Who is Alison Myrden …

Alison Myrden is a nationally recognized medical cannabis pioneer, patient advocate, and speaker who has spent over three decades advancing compassionate drug policy reform in Canada. As one of the first federally authorized medical cannabis patients, Alison has lived experience navigating complex chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis and severe neuropathic pain, which informs her evidence-based and patient-centered approach to advocacy.

She has worked alongside healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy organizations across North America to promote safe, equitable access to cannabis and emerging therapies such as psilocybin. Alison’s contributions have helped shape national conversations around patient rights, harm reduction, and the integration of plant-based medicines into mainstream healthcare.

Through ongoing engagement with government officials, media, and public audiences, Alison continues to advocate for practical, scalable solutions that bridge health, wellness, and economic policy—ensuring that patient voices remain central in Canada’s evolving regulatory landscape.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18M65AEC62/

*NEW! March 16th, 2026
Julie Ann Mejia interviews Donna Johannson Founder and Chairwoman for CWIC

See HOW and WHY Canada …
#LegalizedCannabis #SupplyandDemand #MemoriesForever
Toronto Marijuana March 2012

Watch this excellent Video – Toronto Marijuana March
In Videos

My Plan for 2026

As we move into 2026, I want to be very clear with my community about what I am working toward, why it matters, and how I intend to keep showing up — even while living with severe chronic illness.

In 2026, my focus is on five core priorities:

1. Securing legal access to psilocybin for chronic pain patients in Canada

I will continue advocating for the recognition of psilocybin as a legitimate, doctor-supported medicine – ESPECIALLY for severe, treatment-resistant pain — including trigeminal neuralgia and MS-related pain. No patient should face arrest for using life-preserving medicine.

2. Advancing systemic drug policy reform grounded in human rights and compassion

After decades of lived experience under prohibition, I will continue speaking publicly, meeting with decision-makers, and supporting evidence-based policy that prioritizes patients, public health, and dignity — not punishment.

3. Strengthening and supporting Canadian Women in Cannabis (CWIC)

In 2026, I will remain committed to advancing CWIC’s work to ensure women are recognized, funded, and respected as leaders in Canada’s cannabis and wellness sectors.

Women belong at policy tables — not on the margins.

4. Completing and advancing my memoir

My book documents the human cost of prohibition, the power of community, and the reality of surviving decades of untreated pain.

In 2026, I am focused on final edits, representation, and preparing this story for publication so it can help others feel less alone.

5. Continuing to speak, educate, and show up — honestly

Through interviews, podcasts, writing, and social media, I will keep telling the truth about what it means to live inside a broken medical and legal system — and why change is urgent.

I am not slowing down.

I am focusing.

And I am deeply grateful to everyone who continues to stand with me.

#TOGETHERWeWILL .🙏💪

Marijuana March Song

Tonight on Open Your Eye, Tarra Simpson & Kim Cooper catch up with OG patient advocate & long time friend Alison Myrden with fellow OG advocate Mike Baker on NOK Network

Alison and Mike Baker will be on Open Your Eye with Kim Cooper & Tara Simpson

Tonight on Open Your Eye, Tarra Simpson & Kim Cooper catch up with OG patient advocate & long time friend Alison Myrden with fellow OG advocate Mike Baker on
NOK Network

also on this page … Go to > Media/Pod Casts

Groundbreaking psychedelic research centre opens its doors in Hamilton
January 2nd, 2026 – Alison is interviewed in this story

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton launched a centre that looks at how psychedelics might be useful in medicine.

Go to Alison in the News

Hamilton CHCH News

UPDATE – DECEMBER 3, 2025

Over the last few months, my body has been through absolute chaos.

Because of the charges I was facing — “trespassing” and “having an unknown substance on the premises” for my doctor-supported psilocybin tea — my #MS has gone into a severe exacerbation. The minute I learned we won my case, my eyes went completely cross-eyed and I still can’t see properly. That’s what Primary/Secondary Progressive MS does to me when I experience huge stress… or huge relief.

On top of this, I’ve had non-stop, excruciating pain from #clusterheadaches and #bilateraltrigeminalneuralgia — pain so violent that only #psilocybin brings relief. The anxiety, PTSD, vision problems, and pain have been overwhelming. People don’t see what these legal battles do to our health. They don’t see the toll on disabled patients who are simply trying to survive. I’m grateful the charges were dropped — but I’m still dealing with the aftermath every minute, physically and emotionally.
Thank you to everyone standing with me.

#TOGETHERWeWILL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENT
CHARGES DROPPED NOVEMBER 28, 2025!
*TRIAL DATE DECEMBER 2, 2025

I am beyond thrilled to share some incredible news:

All charges against me have officially been dropped.

After months of stress, pain, and uncertainty, justice has finally been served. Today is a victory not only for me, but for every patient in Canada who relies on safe, legal access to their medicine.

My deepest gratitude to my brilliant lawyer Paul Lewin, who fought tirelessly for this outcome — and to Nicholas Pope, who stepped in to help me pro bono because he believes in the urgent need for patients to have access to psychedelics for serious, life-altering health conditions. Their support means the world to me, and to the entire patient community.

Thank you as well to my partner Gary, my family, my friends, and all of you worldwide who sent strength, love, and solidarity through this difficult time.

This is more than a legal win —

It is a reminder that patients deserve compassion, protection, and respect, not criminalization.

My fight continues for fair, safe access for all patients across
Canada and around the world — but today, we celebrate.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for standing with me.

#TOGETHERWeWILL

Respectfully,
Alison Myrden
Retired Law Enforcement Officer
Global Drug Law Reform Activist

CWIC News Conference Nov 14, 2025

Alison on the “Let’s Be Blunt” – Podcast
with award winning TV Host Montel Williams!

Go to > Media/Pod Casts

Jimmy Young interviews Alison on Pro Cannabis Media – October 1, 2025

Pro Cannabis Media is dedicated to telling the true stories of the emerging cannabis industry through the real voices of those leading the change. Founded by Emmy Award-winning producer, veteran New England sports journalist, and medical cardholder since 2013, Jimmy Young, PCM produces and distributes cannabis-themed podcasts, videocasts, live streams, and branded content from a diverse array of talented journalists and storytellers, anchored by its industry news and trend reporting, featuring the Cannabis Coast to Coast News Team anchored by Alaina Pinto!

Alison will be speaking at Cannacrawl on Saturday October 4th
CannaCrawl October 4th interview

WHAT IS CANNACRAWL?

Canna crawl is a culture driven grass roots marketplace event that places an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. This is very important considering that the price of legalization was paid by mostly racialize and marginalized communities. Although diversity in representation is steadily growing in the legal industry there’s still much room for improvement. Canna Crawl is committed to preserving, showcasing and celebrating the spirit and culture of the legacy industry. Canna Crawl now welcomes both legacy and licensed brands, established experienced and new experienced brands to create a vibrant and varied offering for our attendees. Canna crawl is a Black owned event and has been running since July 2018.

Alison is Speaking on the Panel for MAPS School of Psychedelics on October 8th

The MAPS Canada School of Psychedelics provides education that promotes safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelics

CWIC – Canadian Woman In Cannabis

Alison was asked to join this group in the summer of 2025 to be an Advocate for
Canadian Women in Cannabis – CWIC (pronounced ‘quick’)

Girls Night with Carley Doxtator Podcast …
Challenging the System & Owning Your Truth with Alison Myrden

Alison appears as a Guest on Millionaires R Made – from US Virgin Islands

Trigeminal Neuralgia: World’s most painful Disease

*Alison suffers from this – See Video below

FLASHBACK – 2004!

Alison in the O’Shaughnessy Report – 2004
Alison Page

Winnipeg hospital unveils vending machine to help with harm reduction

Go to – Harm Reduction

Study: Medical Cannabis Dosing Doesn’t Negatively Impact Driving Performance in Experienced Patients

Go to – Cannabis and Driving

Cannabis and older adults: Poll shows current use patterns, beliefs and risks

Go to – Cannabis/Psychedelics Research

Medical Marijuana Helps Depression, Pain And Anxiety Patients While Reducing Prescription Drug Use, New Study Shows

Go to – Cannabis/Psychedelics Research

Psilocybin/Magic Mushrooms News!

Go to Psychedelics – Go to Legalization – Cannabis/Psychedelics

US drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift,
AP sources say

Go to In the News

I WANT TO LIVE!

Alison is eligible for the MAID Program … Medical Assistance In Dying … but Alison wants to LIVE! …
Please help her in her fight for Medicine of her choice

THREE Conditions Alison suffers from
*see links for more information

Alison suffers from: Cluster headaches, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis & bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia this can be associated with MS (less than 4% of the people afflicted with MS will get Trigeminal Neuralgia)

What psychedelics legalization and decriminalization looks like around the world

Go to Legalization – Cannabis/Psychedelics

Alison in the News

Burlington woman with MS says police busts at magic mushroom stores
limit access to vital medicine

Go to Alison In The News

“The POWER of the PEOPLE is GREATER than the PEOPLE in POWER!”

*See some of Alison’s past memories on her Flashback page!

*FLASHBACK!

*Alison is one of the first 20 patients to get a licence
to use Cannabis as medicine Through Health Canada In March 1994

*Alison is also the first person in the world to be authorized through her Doctors in April 2017 to use Psilocybin as medicine for the excruciating Neurological pain she has been suffering from for over 35 years 24 hours a day

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”

originated with Mahatma Gandhi.

Patient Spotlight: Alison Myrden

Go to Psilocybin-Magic Mushrooms