
Buffalo Fire Dept. Rescue Co. 1
1223 Jefferson Ave -
938 Genesee Street
-
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Greenhouse
1151 Fillmore Ave -
14204
-
Canisius College Graduate Literacy
Canisius College, Literacy Center HS-113 -
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, I
97 Lemon St -
14201
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1300 Elmwood Ave
-
PO Box 92, Tonawanda
-
200 S. Elmwood Ave
Other Government Organizations in Buffalo
-
311 Call and Resolution Center
65 Niagara Square, 218 City Hall -
1720 Fillmore Ave
-
New York Army National Guard - Buffalo,NY
27 Masten Ave -
Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
95 Franklin St, Fl 12th -
Engine Co. 36 & Ladder Co. 13 Buffalo Fire D
860 Hertel Ave. -
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
95 Perry St, Ste 500 -
Erie County Office of Consumer Protection
95 Franklin Street, Room 651 -
95 Franklin St, 13th Floor
-
Buffalo Urban Development Corporation - BUDC
95 Perry St, Ste 404
Comments
Dear Councilman Pridgen .
While celebrating the fourth of July with your family please know That the 420 + softball players in the city will not be allowed to play this season.
We were lied to again By deputy Commissioner Andrew Rabb. We were told if we quarantined, wore masks, and social distanced we would be Granted phase 4 status and be allowed to return to the parks. Recreation is a big part of Phase 4.
Andy Rabb had months to get the parks department ready for phase 4. The leagues worked on plans to be able to play softball safely with proper safe distance standards developed by the States HHS. Mr. Rabb refuses to even look at our permit applications. Whenever Andy is forced to make a decision on adult recreation leagues he defaults to the needs of the “Youth Leagues” citing some secret passage in the city charter putting youth leagues ahead of Adult leagues. When pressed he never produces this secret passage he instead smugly says he is not required to produce the document but his word is law.
We do not take away fields or space from Youth Leagues but he uses that excuse to close fields and deny access to adult leagues.
Please find out why adult league permits were cancelled for this year. If the city is not able to afford the maintenance on the fields we suggested the parks department lease the diamonds to the leagues and we’ll pay for the upkeep. The suburban leagues start next week.
If recent events the last couple of weeks show anything It’s that the people and taxpayers are tired of Elected officials not listening to the voice of the people. Government should work towards the needs of the people not the other way around. We shouldn’t have to jump through hoops every year to get to use the fields our taxes and permit fees pay for. If the city can’t afford to maintain these fields they should be turned over to the leagues. The lying must stop. We ask for equal protection.
Please get back to me.
Thank you for your time and support.
Michael A. Damico 553-3839
While celebrating the fourth of July with your family please know That the 420 + softball players in the city will not be allowed to play this season.
We were lied to again By deputy Commissioner Andrew Rabb. We were told if we quarantined, wore masks, and social distanced we would be Granted phase 4 status and be allowed to return to the parks. Recreation is a big part of Phase 4.
Andy Rabb had months to get the parks department ready for phase 4. The leagues worked on plans to be able to play softball safely with proper safe distance standards developed by the States HHS. Mr. Rabb refuses to even look at our permit applications. Whenever Andy is forced to make a decision on adult recreation leagues he defaults to the needs of the “Youth Leagues” citing some secret passage in the city charter putting youth leagues ahead of Adult leagues. When pressed he never produces this secret passage he instead smugly says he is not required to produce the document but his word is law.
We do not take away fields or space from Youth Leagues but he uses that excuse to close fields and deny access to adult leagues.
Please find out why adult league permits were cancelled for this year. If the city is not able to afford the maintenance on the fields we suggested the parks department lease the diamonds to the leagues and we’ll pay for the upkeep. The suburban leagues start next week.
If recent events the last couple of weeks show anything It’s that the people and taxpayers are tired of Elected officials not listening to the voice of the people. Government should work towards the needs of the people not the other way around. We shouldn’t have to jump through hoops every year to get to use the fields our taxes and permit fees pay for. If the city can’t afford to maintain these fields they should be turned over to the leagues. The lying must stop. We ask for equal protection.
Please get back to me.
Thank you for your time and support.
Michael A. Damico 553-3839
Trailblazer unveiling for Irene Gault. Thank you Councilman Darius Pridgen and Ellicott District Council Staff for all of your help.
If you love books and animals, well this is the Saturday Academy foryou!!!!
We will bre welcoming the SPCA Of WNY along with the P.A W.S Adoption Van from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
Children will have the opportunity to read to animals and families will have the option to adopt animals as well.
In addition to all that fun, we will be having character visits from your favourite comic book stories, comic book writing sessions as well as games of Book Bingo where every game has a winner, swimming, Basketball, crafts and so much more!
Come out and be a part of the greatest happenings in Buffalo, Strong Community Schools Saturday Academy's!
This will be epic and an event you won't want to miss!!!
See you there! 😊
We will bre welcoming the SPCA Of WNY along with the P.A W.S Adoption Van from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
Children will have the opportunity to read to animals and families will have the option to adopt animals as well.
In addition to all that fun, we will be having character visits from your favourite comic book stories, comic book writing sessions as well as games of Book Bingo where every game has a winner, swimming, Basketball, crafts and so much more!
Come out and be a part of the greatest happenings in Buffalo, Strong Community Schools Saturday Academy's!
This will be epic and an event you won't want to miss!!!
See you there! 😊
Hey everyone we are putting the work In instilling better in our communities you want change in your community reach out and spread positive information that’s going to help change the community. WE ALL ARE SICK &TIRED OF LOSING LOVE ONES TO GUN VIOLENCE. Come Sign your children up M-F at 6:00. Football season is ending let’s keep these children active. I would like to challenge all of my friends and family to hit the SHARE BUTTON IT TAKE LESS THAN A SECOND TO DO THE TIME IS NOW.Full Circle Family Services are looking to sign up as many youth as possible. $25 1yr membership fee for the Delevan Grider. Here is a FREE After school Program M-F at the Delevan and Grider center fun filled schedule with different art mentoring programs stop the excuses and let’s make the changes, and remember the YOUTH is our future. Full Circle
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/some-older-buffalo-homeowners-catch-a-tax-break-more-to-come/
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
A change is coming to the city of Buffalo I'm coming home to run for office
Please help medical patients get access to cannabis flower !
To whom it may concern :
Medical cannabis is my medicine. NYS forces its medical patients to v**e or take oils or capsules. We don’t have access to full plant medical cannabis. I am one of the people in this state that doesn’t absorb and metabolize THC/CBD via my digestive system due to weight loss surgery and lack of a gallbladder..... I use our products and it is better than nothing ...but please consider patients need full plant medicine .... flower ..... high THC and High CBD flower! We need to know the complete information on the products. It’s complete terpene / content / strain profile. Please look at successful medical programs in other states ..... they have access to full plant medicine .....cannabis without being broken down into oils or tinctures..... I should be able to choose my plant medicine. I should be allowed to grow my own effective medicine .... strains that work specifically for me. Cannabis has saved my life. I don’t want to v**e. I want to not be ashamed I am a medical patient. My story is below and I feel you will get a better idea of a medical patients journey and quest for some type of quality of life ..... please share my story with others .... I am very open to sharing my situation further should you or anyone have any additional questions.
Meet Nikki Lawley, Cannabis Patient and advocate for the plant
Imagine having your entire life change in an instant. Almost 3 years ago, (10-11-2016) Nikki Lawley was an active pediatric nurse who enjoyed outings with her husband and dogs, often to nearby casinos where the 49 year old professional moonlighted as a card dealer in the past . A native of Buffalo, NY, Lawley had it all - until one fateful day when everything came crashing down.
“Life changed in a second , no warning , no preparation , just like that ..... BOOM”
Doing her job just like any other day at a busy pediatric office , During a routine vaccination, a child, frightened by needles head butted Lawley as she was restraining him from behind while another nurse attempted to vaccinate the 10 year old boy. Nikki was hit frontally and then bounced off a plaster wall and back into the boys head in a significant whiplash motion.
This was Lawley’s 3rd TBI and the one that changed her life forever. The impact was so severe that there was immediate left arm paralysis and weakness along with severe head and neck pain. Confusion ,disorientation and vision issues occurred at the same time.
Lawley was diagnosed with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and cervical instability and was subsequently run through the mill of medical specialists, tests, and treatments. That was the last day she was able to work.
The once joyful, energetic nurse was all of a sudden plagued with intense headaches, issues with fine motor skills, sensitivity to light, and cognitive issues that caused her great emotional and physical pain.
When conventional treatments , medications and tests aggravated her symptoms, and desperate for relief, she eventually turned to medical cannabis out of desperation rather than it being presented as an option for treatment. Traumatic brain injury you only really understand it once you or a loved one suffers from it.
Life was very dark for Lawley at this time , the constant frustration of not being who she always was. So many of the side effects from the pharmaceuticals they tried caused Lawley to feel out of control and hopeless. Overwhelmed with the most simple of tasks , unable to do basic math , remember appts , to feed her pets , to feed herself . This once social , fun and active woman became a shell of who she was. Never wanting to leave the house or do anything at all socially .
Nikki’s husband for Christmas , purchased a gift for her , a trip to Las Vegas which normally would have been amazing. instead it was dreaded and all she saw was the negative and the fact of the pain of doing anything it would be aggravated while on vacation .
In January of 2017 while being in Vegas , severely depressed , Nikki spotted a mobile billboard advertising medical cannabis cards in Nevada. She mentioned this to her husband and he jumped at the chance for anything that could possibly help her as life seemed impossible for her.
She went to a cannabis clinic in Las Vegas and received her medical cannabis card for California. In Nevada they offer reciprocity for California patients. She then found her way to a medical dispensary and the bud tender recommended products at the time that took Lawley “off the ledge “. She was totally suicidal and she had gone as far as planning her death and writing letters.
Lawley states “cannabis saved my life that day, cannabis gave me hope for the future that day and the following days”
With her husband Jack by her side, Nikki began researching the potential benefits of medical ma*****na. At the time, cannabis was available in NY but only in oil , pill and v**e formulations. When leaving Las Vegas she assumed the same products would be available in her home state. Quickly realizing that this was not the case , Lawley had to find an option of anything. She was forced to medicate out of the country , In Canada where she has an address and access to Canadian Medical cannabis.
Unfortunately she can not bring her medical cannabis home because of it being international and a schedule 1 substance. As a result Lawley spends a lot of time with friends in Ontario so she can have some quality of life back by having access to full plant medicine. Nikki finds the most relief for her symptoms by smoking specific cannabis flower strains which are not available to medical patients in NY state. Lawley was hopeful
That the legalization bill would have passed for NY state because that would offer her the products she needs to be able to find relief.
Lawley registered as a New York State medical cannabis patient in May of 2017 hoping that medical dispensaries would provide her with a quality and affordable alternative to at least be in the comparable market of Ontario medical cannabis.
Since then she’s become frustrated by the limited scope, treatment options, and the high price tag on products available through New York’s program. Being on workers compensation for her injury initially all treatments for cannabis were denied. However ,recently through the appeals process her insurance company has been mandated to reimburse Lawley for her medical cannabis purchases.
She experimented with countless products, strains, and dosage forms, before arriving at the conclusion that smoked or vaporized cannabis flower, in its most natural form, provides her the most relief.
Nikki says it took her some time to find the correct strain with the specific terpene profile that worked for her. Nikki is a strong believer in the entourage effect, the idea that all of the phytocannabinoids present in cannabis flower work together to provide synergistic benefit, and the effect produced from these compounds is greater than the effect produced from any isolated compound(s) alone.
Terpenes are chemicals found in plants, including cannabis, responsible for the different aromas such as citrus, berry, spearmint, and evergreen. Terpenes can modulate the effect and uptake of cannabinoids and have therapeutic properties of their own. After seeing the difference that cannabis made in her life and realizing the grief she could save other patients, Nikki has become outspoken on the benefits of cannabis for head injuries.
She’s a member of online support groups for individuals that have suffered head injuries such as Brain Tumors, TBIs, concussions, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the controversial neurodegenerative disease that is caused by repeated head injuries that can occur in sports like football, boxing and other combat and high impact sports. CTE was discovered in 2005 when Pittsburgh researchers examined brain tissue from deceased NFL players.
Nikki is supporting and consulting with organizations conducting studies with cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with CTE and other head injuries.
A warm soul, Nikki is passionate and infinitely interested in the benefits of cannabis, many of which are still being researched.
She is determined to help patients find access to medical cannabis products that provide them relief, in the hopes that no one has to suffer what she has.
Frequent trips across the border from her residence in Buffalo, NY to her so-called “safe house” in Ontario are uncomfortable, and often wear on Lawley. However, she is determined to continue her fight for better access for patients in New York - and beyond.
And while Lawley never thought she would become an outspoken medical cannabis advocate, she knows her journey as a patient is for the greater good and may have a far reaching impact, even more so than her previous life as a nurse.
At the end of the day Nikki hopes her story can inspire others to never give up , to live in the moment .....” embrace the journey you have been given and let the universe direct your path” . “Living in the past creates depression , living in the future creates anxiety , living in the moment creates peace and comfort. Enjoy life to its fullest . Cannabis saved my life and it has given me back a quality of life that I can appreciate so much. “ “Cannabis is my medicine and my hope is that others don’t have to suffer to the point I did .... cannabis should be offered as a treatment for TBI / Concussion symptoms. “
To whom it may concern :
Medical cannabis is my medicine. NYS forces its medical patients to v**e or take oils or capsules. We don’t have access to full plant medical cannabis. I am one of the people in this state that doesn’t absorb and metabolize THC/CBD via my digestive system due to weight loss surgery and lack of a gallbladder..... I use our products and it is better than nothing ...but please consider patients need full plant medicine .... flower ..... high THC and High CBD flower! We need to know the complete information on the products. It’s complete terpene / content / strain profile. Please look at successful medical programs in other states ..... they have access to full plant medicine .....cannabis without being broken down into oils or tinctures..... I should be able to choose my plant medicine. I should be allowed to grow my own effective medicine .... strains that work specifically for me. Cannabis has saved my life. I don’t want to v**e. I want to not be ashamed I am a medical patient. My story is below and I feel you will get a better idea of a medical patients journey and quest for some type of quality of life ..... please share my story with others .... I am very open to sharing my situation further should you or anyone have any additional questions.
Meet Nikki Lawley, Cannabis Patient and advocate for the plant
Imagine having your entire life change in an instant. Almost 3 years ago, (10-11-2016) Nikki Lawley was an active pediatric nurse who enjoyed outings with her husband and dogs, often to nearby casinos where the 49 year old professional moonlighted as a card dealer in the past . A native of Buffalo, NY, Lawley had it all - until one fateful day when everything came crashing down.
“Life changed in a second , no warning , no preparation , just like that ..... BOOM”
Doing her job just like any other day at a busy pediatric office , During a routine vaccination, a child, frightened by needles head butted Lawley as she was restraining him from behind while another nurse attempted to vaccinate the 10 year old boy. Nikki was hit frontally and then bounced off a plaster wall and back into the boys head in a significant whiplash motion.
This was Lawley’s 3rd TBI and the one that changed her life forever. The impact was so severe that there was immediate left arm paralysis and weakness along with severe head and neck pain. Confusion ,disorientation and vision issues occurred at the same time.
Lawley was diagnosed with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and cervical instability and was subsequently run through the mill of medical specialists, tests, and treatments. That was the last day she was able to work.
The once joyful, energetic nurse was all of a sudden plagued with intense headaches, issues with fine motor skills, sensitivity to light, and cognitive issues that caused her great emotional and physical pain.
When conventional treatments , medications and tests aggravated her symptoms, and desperate for relief, she eventually turned to medical cannabis out of desperation rather than it being presented as an option for treatment. Traumatic brain injury you only really understand it once you or a loved one suffers from it.
Life was very dark for Lawley at this time , the constant frustration of not being who she always was. So many of the side effects from the pharmaceuticals they tried caused Lawley to feel out of control and hopeless. Overwhelmed with the most simple of tasks , unable to do basic math , remember appts , to feed her pets , to feed herself . This once social , fun and active woman became a shell of who she was. Never wanting to leave the house or do anything at all socially .
Nikki’s husband for Christmas , purchased a gift for her , a trip to Las Vegas which normally would have been amazing. instead it was dreaded and all she saw was the negative and the fact of the pain of doing anything it would be aggravated while on vacation .
In January of 2017 while being in Vegas , severely depressed , Nikki spotted a mobile billboard advertising medical cannabis cards in Nevada. She mentioned this to her husband and he jumped at the chance for anything that could possibly help her as life seemed impossible for her.
She went to a cannabis clinic in Las Vegas and received her medical cannabis card for California. In Nevada they offer reciprocity for California patients. She then found her way to a medical dispensary and the bud tender recommended products at the time that took Lawley “off the ledge “. She was totally suicidal and she had gone as far as planning her death and writing letters.
Lawley states “cannabis saved my life that day, cannabis gave me hope for the future that day and the following days”
With her husband Jack by her side, Nikki began researching the potential benefits of medical ma*****na. At the time, cannabis was available in NY but only in oil , pill and v**e formulations. When leaving Las Vegas she assumed the same products would be available in her home state. Quickly realizing that this was not the case , Lawley had to find an option of anything. She was forced to medicate out of the country , In Canada where she has an address and access to Canadian Medical cannabis.
Unfortunately she can not bring her medical cannabis home because of it being international and a schedule 1 substance. As a result Lawley spends a lot of time with friends in Ontario so she can have some quality of life back by having access to full plant medicine. Nikki finds the most relief for her symptoms by smoking specific cannabis flower strains which are not available to medical patients in NY state. Lawley was hopeful
That the legalization bill would have passed for NY state because that would offer her the products she needs to be able to find relief.
Lawley registered as a New York State medical cannabis patient in May of 2017 hoping that medical dispensaries would provide her with a quality and affordable alternative to at least be in the comparable market of Ontario medical cannabis.
Since then she’s become frustrated by the limited scope, treatment options, and the high price tag on products available through New York’s program. Being on workers compensation for her injury initially all treatments for cannabis were denied. However ,recently through the appeals process her insurance company has been mandated to reimburse Lawley for her medical cannabis purchases.
She experimented with countless products, strains, and dosage forms, before arriving at the conclusion that smoked or vaporized cannabis flower, in its most natural form, provides her the most relief.
Nikki says it took her some time to find the correct strain with the specific terpene profile that worked for her. Nikki is a strong believer in the entourage effect, the idea that all of the phytocannabinoids present in cannabis flower work together to provide synergistic benefit, and the effect produced from these compounds is greater than the effect produced from any isolated compound(s) alone.
Terpenes are chemicals found in plants, including cannabis, responsible for the different aromas such as citrus, berry, spearmint, and evergreen. Terpenes can modulate the effect and uptake of cannabinoids and have therapeutic properties of their own. After seeing the difference that cannabis made in her life and realizing the grief she could save other patients, Nikki has become outspoken on the benefits of cannabis for head injuries.
She’s a member of online support groups for individuals that have suffered head injuries such as Brain Tumors, TBIs, concussions, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the controversial neurodegenerative disease that is caused by repeated head injuries that can occur in sports like football, boxing and other combat and high impact sports. CTE was discovered in 2005 when Pittsburgh researchers examined brain tissue from deceased NFL players.
Nikki is supporting and consulting with organizations conducting studies with cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with CTE and other head injuries.
A warm soul, Nikki is passionate and infinitely interested in the benefits of cannabis, many of which are still being researched.
She is determined to help patients find access to medical cannabis products that provide them relief, in the hopes that no one has to suffer what she has.
Frequent trips across the border from her residence in Buffalo, NY to her so-called “safe house” in Ontario are uncomfortable, and often wear on Lawley. However, she is determined to continue her fight for better access for patients in New York - and beyond.
And while Lawley never thought she would become an outspoken medical cannabis advocate, she knows her journey as a patient is for the greater good and may have a far reaching impact, even more so than her previous life as a nurse.
At the end of the day Nikki hopes her story can inspire others to never give up , to live in the moment .....” embrace the journey you have been given and let the universe direct your path” . “Living in the past creates depression , living in the future creates anxiety , living in the moment creates peace and comfort. Enjoy life to its fullest . Cannabis saved my life and it has given me back a quality of life that I can appreciate so much. “ “Cannabis is my medicine and my hope is that others don’t have to suffer to the point I did .... cannabis should be offered as a treatment for TBI / Concussion symptoms. “