Legal cultivation of previously criminalized vegetation should and must be protected in the commonwealth. Since I began growing after legalization, my health has taken a drastic turn for the better. I have found a strain that has relieved my chronic illness' symptoms. I do not feel I should be forced to pay a fee to grow my own medicine, or settle for something on a dispensary shelf. I am astounded at the hubris of our society, first criminalizing a naturally occurring crop, then attempting to find ways to lock the little guy out of the picture. VA has an opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the country what Freedom looks like, to respect and protect home growers and small businesses, to create an even playing field with big business. Shame on us if we fail to seize the opportunity and act in the interest of our people!!