Dawn Chariss Atkinson

Life begins at 50. If you’re rolling your eyes, stay with me—this isn’t just a cliché. It’s a mantra for women who’ve spent decades putting others first, only to reach a pivotal age and realize it’s their time. For many of us, 50 isn’t just a milestone; it’s a launchpad to a new chapter filled with choice, purpose, and unbridled potential. There’s something magical about reaching an age where you’ve stopped apologizing for taking up space.

Where It Began For 25 years, I was proud to stand beside my husband, who dedicated his life to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. As his career progressed, I found myself navigating deployments, frequent relocations, and the unique challenges that come with being a military spouse. Life as a Canadian military wife is one of resilience, adaptability, and sacrifice—often without the robust family support systems available to our neighbors to the south.

Picture this: you’re in constant pain. Every step, every breath, every movement is a reminder that your body is at war with itself. Pain isn’t just physical—it pulls at your psyche, leaving you exhausted, irritable, and isolated. Enter cannabis—a plant often misunderstood, occasionally vilified, but increasingly embraced for its therapeutic potential.