“Alicia”

As a fitness professional and a professional dancer, I almost lost my business after Oregon legalized recreational cannabis, due to the effects of secondhand and third-hand cannabis/hemp smoke, terpene extraction, and other processing chemical practices. I experienced cannabis exposure in my condominium unit from neighboring residents, users in public spaces including restaurants, parks, grocery stores, and the gym I attended, and even in my own fitness studio.

My severe symptoms emerged after new neighbors, who frequently used THC products, moved into the house next to the fitness studio my husband and I owned for 15 years. I, and several of my clients, became sick with no idea why. My fitness business was often filled with cannabis odors. My symptoms began with a burning sensation around my mouth, then bleeding gums, a cough, and red, burning skin. Symptoms escalated to facial nerve damage, loss of bladder and bowel control, nausea and vomiting, and an impact on motor skills. The only relief I could find was taking hot showers.

To find answers I did research and worked with my doctor. A monthly hair follicle test consistently resulted positive for cannabis, specifically cannabidiol. I was diagnosed with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). I do not drink alcohol or smoke, and I have never used drugs, including marijuana, hemp, or CBD products. Consistent exposure to cannabinoid products caused me to have severe reactions and become ill.

My marital, employee, and client relationships were becoming strained because my health was unreliable. My health issue was a marijuana problem, and there were no known treatment options except to avoid exposure. I had to move my business five times, enduring moving costs and lease fees, before deciding to close shop and work in clients’ homes. However, if cannabis or any derivative was being used in or around the home, I would experience a reaction. The covid-19 closures enabled me to keep my business open by running it virtually.

Cannabis use is more than just a personal choice. It can and does affect non-users. I now realize the impact of cannabis exposure in our society on a daily basis. Our children are growing up in an unsafe environment. The dangers of secondhand cigarette smoke are well documented. Many people who are suffering or will suffer medically from others’ drug use, not only in our country but throughout the world, have no hope but to remain sick without any remedy other than avoiding exposure.

Quote: I was diagnosed with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). I do not drink alcohol or smoke, and I have never used drugs, including marijuana, hemp, or CBD products. Consistent exposure to cannabinoid products caused me to have severe reactions and become ill.