NORML Backs Survey On Marijuana And Autism

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Montana Connect
Joey and Mieko Hester Perez. Mieko founded the Unconventional Foundation for Autism (UF4A) after seeing how useful cannabis is in treating her son’s condition

With more and more anecdotal media reports appearing regarding the use of marijuana to help autistic children and adults, the need to perform proper scientific research to possibly develop cannabinoid-based treatments for autism has become obvious.

The response from parents around the country to the touching stories of two brave mothers — one on the East Coast and one on the West — has been overwhelming, according to National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Executive Director Allen St. Pierre.
Marie Myung-Ok Lee wrote about her experience in Rhode Island, a state which allows medical marijuana, in 2009. Soon after, inspired by Marie’s bravery, Mieko Hester Perez and her son also had a positive experience with treating his autism in California.

Perez, a single mother of three, had been watching her son, Joey, get worse and worse under the combination of 13 different prescription drugs that ravaged his body. He dropped to a weight of just 46 pounds, and his life was in danger.

Cheeba!
Allen St. Pierre, NORML: “We seek to solidify and further the fundamental understanding we have in regards to the effectiveness of cannabis alleviating symptoms along the Autism Spectrum”

Soon after going public with her experience, Perez and her son appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America and became instant media sensations.
To help further research into cannabis and autism, Perez established the Unconventional Foundation for Autism (UF4A), in the hopes that others may benefit from alternative therapies for this condition.
UF4A, along with NORML, is asking the cannabis community to help with a scientific survey created by Perez to help solidify and amplify her results and the level of help the Foundation can provide. Targeted are persons on the Autism Spectrum currently using or interested in using marijuana as a safe and effective medication to treat autism.
There is currently no medical detection or cure for autism, which affects more than one in 88 children; it is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. Among the safest and most remarkable treatments that have proven effective in addressing the condition is the therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis.
“At UF4A, we believe providing the most accurate information to medical professionals for research purposes will pave the way for clinical trials for unconventional treatments,” St. Pierre said.
“We seek to solidify and further the fundamental understanding we have in regards to the effectiveness of cannabis alleviating symptoms along the Autism Spectrum,” St. Pierre said. “The information collected in the survey will be used to further guide families, new patients, doctors and lawmakers in making informed and proper decisions for themselves and our community.
To fill out the survey on cannabis and autism, click here.
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