The Plant Doctor was started in 1999 by Michael McDowell and his wife Tabetha Lilley to meet the needs of the hydroponics market in southwestern Ontario. With years of 'hands on' experience, they felt that it was important to provide folk with a safe means, both equipment and knowledge, to grow their own plants. The business grew to general plant doctoring of exotic and tropical plants, sales, services and maintenance contracts for offices and malls. Along the way the owner saw that medicinal Cannabis patients were not being served by the government in a fair way. The Plant Doctor started assisting patients in growing there own medicine at a cost that these (usually poor) people could afford. It was around this time that the possession law was struck down. The soil had been tilled and the earth was ready for something new.

 
   Who we are

The Hippy Cafe was the seed of an idea that was planted in the summer of 2003 during period of time in Canada when possession of Cannabis was 'not illegal'. Cannabis was not 'legal', it's just that the courts had 'struck down' the possession part of the law. To fill this void of 'lawlessness', the owners of the Plant Doctor decided to create a place where folks could consume their own Cannabis in an atmosphere that was both permissive and regulated. Patrons must be 18 (if you can vote, you can make adult decisions). Absolutely no 'dealing' of Cannabis is allowed (which keeps the 'street' outside where it belongs). So much for regulation. It's the permissiveness that makes the Hippy Cafe unique. Patrons can purchase papers and pipes, rent bongs and vaporizers and get food and drinks from a 'munchies' like menu. Custom glasswork is done by a resident glass blower and other work is on display by local talent. The Bong Bar was moved complete from the McDowell rec room to the cafe just to see if it would catch on. Not only was it a hit (pun intended) but the Cafe is apparently a world leader in Bong Bars (being the only one we could find helps us there). The cafe has many different rooms to give folks a choice of vibe. From chill rooms where chat is quiet and chess is played to the 'big room' that has a pool table and serves as a venue for bands to play. And of course there's the Bong Bar with it's couches and 'rec' atmosphere.

Recently, the Hippy Cafe became a chapter of the Church of the Universe with the official ordination of it's owner, Michael Alexander McDowell as Reverend Brother. The Church of the Universe worships The Tree of Life (Cannabis) and call themselves The Children of Sumer in honor of the first agricultural society, the Sumarians. It was a natural decision for the Cafe, we were already believers. It's pretty easy to believe in a plant that know can help us save our world and might, just might, save our souls. we Click on the link below for more info on the Church. (Reproduced with permission.)

Church of the Universe - Children of Sumer

Also see: Criminal Code and Religions

  What we're about

So now we're The Hippy Sanctuary as well. A sanctuary to express our culture and traditions as any religious and social community that does no harm should be allowed, without fear of persecution.  The Plant Doctor is as active as ever. We may pick up other names along the way.  It's a changing scene.  We will keep the kind and gentle 'Hippy Cafe' name, though. That's what we're about, a kind and gentle approach to the world, society and the folks in it.

Remember the first two Rules of
the Church of the Universe;

Do not hurt yourself.
Do not hurt anyone else.

Now,
having read our little intro,
please

Click here to enter the Hippy
(Our links, photos, news and whatever else we can find.)