Mimi Friedman

Patient name: Mimi Friedman

Age: 32

Condition/Illness: End
stage achalasia with full esophageal spasms, gastroparesis, peptic ulcer
disease, and a sliding hiatal hernia.

Using Medical Cannabis
since: 2010

Why did you start using cannabis?

Cannabis saved my life, and the proof is not only visible, but
printed in black and white in my medical file. The Cleveland Clinic performed
J-tube surgery in February of 2012 after a three year period of not being able
to control my constant, relentless nausea and vomiting. I also had a series of
seven corpak feeding tubes before the J-tube procedure. My next surgery at the
Cleveland Clinic was going to be complete esophagectomy, and I was told in no
uncertain terms that my feeding tube was my only lifeline. If only my medical
team could see me now. I want my story to help save lives.

Did you try other methods
or treatments before cannabis?  

Yes. The treatments I have
tried are: Gall bladder removal, countless balloon dilations, two rounds of
botox in my esophagus, Heller’s myotomy with DOR fundoplication, seven corpak
feeding tubes, neumatic dilations 3.0 and 3.5 and J-tube surgery.

What’s the most important
issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients?

The “stoner” stigma.

What do you say to folks
who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine?

I never understood why
cannabis laws were so harsh, but what really ignited my passion for activism
was realizing how many lies have and are still being told about it after I got
sick. Whatever you think you know about cannabis is wrong unless it’s based on
current research, case studies and observed or personal experiences. I can’t
begin to tell you how deep the lies and brainwashing about this plant truly go.
You just have to experience it yourself. If you’re reading this, you probably
have already.