Original article by Javier Hasse, Senior Contributor, Forbes, 9th April 2020:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/04/09/mama-cultiva/amp/

If you’re not from Latin America or Spain, it’s likely you’ve never heard about Mamá Cultiva (Mom Grows). But you very much should have.

It all started in Chile, with the first of what would become many chapters across the Americas. The activism quickly caught on in the neighboring country of Argentina, which boasts almost triple the population of its Western counterpart. And so, Mamá Cultiva Argentina, currently the largest of the local chapters, was born.

This non-profit organization is devoted to accompanying people suffering from epilepsy, cancer, autism, and other illnesses, who have not found solace in traditional medicine, as well as their families. The organization assists and guides them, helping navigate the relatively uncharted waters of therapeutic cannabis in South America, advocating for self cultivation and education around medical marijuana.

Mastering ‘A Bottom-Up Movement’

Ever since they started working in 2016, they have helped dozens of families dramatically improve their children’s well-being, by filling the many gaps their states have left. Furthermore, many credit these brave mothers for the passing of medical cannabis laws across Latin America. Their activism and their bravery putting their freedom on the line to ensure medical cannabis products are accessible to children in need, have truly pushed the whole movement forward.

Aunt Zelda’s founder Mara Gordon, a cannabis entrepreneur raised in Texas, is often considered one of the leading experts in cannabinoid research and development, and known around the whole wide world for her years of philanthropic activity in the space. Being a board advisor to the widely-respected, pro cannabis Daya Foundation in Chile — which works closely with Mamá Cultiva, Gordon is very familiar with the NGO’s activities and political weight.

“As cannabis prohibition topples around the globe, it isn’t necessary to look any further than the grassroots efforts of groups such as Mamá Cultiva,” she comments. “They are fighting for their loved ones to grow and make their own medicine. This is a bottom-up movement that they have mastered in Latin America.”

A Fork Stuck In The Road

Nowadays, Mamá Cultiva chapters across the continent offer workshops, seminars, classes and general assistance to those seeking guidance around medicating with cannabis and growing their own. Even though most countries in the region have legalized medical cannabis, products are not readily accessible to a large part of the population.

“Self cultivation is still a debt our governments have with their societies, for it is still prosecuted and penalized in most of Latin American countries,” explains Gabriela Cancellaro, communications director at Mamá Cultiva Argentina.

But, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of their activities had to stop. And with them, their main source of income, all of which was allocated to keeping the mission alive.

Seeking creative solutions, the moms at Mamá Cultiva Argentina began releasing informative videos on Instagram, touching upon a wide range of subjects, from self cultivation to cannabis philosophy.

“In times like these, we find comfort in knowing that we can grow our own therapeutic products in our backyards,” says Valeria Salech, founder of Mamá Cultiva Argentina. “Now, more than ever, we want to highlight the importance of the sanitary autonomy provided by growing marijuana at home.”

But as you can imagine, in the midst of this health crisis, their situation has grown dire.

Today, more than ever, these warriors for social justice and progress need our help.

We are aware that these uncertain times suppose an economical struggle for most of us. But if you’re one of the few people who aren’t struggling with money right now , or if you can help with even the tiniest sum, we urge you to donate to this cause. And for a monthly fee, you can also become a patron of this community that has helped so many families and that fights everyday so we can all get access to the wonders of medical cannabis.

“We’re working hard to re-imagine how we operate in this context, in order to be able to continue to stand by those who are just getting their feet wet in the world of medical cannabis. We’re committed and act responsibly, on the belief that the society ahead of us will soon recognize cannabis needs to be legal,” Salech concluded.