Peter McWilliams, you will not be forgotten.

Some of us knew your personal warmth and love. Many of us knew you through your best-selling books, or your work for personal freedom. Millions more will feel your impact.

You died a casualty in the war on drugs. The battle was over medical marijuana. Voters in your own home state of California agreed with you that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes. Proposition 215 passed overwhelmingly in 1996, but the federal drug warriors ignored the voters, and your activism made you a target. For helping a friend produce medical marijuana, you were charged as a drug kingpin in federal court.

In the end, you were facing five years in prison, you were bankrupt from legal battles, unable to work, and forbidden to use the medical marijuana you yourself needed to keep down the medication for your AIDS and AIDS-related cancer.

You were awaiting the final sentence from the judge. But you could not wait very long. You could not keep down your medication.

• Chris Combs -- He inspired me to be open about my opinions on the war.
• Felix Lugo -- His words will always be Profound.
• everyman - Revere, MA -- "May it comfort you to know, all your wisdom and your words have made such a difference. My you forever enjoy your new home."
• Jeff Scott -- Just say no to tyranny
• angel -- looking for a new your dr.
• Nicholas Prince -- It's not right
• anonymous -- philadelphia PA
• Matthew King -- missing you in Philly - your books touched my life!
• Mike Smiley - Chester, Idaho -- Loved all your books, and the terrific quotes in them. Your courage to say what needed to be said, and to say it really well, will be missed.
• Doug Sharpe -- I had the pleasure of meeting Peter at a book signing of "You Can't Afford The Luxury Of A Negative Thought" in San Francisco in 1991 .. maybe, 1992. Nonetheless, I had various correspondence with him, and have always considered him a hero. It is with sadness that I learn of his passing.
• Anonymous Dutchman -- "With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see." Ella Wheeler Wilcox
• Elizabeth -- Your beautiful words in "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" consoled me, strengthened me, and helped me to wobble along successfully through the most painful time in my life. I still feel warmth and gratitude when I look at my copy, and think of it as a valued and irreplaceable friend.
• cody -- Windsor Ontario Canada
• jefsue13 -- let us smoke legal.
• Bill and Terry Meredith -- Philadelphia; a courageous man who fought for justice
• Andrew Woolner -- Ont., CANADA -- I only read his later stuff (the now-defunct 'Life 102', and the incredible 'Ain't Nobody's Business...', but I am shocked. I stumbled across this site by accident, and I feel like I've lost a wise uncle. He knew a lot about compassion, and taught me a lot about it too.
• chrissy -- marjuana
• Mary Molloy -- NH - I'm so sorry about Peter's death. I nevery knew him but I knew him from his books and they effected me so positively. "How to survive the loss of a love" got me through a very painful time in my life. I will remember Peter.
• Kathryn -- Thank you for touching my life. See you--sooner or later.
• Conrad -- Peter has ascended!
• The Wanderer -- Peter McWilliams will indeed be missed. I swear by my name that sanity will prevail in time. Farewell...may your rest be peaceful, and your next life less painful than this.
• Sam Shirley -- What "they" (the gov't) did to Peter McWilliams was unforgivable, and will no doubt be a small, shameful brick in the wall of our country's history. And not just for "potheads", either.
• Roma Krebs -- Your poems in "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" helped me so much in my healing when my husband left. Thank you for your humor and compassion.
• g -- f
• James Barndt -- SoCal
• Mark David Blum, Syracuse Attorney -- Reading first of his thoughts, then his death, only further radicalized me and strengthen my resolve to end this drug war. A gentle man who chokes on his own vomit to satisfy a judicial decree reveals the significant loss our country has felt. God protect your soul, Peter
• Seussie-Georgia-USA -- May I have half the Courage you showed us. You made me feel inferior. However, inferior or not, I will fight on. Watch over us. We love you.
• Searching For Peace -- Your writing touched so many, I was saddened to see you had passed away before I even got to know you. Your legacy lives on through your writings. I will get to know you better through that.
• laotzu -- Thank you for your contribution ... the waves of your actions will be here indefnitely.
• anonymous -- Peter, I was deeply hurt to find out that you are no longer with us. Your words have helped me pick up the pieces and put them back together. I reach for your books often. Thank you for everything you have shared with me. Ended it is, AMEN.
• Weed Activist -- gr8 site, i'm a cannabis activist and i believe denying marijuana to seriously ill patients is a policy similar to German Tyrant (who the govts war on drugs seems to be influenced by) so called "compulsory euthanasia policy - it must be brought to an end regardless on how marijuana is used.
• Gosia -- Peter, I just found out today you are no longer with us, you have changed my life, picked me up off the floor and I am a much better person because you shared your wisdom. See you on the other side!
• Zaphod Beeblebrox -- Your words inspire me to continue the fight. I hope you're hitting a spliff with the Big Guy right now!
• Joel Salzarulo -- PM - you are great!
• "anonymous" -- I suggest that we make June 14 (the anniversary of Peter's death) a holiday. Not a celebration like Christmas but a somber, introspective holiday like Yom Kippur. Each June 14 we can take time out to reflect on the evils of consensual crimes and remember Peter. Please try to spread this idea.
• Callan Sullivan -- Corvallis OR
• aruba7 -- aruba,neth.ant
• rebecca --
• Doktor Svetlana, RU -- You taught so much about healing mind body and soul and peace and love. Your courage comrade is inspiration to us all.
• Gregg-Canada -- Thank you Peter for teaching me the things my parents were not strong enough to teach.... and especially the meaning of true forgiveness. I know you will be sadly missed but also joyfully celebrated.... you definitely made a difference in this world and I am grateful.....
• andy meisenheimer --
• wideyes -- atlanta, so many people feel the same way, here is a man who had enough pasion to do something about it.
• Bridget Hartman -- Central Minneosta
• Jeremy V -- MN
• Michelle Mizerka -- Sometimes the most precious people in life don't so precious until they are gone...never to return.
• Steven Haddock -- Best books I ever read
• slice -- fly high
• Lyle VIncent Harris -- Peter, Thank you for showing us the Truth. And so it begins...
• Crescent -- The US - land of the not so free, good thing you have the right to bear arms, you will probably need it, if this keeps happening......
• Billy Squier -- I am in Los Angeles California. I have read Peter's books and recently found his photography book and was very moved by it. I went online tonight to see if I could find him to get in touch with him and maybe even meet him. Only to find that he has passed away. I am very saddened.
• Anonymous -- British Columbia, Canada, I have read and have in my bookcase most of Peter MCWilliams works. I came to this page to see if there were any more that I didn't yet have and was quite shocked to see that Mr. MCWilliams Passed away at age 50. Such a loss. My sincerest condolences to his family.
• Gordon -- Washington State
• Rose mary Hardy/Neff -- THANK YOU WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM THE STRENTH OF YOUR ENERGY WILL HELP TO CARRY US FORWARD
• Brad -- Mr McWilliams and his books have pulled me through many a difficult time. This terrible thing he went through at the end of his life is one of the saddest things I have ever encountered. I hope something good comes from this!
• james pyper -- I am so saddened to find out that Peter M. is dead. While reading Aint nobody's business, I found out he was in a legal battle to save his life. I thought the irony of his arrest for a consensual crime. Has there ever been a more eloquent defender of personal freedom, all personal freedoms.
• Steve Vil -- I had interviewed Peter once for a magazine I used to work for. He was the nicest man. I was really grateful as he was easily the most famous person I'd ever interviewed and he was far more gracious than he had to be. He didn't deserve to die the way he did.
• Zack Gold -- McWilliam's book, "Ain't Nobody's Business," changed my life. If the people had only gathered the nationwide support needed for his ideas he would still be with us today. Don't let his death be in vein, speak to your Congressman today and tell him or her to support medical marijuana.
• Heather -- read the books, bought the joy pills. Loved & respected the humor & brilliance of Peters mind!..Things r better in the Afterworld!
• Heinz Trnka -- Loc: Vienna / Austria / Europe
• Munk -- San Francisco thank you for your work, it is not in vain
• anonymous -- Berkeley, CA
• Christine Clark --
• Ken Prazak -- First they came for the tax protester, but I wasn't a tax protester so I didn't speak up. Then they came for the home educator, but I had no children, so I didn't speak up. Then they came for the gun owner, but I owned no guns, so I didn't speak up. Then they came for the drug user, but I don't use drugs, so I didn't speak up. Then they came for you, and there was no one left to speak up.
• cary -- thank you peter for the standing up to those who would beat you down.
• Ed -- Thank you for the books, Peter.
• KEONNA -- THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT ND WONDER
• Christy -- Thank you, Peter. Thank you.
• Cherise -- We have to become a stronger and louder voice for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. How many more will have to suffer?
• Chris C. Cory -- Thank you for changing my life.
• Wendy -- Inside the back cover of "HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE' is a Memorial to Peter with his beautiful final poem to the world.
• jtb65 -- peter, your poetry has touched me... thank you.
• Greg -- Yes, but the Doctors haven't figured out how to make a profit from medical herb use.
• "Danger" Eve -- Your writing has inspired me, I am sorry I never got the chance to thank you...
• Betty Pitts -- I first heard of Peter when I read "How to heal Depression". Next I read "You can't afford a negative thought". I've passed those books on to many friends. Most recently to a friend that may have liver cancer. I love Peter! Hope he's having a ball in the beyond. I am 15 years sober.
• mathew fowler -- brotherhood of man (abertillery)
• jmrz -- he spoke truth for the fuzzy headed
• erica --
• Sharon -- A scandal and a disgrace of the first magnitude.
• Kevin Hebert -- Mr. McWilliam's death is an example of how intolerant government can be -- even a government elected by its own people. Horrifying.
• Catt -- Peter McWilliams inspired me and made me look at things from a whole new perspective. He will be sorely missed
• Middy -- Southern Ontario, Canada
• Katya -- Prohibition didn't work, why does the State cling to the War on Drugs so tightly?
• Peter Joseph Breeden -- learning tolerance in Cleveland
• Lorenzo "The Lionheart" Smith -- If I miss you in this world- I'll catch you in the next
• anonymous -- If this outrage does not prove the evil venality of the Drug War and the criminal "justice" system, I don't know what will.
• Anon -- Good writer, good man. terrible end. The planet is poorer.
• Gary J. Harris -- Loved his books, just found out he passed away months ago. A sad, sad thing.
• Jim Bennett -- LP Convention speech was inspirational.
• Bennett Samuel Kalafut -- Your persecution and death at the hands of the State have been a call to arms for so many young people, but I would rather have you here fighting along side us. Rest in peace.
• William Francis Klein -- A true American, one that actually lived the spirit of the Nation at a time that those who would rape, pillafe, and plunder this Land are called patriots.
• R. James Reyes --
• Anonymous --
• A NURSE -- How many more of us have to suffer at the hands of this so called free country??
• Paul Champ -- Mr. McWilliams will be remembered as a hero and a martyr. Montreal, PQ
• Dennis Langdeau -- Vancouver, BC - I read "Ain't Nobody's Business..." on his website not knowing we had lost him months before. At the time, I was so grateful there were people like him in the world. Thank you, Peter, for setting your ideas free before you left us...
• Lisa -- Wellington, Florida
• Koxapa -- Thank you. I will never forget you.
• angel --
• Bin -- new york
• Brian -- Bummer. Loved Life 102. It aided me to recogonize the concept of programming and manipulation by others. I still remember your email message back when I sent you a message saying thanks for your assistance. Peter, you were a delightful writer and I am bummed that you have passed on.
• Nancy Sue Rose -- I could tell he really did care about those of us who read his books.
• Chris Dwyer -- Simpsonville, SC
• steve williamson --
• Garnet -- pre-law student FOR the legalization of medical marijuana
• anonymous -- Where we lose one, we gain another, the wave always balances the eternal act of the tai chi chu, and not only will Peter go on, but with renewed energy. Those of us that come back again and again, know why we do.
• jeff miller -- legalize it.
• Carol Dupree -- Thank you for your voice - we need to expose the lies and betrayal to the people. Are we yet a nation of sheep to our own government? Stand up - speak out
• Paula -- I stumbled upon Peter's work while looking through my mother's books andinstantly fell in love! I began reading his poetry and Peter gave my mother and I a common ground to build a relationship on. He also taught me how to give my pain a healthy outlet. I cry my pain in ink now.
• Nancy Oliva -- You are my teacher and I will be forever grateful. You are still with us because you live in our minds. Thanks you for touching our lives.
• Shylah -- Imet you through your books especially Life 101 and Istill use it 7 years later. Icame online to see if I could find any other books and found this. This truly is a loss to me and I am saddened at how you suffered. Oklahoma
• lulu -- tampa
• Anthony Auriemma (ACTORPOET) -- Your friendship is missed by many; Your friendship is missed by me! I don't believe it, I don't, I don't, I don't, I do, I do, I do, do, do, do it, do it, DO IT!
• bud man -- work
• Duane Dughman -- I will do my share to help this war on the people.
• Jack Carter -- Austin,TX (Love you Peter...thanks for what you have done...)
• lauren -- melbourne
• pandvinegar -- North Carolina- The US Government should be held responsible for your murder. Rest in Peace
• JROSS -- We've lost a very rare person in Pete. His greatest desire was to help people and motivate them to get off their butts and be the best they could be. May we all continue the fight against the stranglehold special interest groups and narrow minded zealots have over our government policies- RIP Peter.
• Rachel Scheider -- Knoxville TN
• ARAWAK -- GOOD WORDS FOR A LOVING MAN. IVE GROKKED YOUR BOOKS AND SWIRLD AROND YOUR MESSAGES. THANK YOU FOR THE LEARNING THAT I NEED TO UNDERSTAND WOMEN. VERY DIFFICULT FOR ALL THESE 48 YEARS . IT WILL MAKE ME A BETTER PERSON AND MY CHILDREN
• Michael Jacobs -- We owe it to Peter to make his life and work the focal point for the cause of freedom
• Jim Lesczynski -- New York, NY
• Dieter --
• Ruth -- CA ... you will be remembered for your courage
• Peter Kingsley -- The man was as articulate as he was brilliant. A loss to our country and freedom loving individuals everywhere.
• Ron in Boston -- I am a gay man living with AIDS. For many years I have found encouragement in Peter McWilliams' books. I am devastated to learn of his death.
• Shelly -- Los Angeles
• anonymous -- I just today saw the article of Peter's death. It has been nearly a year since. Even now it shocked me in a way I can't describe. "Life 101" has been on of my "stand by all the time books." It is a HUGE LOSS to the world.
• anonymous --
• Pattrizzia -- I just heard of Mr. McWilliams last night when I purchased a book simply because it was $1. on sale. What a book!!! and what a self-revelation for me. Love 101 is wonderful. He must have been quite a person and from the comments written here, he lives on.
• Kyle Fitzgerald --
• ALM -- aruba neth. ant. west indies
• Jennifer Tillman -- Mt. Pleasant, SC
• Brent D -- I truely hope we can reverse these outrageous drug laws. Mr. McWillaims will always be remembered as a martyr for our cause.
• norman -- I appreciated your books and wish I had known you personally.
• jaimie hayden -- I treasure his writings and insight.
• anonymous -- Wales, Great Britain
• anonymous -- Sad. Do It had a major impact on my life and the lives of many others.
• Entertainment --
• Crescent -- The US - land of the not so free, good thing you have the right to bear arms, you will probably need it, if this keeps happening......
• Thera -- I grew up in DelawDelaware, U.S. Peter McWilliams helped me explore the concepts of freedom, and human (and non-human) rights. I thank him for everything he did in his fight, I thank him for his humor and wisdom. I will remember him.
• Dan Litwin -- I followed the case almost every day. Grief is what was waiting. To all - join Peter's Party - the Libertarian Party and help us end this nightmare of Prohibition. Become a member, make us strong: www.lp.org
• Rose mary Hardy/Neff -- THANK YOU WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM THE STRENTH OF YOUR ENERGY WILL HELP TO CARRY US FORWARD
• Morgan Halvorson -- Peter McWilliam's books have had a profound effect on my life. I first read Aint Nobody's Business.. and then graduated to his other writings. when I first read of his death last year, I couln't believe it. I hadn't had any idea of the battle he was waging, and he was simply gone.
• mushroom man --
• cancer -- california
• Jake Zimmerman -- Manistee, MI. Your book "Ain't Nobody's Business What You Do" is the best book I have had the oportunity to read. You were right about everything you said. It is a sad day when a man is imprisioned from trying to make himself better.
• Kevin -- I was just procrastinating on doing some homework, reading one of his self help books on procrastination. Enough to get me to get to work. Thanks, Peter.
• Heinz Trnka -- Vienna / Austria / Europe : Right at the moment I'm sort of fighting for my life myself, and two of your books / thoughts are a great, great help to me. I hope sincerly that you found a place where you can still take part on the show on Planet 3. (BTW: I'm the same age as you've been. Heinz)
• Karen -- San Francisco - a sad and senseless loss.
• Lorne -- Thanks for sharing your knowledge gained through struggle with others.
• Adam Wimbush -- The spirit never dies
• Ed -- San Francisco - Thanks for standing up for what's right.
• Forest Green -- Thank you for your courage, strength and love!
• G. Charles Steiner -- I read "How to Heal Depression"
• RW -- Imagine...
• Christopher Largen -- Friendly Federal Fascism + Existential Circumlocution of Iconoclastic Antidisestablishmentarianism = Death
• Angela Valenti -- He taught me so much.
• NEAL --
• Thomas Gurski and Geoff Walden -- You are one of our master teachers. Thanks for leading us to meditation back when we were just teens. Thanks for all those wonderful, priceless, inspiring audiobooks. We love you.
• jtb65 -- peter, your poetry has touched me... thank you.
• -- Richmond VA
• Aimee, NYC -- a long time fan and supporter of McWilliams's work. I am outraged at the government's complicity in his death and hope that Peter McWilliams's words will live on as his legacy
• Barbara Cantu -- I'm sorry to admit I had never heard of Mr.McWilliams, and from what I know now it was my loss. My friend Betty P. is an admirer of Mr. Mc Williams and my sponsor in AA. I trust her judgment and will be reading and studying Mr. McWilliams works. My prayers to his family. Barbara in Clarksville Tn.
• SITLRPM661 --
• Trinity -- Delaware
• Philip "Sheng.Long" Elthorpe -- Location - Langley, Middleton, Rochdale, UK
• Greggory K -- Peter, you have made a difference in my life, you have put smiles on my face and have brought great inspiration and joy in my life. I am forever greatful. You have made a diference and will not be forgotton. I only wish that god would have allowed you more time on this earth. God Bless You: NY
• ANGELA -- Another t example of the federal government overstepping its bounds with tragic consequences. This is not a war on drugs the government is waging, it's a war on its own citizens!
• Jerry (arin@nwlink.com) -- At 12, I read Life 101. It defined me. Thank you, Peter.
• Slylok -- I recently underwent a change in my worldview due to "Ain't Nobody's Business...", Mr. McWilliams was as much a champion as this nation has ever had.
• Carla -- "Oh! Sleep in peace where poppies grow; The torch your falling hands let go Was caught by us, again held high..." Missouri
• Stephanie Z. -- West Virginia
• anonymous -- The truth will out.
• Dave (Cobzweb) Cobb -- "And I give to you all seed bearing plants"...
• Susan E. Morton -- (San Diego) I have been impressed and helped by Mr. McWilliams' books, and was very sad to discover that he has passed. I wish I had been able to let him know how much his books meant to me before he passed. I hope his Spirit is in a better place now.
• Courtney -- I am so sorry for your loss ... Don't worry , God is taking care of him now! :O)
• Dale T. Draine ll -- An outspoken individual who not only talked about something. His legacy will be in the final chapter when the laws of the US are changed.
• anonymous -- Atlanta, GA
• jose -- tell me more staff
• nate -- good
• anonymous -- you will not be forgotten!
• Adam -- North Carolina- One day we'll win this war over ignorance.

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