Recently, Chrissy Ewald of the Grants Pass Daily Courier referred to me, John Oliver Riccio, as a “weed aficionado.” While the term might have been used to question my credibility, I’m taking it as a compliment and a chance to highlight my longstanding commitment to the medical cannabis community. The label, once a moniker and the title of one of my publications, actually fits well with my journey—a journey deeply rooted in helping people explore alternative treatments for managing health challenges.
My relationship with medical marijuana began as a personal and transformative experience. For 18 years, I relied on the prescription opioid Percocet for chronic pain, a dependency stemming from my time as a patient under the Veterans Administration’s care since 1994. Everything changed in 2012 when I discovered medical cannabis. It was a true turning point that led me to step away from pharmaceuticals and embrace a natural alternative. Since then, I haven’t looked back, and my life has improved significantly. Now, I advocate for medical cannabis not just as a user, but as someone who knows firsthand its therapeutic potential and wants to share that with others.
My advocacy goes well beyond my own experience. I’ve seen the power of cannabis in the lives of those I care about. During her battle with cancer, my mother used medical marijuana to ease the symptoms of treatment, finding relief that traditional therapies couldn’t always provide. I’ve also assisted friends coping with PTSD and addiction, who found cannabis to be a valuable tool in managing their conditions. These experiences have only solidified my belief that marijuana has a rightful place in medicine, offering benefits that can complement or even surpass conventional approaches.
Over the years, my commitment to medical marijuana has been evident in my professional work as well. I’ve published three magazines dedicated to the industry, advocating for responsible use and the importance of regulation. But my career has not been confined to cannabis. I’ve also delved into topics ranging from Homeland Security and the automobile industry to tattoo culture and luxury lifestyles. Across these varied fields, one thing has remained constant: a dedication to reaching people and promoting meaningful causes.
In response to Ewald’s article, I want to make one thing clear—I support marijuana strictly for medical purposes. I’m not in favor of recreational legalization, and I believe the plant should be reserved for those with legitimate health needs. It’s not about promoting cannabis as a lifestyle or an escape; it’s about recognizing it as a legitimate medicine. My advocacy does not extend to unregulated or casual use, and I emphasize that distinction because my focus has always been on healing.
For anyone who may question my motives or try to dismiss my work by linking me solely to marijuana, I say this: my record speaks for itself. My career has always been about helping and supporting others, not just in the cannabis space but in every industry I’ve been involved in. The term “weed aficionado” is no insult to me—it’s a badge of honor. It represents years of dedication to medical cannabis advocacy, even if some don’t see it that way.
Ultimately, the article gave me an opportunity to reaffirm my stance and clear up any misconceptions. I understand not everyone will agree with my views, and I’m fine with that. Anyone who thinks they can undermine my reputation by calling me a “weed aficionado” will need a whole lot more ammunition. For me, that label is just another reminder of my unwavering commitment to supporting the therapeutic use of cannabis, and the humans that it benefits.