My dear friend, Steele Clark Smith, founded a start-up medical-marijuana pharmacy in California so that he (and other patients like him) had access to predictable doses of marijuana.

Steele is 6'7'' tall and, because he had a hard time keeping food down, his weight dropped below 135 lbs. After much searching for relief, he discovered that marijuana could stop his nausea, pain and weight loss.

Since 1996, California has allowed the medical use of marijuana. Following that law, Steele began distributing pot to patients in their homes so they wouldn't have to go to dealers, like he did, to get their medication. This led to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency raiding his home and jailing Steele and his wife, Theresa. All charges were later dropped, but the ordeal only strengthened their resolve to provide safe, legal access to medical cannabis.

Steele went on to found C3 International, a company focused on developing pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana products and many investors helped fund his company. He followed every Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulation to the letter. However, in 2021, the SEC filed an enforcement claim against the Smiths and C3 International, alleging shares were sold under false pretenses. Evidence will prove the sales in question were resales of privately owned shares made without the Smiths' knowledge or involvement. However, until they overturn the SEC claim, they are blocked from raising capital.

Steele's and Theresa's case highlights serious issues of due process, regulatory overreach, and fairness in SEC enforcement. Its outcome will have a lasting impact on patients’ rights and access to prescribed medical marijuana across the nation.

Despite never receiving a single investor complaint over two decades, the Smiths' assets are frozen, they’ve lost their home, and their savings are gone. Their next court hearing is scheduled for November 22, 2025.

Those of us who know Steele and Theresa have witnessed their integrity and tireless commitment to doing what’s right. Winning this case isn’t just about clearing their names — it’s about protecting every patient’s right to safe, legal, and affordable medical cannabis.

Every dollar donated will go directly toward their legal defense to help them resolve this unjust action and continue their life’s work of healing others.

For more information, go to www.steeleclarkesmith3.com