SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A former police captain who suffered from Parkinson’s disease Larry Smith passed away recently. Smith was an advocate for alternative treatments for his condition, including medical marijuana and exercise. He was 71 years old.
Featured in the award winning 2013 documentary “Ride with Larry,” the film told the story of Smith’s 300-mile bike ride across South Dakota, as well as his use of medical marijuana and exercise to lessen symptoms of progressing Parkinson’s disease.
“It is a film for all those stigmatized or mired in the darkness of illnesses without cures. Larry and his wife Betty refuse to be defined by this diagnosis, proving that sometimes the best cure is living life to its fullest,” the film’s summary said. The documentary is available on Amazon Prime.
One scene from the documentary quickly become an iconic testament to the healing power of cannabis. Shown in the clip below is Smith trying medical marijuana for the first time.
“Larry’s life and impact on the world is nothing short of a miracle. His determination to thrive and live life to the fullest while also exploring the possibilities of plant medicine was astounding. It was a pleasure to experience his healing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will do our best to ensure his legacy lives on. And remember, never give up,” said Jimmy Castillo, chief science officer for cannabis extraction tech company Jenny’s Rose.
Castillo was also the original formulating manufacturer behind product used in the “Ride With Larry” documentary.
Smith passed away on the ninth anniversary of his inspirational bike ride. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Smith, and children Sean, Caroline, and Leland. The family is suggesting contributions to the Recycle 605 organization, in memory.
