Affliction / Illness: Multiple Sclerosis
For over 20 years, I have been researching, studying, and managing the symptoms of
multiple sclerosis. I have been prescribed every pharmaceutical reputed to be helpful for
MS, only to experience debilitating side effects that made it difficult to continue
treatment. In 2004, I began eating cannabis brownies and found it more beneficial than
any other medication I had previously taken. As of today, I am off of all pharmaceutical
medications and living a relatively active life. Now I only use cannabis to treat my
symptoms, and every once in a while take Tylenol with codeine as a backup.
I have been at the forefront of the medical cannabis movement in Illinois for the last six years and have testified before Senate and House committees in support of medical cannabis legislation. I have visited with legislators and been interviewed by media outlets locally and nationwide. I know for a fact that my story and the connections I have made with other patients have given hope to many. Even though medical cannabis is currently illegal in Illinois, I believe that physicians, healthcare professionals, legislators, and the public can come together on this issue – it is time to change our laws.
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