In this first installment of our interview, we focus on his early experiences, when he learned he had skin cancer and what was done about it.

Christians Against Prohibition: When did you first notice your skin lesions?
Joe: I noticed the first lesion around 1985, it was on the top of my head, a sore that would not heal.

CAP: What kind of doctors did you see to check them out?
Joe: Well, most of the doctors I have seen regarding my skin cancers have been dermatologists. The first was in the small town where I live, whose attempt at surgery failed miserably. After that I have seen dermatologists at the VA [Veterans Administration] medical center, and a dermatology clinic in Dallas.

I also underwent six hours of Mohs surgery to remove one lesion at the corner of my mouth at Southwestern medical center dermatology clinic — also in Dallas. This surgery left a 1.5" scar on my left cheek. I believe it may also be a failure too. If I had been aware of how effective cannabis oil is in curing skin cancer, I would certainly never have alowed this surgery.

CAP: What did the doctors call them?
Joe: Basal Cell Carcinoma. It's as simple as that. After biopsies were performed, 9 in one session, I almost passed out twice during the procedure, Basal Cell Carcinoma was the diagnosis. The next time biopsies were performed on me I was informed that only three were allowed. Perhaps my experience was a factor in that change in policy.

CAP: Did the doctors give you any medicines to treat them?
Joe: No. I applied various salves, and anti-bacterial ointments to no avail.

CAP: So it sounds like surgery was the only thing they recommended. What did the doctors advise for treatment?
Joe: CUT THEM OUT! No other treatment was offered, and I had the surgery done.

CAP: What did the doctors say about them coming back?
Joe: "I believe I got it all. You shouldn't have any problem with them, but if you do let us know." I was told by one doctor he had removed it all. About 10-years later it became quite obvious that he had not.

This aspect of cancer makes a claim to have "cured" cancer a bit ambiguous. One could say that they are "cured," but there is ALWAYS the possibility that cancer cells are lurking deeper in the skin undetectable visually. I won't try to blow any smoke up your skirt, there is ALWAYS that possibility. Neither I, nor ANY doctor, can guarantee that a skin cancer, or any cancer for that matter, will not come back. They can say they are quite sure they got it all, and the chances of it recurring are very small, but they CANNOT guarantee it won't come back.

Well perhaps I miss spoke. Considering that my skin cancers are all on my head, neck, and face they could guarantee that it won't come back if they cut my head off, but I don't think I could agree to that. :-)

However, take the two lesions on the right side of my forehead, they were quite obvious, easily seen. Now after treatment with cannabis oil there is no visual sign that they ever existed.

CAP: Yes, not having a head would make communication and living very difficult. What did the doctors say about them affecting you in other ways?
Joe: They said that they could metastasize, and spread to other organs in my body, and possibly prove fatal.

Stay tuned! Coming soon, Part 2: Learning About Cannabis Oil.