Caregivers a Crucial Part of the Modern Cannabis Industry

Some of you might know that my personal history and career in the cannabis industry started as an activist. However, at the heart of my activism lies a deeply personal motivation: to ensure the safety and well-being of the most important women in my life. When my first daughter, Grace, was born, her mother, Mayela, quickly realized that Grace wasn’t developing like other children. Mayela dedicated countless hours to accompany our daughter to early stimulation courses, desperately trying to ensure that Grace would embark on her life with the best possible start. 

Despite her efforts, something was amiss. While other babies were rolling on the floor and reaching typical developmental milestones, Grace struggled to display these abilities, marking the beginning of a challenging journey for us as a family that would push us to seek answers from health professionals. If it weren’t for Mayela's fierce persistence as a mother and caregiver, we might never have achieved the significant milestones we’ve reached. Mayela´s determination was crucial in navigating a system that often seems indifferent to the struggles of families like ours. 

Through Mayela’s unwavering commitment, we connected to a network of neurologists who recognized our concerns. With their guidance, we embarked on a long and often challenging legal battle, striving to become the first family to gain legal access to a cannabis-derived product with high concentrations of CBD (cannabidiol) intended to improve our daughter’s health. 

Of course, our legal team’s support and my background as a lawyer played an essential role in this fight. However, it became clear to me that the backbone of this movement was formed by hundreds of Mexican mothers and caregivers who faced similar challenges. A shared desperation united these individuals to find solutions that could alleviate the suffering of their loved ones while also easing the burdens on their minds and bodies. Their stories, resilience, and relentless pursuit of change were the cornerstones upon which we could build our advocacy efforts. 

These caregivers devoted countless hours to their loved ones, ensuring they received every ounce of care, from nutrition and medication to doctor’s appointments and specialized therapies. From my observations, I noticed how these dedicated individuals often sacrificed their own lives, laying aside their needs and desires for the sake of their families. Still, despite the overwhelming challenges, they managed to find time to accompany us in our long, exhausting debates with government officials. They navigated bureaucratic red tape while advocating for the health rights of their loved ones and even asked for support in their workplaces to pursue their cause. They collaborated closely with healthcare professionals, tirelessly seeking scientific evidence to bolster the case for cannabis-derived products as viable treatment options. 

But the journey didn’t stop there. It extends beyond those who made it to Congress to demand the legal right to healthcare. We must also recognize the efforts of those who worked diligently with their doctors to unearth scientific data, pushing for innovative approaches to enhance their loved ones' quality of life. I recall a heart-wrenching story shared with me by a family from Mexico City, whose father was sentenced to death because of lung cancer. Suppose only the family and their medical team were more informed about isolated cannabinoids. In that case, they may have had the opportunity to improve his health and the quality of his remaining days. 

Another example that stands out is that of Abelardo, a father who persevered to obtain the first permit allowing him to legally import a hemp-derived product to enhance his daughter Alina’s quality of life. His journey was exhausting, as he traveled by bus for over 24 hours from his hometown in southern Mexico to retrieve the necessary legal paperwork. This journey not only took a toll on him physically but also meant sacrificing several workdays that could have been spent supporting his family. Yet, for him, the opportunity to access a potential lifeline for Alina was worth every sacrifice. 

These instances illustrate the profound lengths caregivers will go to validate their loved ones’ right to health. Each story encapsulates personal sacrifice, resilience, and an unyielding hope for a better future. I am grateful to witness how much hard work and dedication have blossomed from our collective efforts. 

Seven years ago, many of us stood in the Mexican Congress, tirelessly advocating for legal access to cannabis-derived products for medicinal purposes. We are starting to see the fruits of that labor materialize, yet I also recognize that our journey is far from complete. Today, while progress is encouraging, many individuals still have uncertainty and frustration about not having access to the care they need. Millions more are waiting in the wings, hoping our advancements will also reach them. 

Reflecting on my experience and the collective struggles of families like mine, I am compelled to continue advocating for change. The work ahead involves celebrating the victories and addressing the unmet needs of those searching for answers. We must push for broader awareness, understanding, and acceptance of alternative therapies, such as cannabis-derived products, ensuring that they become a regular part of healthcare discussions. We are responsible for raising awareness and educating others about the enormous potential these treatments may provide for those suffering from various conditions. 

As we continue this journey, let us remember the caregivers who are the heart of this movement. They are the unsung heroes, dedicating their lives to the well-being of their loved ones. Their courage, tireless dedication, and unyielding spirit inspire us all to fight for change, equity, and access for everyone who deserves it. Together, we can pursue a world where innovative solutions to healthcare challenges are within reach for everyone, not just a fortunate few.