Chef Derek Butt (1955-present) was born in Leicester, England. He grew up in the English countryside and was athletic and creative as a child. The family immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1967 in search of opportunity and a better life.

Derek always had a deep passion for music, he wanted to be a professional musician. He owned and operated Open Sound, a 16 track analog recording studio in Toronto. He worked with many established and up and coming recording artists as a studio musician, a sound engineer and a producer.

While going thru High school and college he worked nights as a cook. He completed a chefs apprenticeship and a degree in Hotel and Restaurant administration at Sheridan College. He pursued a career as a chef and after a few years of training, he opened his first restaurant Buttskis Munchies. It was a crazy name but the restaurant was very successful and innovative for its time. The concept was unique. Derek's concept of casual dining became a big success. The original owner of the Hard Rock Cafe spent allot of time in Derek's restaurant taking notes. Eventually, the first Hard Rock Cafe opened on Yonge St. using my model and the Hard Rock Cafe became a thriving franchise.

Derek spent many years working around the clock to pursue his dream of franchising his own restaurant but he eventually had a major break down. This led to some serious life changes. Derek started pursuing music again, it took many years to recover. The medical industry had him doped up on several pills a day, which basically turned him into a zombie. He eventually learned to take health care into his own hands and started making a recovery.

He studied music therapy at Capilano University in Vancouver, Canada. During this time he studied commercial and classical music. To complete his course he also studied psychology, the endocrine system and the central and peripheral nervous system. Music is energy, the vibratory movement of matter.

He also studied holistic therapies like Qi Gong, Yoga, herbal medicine, nutrition and pranic healing. A form of healing with energy. Derek is now interested in the endocannabinoid system and how cannabis can benefit us medicinally and nutritionally.

After many years of research and experimentation, he has written "The Medical Marijuana Guide. NATURES PHARMACY." A book that is a culmination of Derek's personal research and development as well as research from several leading scientists researching medical marijuana.

Derek is a true artist, a teacher, and a healer, practicing the art of science from a holistic perspective.