Letter to the Editor: Vote yes on I-182

Editor,

My name is Jerrica Friedt, and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 17 years old. Now I am 26 and a mother of two, and I rely on medical cannabis to alleviate my symptoms and to help me make it through each day with this debilitating illness.

My 2007 diagnosis marked the beginning of a long battle with prescription drugs and treatments that disagreed with my body and left me in serious pain. Daily injections of Copaxone resulted in a severe allergic reaction, then daily injections of Betaseron left me incredibly sore with severe migraines. I tried Topamax, Rebif and Tecfidera, each with their own distinct side effects. After a terrifying period of severe migraines and eyesight loss, an MRI discovered a new lesion that had formed behind my right eye.

After completing a three-day steroid infusion, my family and I moved to Glendive, Montana, for the sole purpose of accessing medical marijuana in a safe and legal manner. I haven’t used prescription medications since then, and I am officially three years relapse free. I can honestly say that this is the best I have ever felt

Unfortunately, I was one of the over 12,000 Montanans who lost their provider as a result of SB 423. I no longer have access to the only medicine that gives me relief, and I refuse to threaten myself or my children by resorting to illegal means. I am attempting to become my own provider, which is currently our only option, but this is a difficult and expensive process that no sick person should have to endure.

Please vote yes on I-182. This responsible and accountable medical marijuana law is absolutely essential to the health and well-being of thousands of your fellow Montanans.

Jerrica Friedt 

Glendive