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.

• Eagan Kemp -- Peter was a great writer and it is a terrible loss for the world. Ain't Nododies opened my eyes. I hope it opened yours. Logan/UT
• Dawn -- I'll read "Come Love With Me and Be My Life" until I die.
• Dan Pasley -- Peter McWilliams awoke many slumbering citizens. One of them was me.
• anonymouse --
• Pooya Abghari -- I was just searching for one of the books on the net and sadly found out that he is dead. I really loved his books and I think he was so influential on my life. Tehran/IRAN
• Missy -- I just wanted to say that He sound like a very nice person and he is in a better place now
• anonymous -- The books written by Peter McWilliams have helped thousands of people around the world. His spirit will continue to touch many for decades. I picked up a copy of Life 101 in a bookstore in Trinidad more than 10 years ago and a year later was given the audiobook version of Do It by an Australian pal
• Mike Johnson -- I am so saddened to learn of your passing. Yours was one of the greatest and most compelling voices for American freedoms, and it will be truly missed.
• Tom Doherty --
• Nancy J -- I leaned on your poetry when I broke up with my first love when I was 17... then one of your poems was read at my husband's funeral on New Year's Eve (How unfair is that?) You, my friend, will make heaven a far more beautiful place with your warmth and wisdom. Sleep well...
• Richard-Chicago -- We should not continue to allow politicians to overrule our doctors. Stop this insanity now.
• Peter McKnight -- Peter's books on surviving the loss of a love and his book of poetry are both fantastic . They helped me a lot when I needed it most. The gov't in this country sure is backwards, is going downhill fast and really doesn't care when it comes to peoples health
• flo ing longfellow -- where's our freedom?
• ViRedd -- Location: California, USA, where it is legal for the sick and dying to use cannibis to relive their suffering.
• Jae Emans -- The war on drugs is unacceptable.
• anonymous -- The book "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" and his poetry helped me through the toughest time of my life. I'm sure there will be many more difficult periods in my life, but I know I can always turn to his loving words for support.
• Rebecca -- I listen to the cassettes of Peter's wonderful books every day in my car. My favorites are "YOU Can't Afford The Luxury Of A Negative Thought" and "How To Survive The Loss Of A Love"
• for more info e-mail 2 Missinmyaubbie@hotmail.com -- Peter even thought i didn't know you. My heart aches 4 U. I my self have been denied the right to freedom. Two plain clothed cop's have served me with a immediate eviction, and left me at 21 homeless for not letting them in my apartment. I had that right. I moved here to start life. thanks PhoenixPD
• David Lucander -- His writing showed me a light that i had never seen
• Jeremy Robert Furbish -- Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414-3333
• Melody Beattie -- now in So. Cal. Peter was my writing hero. I fashioned in form and feeling my first bestseller after reading his "How to Write on a Kaypro." Just tonight, I learned he was dead. I am writing about grief (my 14th book). Reading Surviving the Loss of a Love, I realized someone I loved had died.
• Brenda-a --
• joehemp -- llewdik.aol.com
• Betsy Pryor of Laurel Farms -- A dear friend and neighbor, a wonderful companion for midnight walks in Laurel Canyon. God bless you, Peter, see you again one day.
• Christian Burch -- In gods eyes, He is a good man. In Big Brother's Eyes, he should go to jail.
• Helen - Johnson City, TN -- I knew Peter only from his writings (mostly his poetry), but admired his spirit and will mourn his passing. He touched so many & will not be forgotten.
• Rose Smith -- Shasta Lake, CA Peter was a friend of my father-in-law B.E. Smith (another activist who did federal prison time for growing medicine)
• Deborah King and Taylor Wells -- Peter, gave spirit and hope to myself and my son . Provided the means to right a wrong when Taylor age 18 was incacerated and is because of Peters grace and guidance has a chance for freedom. Peter McWilliams a true humanitarian.
• Deborah King and Taylor Wells -- PO Box 803, Melbourne , Florida 32902-0803
• Chloe -- You helped my mom deal with a great loss and I thank you.
• carlos andrde --
• Kevin Bastian -- Eureka, California - I hope that people continue to spread your story for years to come. You did not die in vain. God bless you.
• Anonymous London UK -- Your books helped me through a really difficult time. what goes round comes round and may those who caused this get their just rewards
• TRAVIS MATA -- he helped save me from depression. Austin, TEXAS
• Dear God, -- What would be a fair and just method of dealing with all of the people in the federal government responsible for such indiscreation?
• jac -- Peter, a quote for you - May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the sweet light within you guide your waya on. Than you and God bless. luv ya.L
• Matthew D. Hall --
• Sharon Cutting -- Allen Park
• daz -- Theres no justice in the world
• Renee -- Thank you for touching my heart, my life and helping me touch & love my inner self. Yes, your life is over here but your work & love lives on.
• Beautyflie -- Sweden
• Bernadette -- Peter's book(s) have helped me more than I could possibly express. I still pick up How to Survive the Loss of a Love for occasional reaffirmation. God Bless and rest in peace.
• Stacey -- Pasadena, CA
• Naomi Shigenaga, Honolulu, HI -- I just wrote an article about Peter & his books for our local Mental Health Self-Help Organization, United Self-Help (www.unitedselfhelp.org). I am glad to be able to spread the word about a man and his books who have helped me so much with my mental health and life in general. Thank you Peter!!!!
• Pauline Leland, WA -- You were interviewed and impressed me so I wrote down your web address. Today I found that piece of paper. And you are gone. I am remembering you, and I thank you for sharing your books and your energy and your enthusiasm.
• Josephine -- I am so pleased I can still buy all your wonderful books and cassettes at my bookstore or Amazon.com. I use them as gifts all the time. It makes a far better gift than candy or flowers. They can actually improve a life. Thank you, Peter.
• Joy Diamond -- I miss you Peter!!!
• Dagny from California and Barbados -- I hope Peter's persecutors get what they deserve for their cruel and evil use of a great man for their own misguided, short term political advancement.
• Barbara Clardy -- You died a hero! How many more will die or have their lives ruined because of the misguided "war on drugs"?
• Lois -- Your book "How to survive the Loss of a Love" helped me in the loss of my husband of 45 years. I have given a copy to many of my friends. You were one of my favorite people. May you rest in peace.
• Jerry from Jersey -- I ran into Peter on the web with his online books. They were very helpful to me and I have much gratitude to the Peter for placing them online. I found them just when I needed to hear what he had to say. I thought it was very giving of him to publish hhis work online and for free. May the blessings
• Katie McWilliams -- I may have the same last name as you, but I doubt I am related. Which is a shame because I'm sure anyone who is lucky enough to have known you, much less be related to you, must be just as wonderful as you were. God bless, Peter.
• Annie -- I love all of Peter,s wonderful books, but my favorite is "YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE LUXURY OF A NEGATIVE THOUGHT". I give it away all the time as gifts.
• PaNiC -- the war on drug has been carried on too far by it's enforcers and must end. peter was (and always will be) a model of what happens when people who are too wrapped up in themselves to care what's happening with others. peter could have been helped if the courts chose to see, but they didn't, sadly.
• Tony M. -- The war on drugs must end! Enough lives have been wasted and lost already.
• reid alan faley -- love one another.
• Maureen Moore -- I remember seeing Peter on T.V. and wrote his name down, wanting to get one of his books. Four years later, I was browsing through a book store in Oklahoma City and came accoss his name, again. I purchased "Love, 101" by Peter and have been throughly delighted while reading his book.
• Liza May, M.S. -- This was a good man, who helped many people. His work was honest and compassionate. We are sorry to see him go. He led a good and useful life.
• Clary Sage -- I know you through your books, and the love (and joy and humor) that seeps from your books into my life. I got off my butt (and my buts) and moved into MY REAL LIFE from your inspiration (s). Thank you for sharing your life and your death with us.
• I can't believe you're gone ... part of you will always be with me ...
• John Napier -- Cambridge MA -- Peter, in and out of Insight/John-Roger-land, you changed my life with your caring-thinking, eloquent writing, sense of humor, and self-disclosure. You were a model of what one man can do and its a sadder world without you.
• anonymous -- my poetic hero
• Dr Dan Sweet -- It's my turn. Harm Reduction is unpopular in Ontario's College of Physcians and Surgeons.
• Ginger Rain -- Fayetteville, NC. As I read your words of wisdom every night, I realize you really haven't gone very far. Strange as it may seem, you sorta feel closer now. And that helps with this broken heart.
• Alexis --
• Miguel Agullo -- From Amsterdam, this story seems terribly unfair. I pity your country and the politicians that make it so.
• Ginger Rain -- I live in Fayetteville, NC... Peter will always be my hero, he planted beautiful seeds of Love, Truth, and Courage in my heart that have grown and continue to grow... I'm still reading his books and buy them and give them away to all my friends and family on a fairly regular basis. He is Loved.
• Cheryl Johnson -- Thank you, Peter, I felt as if you were my friend.
• Sharon Monsey -- Your love continues to nourish.
• anonymous -- A life lived in the always battle to improve human existence is not a life lost; it is a drop that builds the wave which will overcome.
• Joe - OC, CA -- i'm doing a report on the failure of a government program. you and the war on drugs were the first thing to come to mind. i'm sure you're in a better place.
• Trudy -- I have loved your poetry for 25 years. I give "COME LOVE WITH ME AND BE MY LIFE" as gifts all the time. Thank you, Peter. Your beautiful books will never die.
• LANCE HALLS --
• dixie --
• Chris Wild -- Just like the cliche said, Peter McWilliams' books saved my life. On more than one occasion.
• Daniel Hoag -- Your words sprouted love, through pain with head high, life deserving of the sky. You, earth is destitute of... Rest in peace good fellow.
• Sam TSE -- My life is improving, and will continue to improve, for I keep doing the exercises that you suggested in your book "You Can't Afford The Luxury Of A Negative Thought". Thank you -- Hong Kong
• Beth -- Thankyou
• Laurie -- How sad to look for the webpage and find an old spitual soulmate friend gone. Peter touched those who could be touched with his poetry, humour, photos. I am so tuned out on news that I didn't know about his death but today as the nation is in grief I will celebrate the loss of Peter
• an admirer -- vancouver-if i could meet you
• N. van Leeuwen -- Kingdom of the Netherlands (Europe)
• jason --
• Ed -- from Australia: what a simply wonderful man you were. Such wisdom and love expressed in your books, such passion and commitment expressed in your support for freedom. You will NOT be forgotten, thanks for all that you have given.
• Hayden Barnes -- Savannah, GA
• Sean Harris -- It is unfortunate and unnecessary that our modern day phrophets continue to die as martyrs!
• --
• sherry --
• Jessica -- Peter McWilliams' "Come Love With Me and Be My Life" gave me a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and faith in love when I thought there was no longer any such thing. I came to learn of his death when I decided to research further on his accomplishments and personal life. He will be missed.
• Celeste --
• Only -- Australia
• Megan -- I was so saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was a gentle, wise soul whose intelligence far outpaced that of an antiquated government. Thank you, Peter, for all the warmth and love you channeled.
• anonymous -- asdfasd
• Justin Savage -- Tacoma, Washington. I heard about Peter Mc Williams posthumously through High Times and thru Renee Boje. I would have been honored to meet him, but the world was honered by his work and love. Goddess Blessings Peter .
• love --
• Aaron (Howell, MI) -- Maybe one day those in charge will listen to what you had to say.
• anonymous -- The books written by Peter cWilliams have helped thousands of people around the world. His spirit will continue to touch many for decades. I picked up a copy of Life 101 in a bookstore in Trinidad more than 10 years ago and a year later was given the audiobook version of Do It by a friend who came
• Justin Joyette -- Prolific he was, if I only knew how much and now we will never know just how much he could give this god forsaken planet! Prohibition kills people in more ways than one.
• Andrew James -- "Life 101" was the very first 'self-help' type book I had ever read. It inspired i me a life-long quest to simply be a better person. Thanks, Peter.
• Charles Prosper -- He taught me the art of giving as I remember how I would pick up cases of his "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought " book to give them away to willing takers whom I saw on the street aimlessly waiting for spare change. Peter, say hello to my son David. I lost him on January 1998.
• Bob Striffler -- Anyone who takes a stand against America "the most oppressive nation on earth" and it's evil deeds is a HERO of the highest order!
• Steve H. Medical Smoker -- I loved your books and loved your authenic fight for ALL who suffer from medical conditions. Society has no clue to the power of one man who follows his heart. You have changed the world in a manner only God will understand. My view of life will never be the same. God bless and love..
• ViRedd -- Location: California, USA, where it is legal for the sick and dying to grow, possess and consume canniabis to relieve their suffering.
• ViRedd -- Location: California, USA, where it is legal for the sick and dying to use cannibis to relive their suffering.
• Rick -- Above all else Peter was a civil human being. You must realize, in order to be civil you must be sovereign, lest your chains dictate your being. Enjoy!.
• Cyndy Zubko Steward -- Peter was an extremely intelligent man and I'm very sad to hear that he is gone. I just found out by going to his website. (Haven't been there for awhile) The War on Drugs needs to end....
• --
• Brian Collins -- Wilmington, DE- Peter McWilliams was my hero in a fight for common sense. His writings have inspired me in many ways and the loss of him is a loss for for us all. I will always remember you for who you were, an extraordianry human being who knew what life was really about.
• Michael Rhine -- Atlanta, GA -- Thank you for your sacrifice! End Drug Prohibition!
• Dawn -- "I am here and you are gone. Pain."
• Richard Steeb -- We SHALL Overcome the tyranny
• Brenda-ann Jeney -- Touching poems, tough life ... Blayney
• Kathleen -- Phoenix Arizona
• Tari Newman -- Thanks for the love, the help getting over it. As a person who endures great physical pain on a daily basis and also nausea from my medications, thank you Peter for trying. God bless you.
• Jerome Michael Slowik -- The crucifixion of Peter McWilliams is one of the saddest events in recent history...I have bought many copies of his books to give to people I know and even those I don't...I wish I knew him better.
• Dawn -- Even though you are gone, part of you will always be with me. Love always.
• Deborah King and Taylor Wells -- Peter came to the rescue and befriended us when taylor was arrested prosecuted and remains incarcerated. I had spoke to Peter just days befor his death trying to arrange time to meet in person. Peter helped taylor in many ways with encoragement and me with spirit and faith. Taylor is now going for a
• Merle -- Peter you pretty much saved me. I look forward to meeting your spirit again.
• Mr. U.S. Freedom -- my introduction to Peter was through my research of the insanity of the drug war. My research led me to a beloved, caring person whom we as a nation could not afford to lose. Yet we, as a nation dismiss over a million of these people every day; our reasoning, drugs are bad. Our shame is Peters deat
• Mike -- - Colorado - His poems have been a godsend of comfort to me and to some of my closest friends
• Grat Crabtree -- For freedom
• Ben Okopnik -- Goodbye, Peter ... you'll be missed. There aren't enough good people in this world, and your death has diminished us all.
• Angel Shamaya, Director@KeepAndBearArms.com -- When the federal government overrides a sovereign state government and usurps the will of the people and the death of a good man results, the decision maker in the federal government should be hanged by the neck until he is DEAD. Any questions?
• jen -- Peter, you helped so many people with your beautiful honesty, and you gave up everything important to you for what you believed. This is your legacy - no one could ever do better with his or her life. Thank you, Peter...
• Victoria -- St. Louis, MO... Canada yesterday, tomorrow the world. You'll not be forgotten. Forgive us for we know not what we do...
• Joshua M. Winowiecki -- Thank you for everything..
• RiShawn Biddle -- I interviewed McWilliams twice and found him to be another renaissance man. He'll be missed. In fact, he already has.
• Dawn -- I'll love you forever...
• Debbie Schafer -- I respect your courage: Eatontown, New Jersey
• Herbal -- Sweden
• Todd Schweitzer_ Louisville KY trap18@hotmail.com -- I will never forget Peter or our discussion of life at his house just a few months before his death. Peter had made a big impact on my life. He help me put my problems behind me and work on my improving my life. I just wish I could talk to him one more time to thank him.
• st. peter how did he die --
• Pauline L --
• Josephine -- I am so pleased I can still get all your wonderful and cassettes. I use them for gifts all the time. They mean so much more than candy or flowers. They can actually improve a life. Thank you, Peter.
• Will Foster -- Oakland Ca - I am sorry for not coming here to read about Peter sooner than I did. I was incarcerated when I found out about Peter's murder caused by our elected officials and Judge King. One day all drug war support will be tried just like the Germany after WWII. Peter was a great man. RIP
• Rick Parker -- southern Georgia
• Sweetleaf -- Tell everyone you know about the wonder that is Cannabis. It will be free again.
• Kevin Britvec -- I have never been influenced by anyone like I have by Mr. McWiliams. He held the wisdom of the ages, funny, enlightening, genuis. I showed me where and when I've been a fool and made me a better man. I can never repay or thank him enough. God bless his soul (he's laughing as I say that).
• casey b. -- lets get free
• Annon -- this has nothing to do with drugs ... these feelings I have right now . It has to do with the loss of a beautiful writter , poet , human , Bless you Peter. you touched my life in a most profound way, for many many years. god bless u Peter
• Annie -- I love all of Peter's wonderful books, but my favorite is YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE LUXURY OF A NEGATIVE THOUGHT. I give it away as gifts all the time.
• Esther --
• Bobbe, Chardon,OH -- Peter, a beacon of inspiration and truth showing the better way. A "mountain of a man" who died rather than leave the scene of his beliefs. I love you, my friend.
• Anonymous -- NY
• Chris McIntosh -- In Colorado Springs, Colorado, I am just learning of your contributions, Peter. Thank you for your courage and leadership; two qualities which seem to be disappearing within the United States. I hope that (in your honor) the resistance to the so-called "War on Drugs" is effective.
• JD1 -- Aint no bodies buisness if you did! The fight will carry on until freedom prevails! Rest in Peace.
• anonymous -- my poetic hero.
• Nathan Whitlock -- Brownsville,PA It's a shame that human life is considered no longer important.RIP Peter.We will be with you in heaven soon!
• mike -- quebec canada
• Rosalind Russ -- Washington,DC Your books gave me such comfort and hope. They got me through college. I can't believe you're gone. What a shame. What a lost.
• Mark Draughn -- Thanks for getting me interested in liberty.
• Lloyd McWilliams -- I talked to you only once or twice but I was gald to know you. I hope that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank You Peter for your life and all it has stood for.
• Daryl H. -- Riverside, CA... Thanks for helping me to help myself.
• Bill Hodges, Columbia, SC -- Peter, several years ago you appeared on my radio program and we discussed Ain't Nobody's Business If We Do. It is one of my fondest tape recordings. Recently my 17 year old son picked the book up and cannot put it down. Now I find you are on the other side. Good bless, we all love you. Bill.
• Bonnie Toledo, Ohio -- I will miss you although I never met you. Your book "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" influenced my thinking greatly. Thank you and may you rest in peace. Love....
• shelley -- just read some of his poetry - touched me deeply

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