The Canadian cannabis community has lost a passionate cannabis activist in Tracy Curley, who passed at the age of 46, Saturday (June 1). Tracy worked tirelessly, even through ill health, advocating for fair and safe access to the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
A longtime pioneer, Curley spearheaded the movement towards Canadian cannabis decriminalization while calling on women to be more involved, and less fearful, in their personal and communal quests for access and equity.
Tracy, who called herself a “patient and advocate first,” fought on behalf of patients overlooked by the medical system. As a medicinal consumer herself, she relied on cannabis to help manage her diabetes, a disease she was diagnosed with at six years old.
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Curley had an impressive civic wingspan, hopping from compassion clubs to political conferences, to access rallies and raid protests, to media events and back again. Dispelling myths and advocating for patient support and access to medical cannabis was her strong suit, and her presence in the community will be sorely missed.
If you’re interested in attending any of Tracy’s funeral services this weekend, please see her memorial page.
Below, see social media commemorate Tracy’s impact on medicinal cannabis in Canada along with notes on the legacy she’s left with her dear community.
Let’s not forget our legacy. @TracyCurley420 you are an inspiration to us all & my heroine. We will always remember you and are heartbroken to hear of your passing. Thanks for always being there and for fearcely risking everything to provide access. Rest in power #weedwoman 😢😭
— (((Lisa Campbell))) (@qnp) June 2, 2019
“We are old-timers, innovators, disruptors; wild women with pioneer spirits and fierce determination. We are medicine-makers, farmers, trimmers, party makers and herbal geeks. We love each other, hate each other, swear like pirates and take care of business.” RIP @TracyCurley420
— Kelly Coulter (@NORML_CWA) June 2, 2019
This weekend we lost one of our best. Since the 90s, @TracyCurley420 has been a champion for patients and a consistent voice for compassion, dignity. The courage of a few in Canada elsewhere created the spark of global legalization we all enjoy today. #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/ihuYD8243p
— John Fowler (@john_fowler_jd) June 2, 2019
Remembering Canadian cannabis activist Tracy Curley (photo from 2007 in Ontario). RIP, green lady. @TracyCurley420 pic.twitter.com/cFNbA7bQVQ
— Curt Robbins (@RobbinsGroupLLC) June 2, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the passing of @TracyCurley420 an absolute juggernaut, friend and ally. RIP. 💚 pic.twitter.com/6RO6klVuFX
— NORML Canada (@NORMLCanada) June 2, 2019
Most of all, PLEASE continue to advocate for dignified access for cannabis patients. We lost someone whose passion, grit+work ethic were equivalent to 1000 people, we ALL now need to work together to continue her legacy 💚 “Well behaved women rarely make history” @TracyCurley420
— Abi Sampson (@HiHeidiHigh) June 3, 2019
