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Mieko Hester-Perez embodies the archetype of a modern-day \u201cwarrior mom.\u201d For almost two decades, she\u2019s been on a mission to break barriers and champion change for cannabis patients and their families. Since publicly sharing her son Joey\u2019s success with medical cannabis in 2009, Hester-Perez has become a beacon of hope and guidance for families navigating options for their children on the autism spectrum.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hester-Perez began her cannabis advocacy journey at a time when regulations were non-existent. \u201cDr. Lester Greenspoon, Jorge Cervantes<\/a>, DNA Genetics, Aaron Justis, Matt Chiu and world-renowned cultivators from the emerald triangle served as my mentors during those early days\u2014and I owe them a debt of gratitude for guiding me to where I am today,\u201d she says. \u201cEven now, they remain like family to me, Joey\u2019s \u2018undocumented uncles,\u2019 a reminder of the invaluable support they provided. Their mentorship was comprehensive, and no question was off-limits.\u201d <\/p>\n According to Hester-Perez, the cannabis community was the first community to honor autism without any reservations. She recalls times at expos when people would approach her tearfully, asking to be introduced to Jorge or Kyle (Kushman). \u201cTheir teachings showed me what it meant to have their unwavering support and understanding of my approach,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Despite facing personal tragedy with the passing of her son Joey in 2018, Hester-Perez remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind. During that difficult time, she faced the daunting task of redefining her advocacy efforts while honoring her commitment to Dr. Greenspoon: to remain true to the cause and never compromise her principles for personal gain.\u00a0<\/p>\n With over two decades of legal secretary experience and more than 15 years specializing in medicinal cannabis education, Hester-Perez is a trusted consultant for healthcare providers worldwide, particularly in prominent autism centers and palliative care institutions. Her expertise in consumer safety, compliance protection and product knowledge has positioned her as a leading authority.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTransitioning into a public advocacy role required dedication,\u201d she says. \u201cMy background, which is largely unknown in the industry, includes owning an attorney service in California since 2005 and working as a legal secretary. Joey\u2019s journey became one of my most significant cases, equipping me with legal expertise and resources to advocate effectively for others seeking medicinal cannabis for similar treatments.\u201d In recognition of her unwavering dedication and community service, Hester-Perez has received special commendations from the United States Congress and was honored with the Lifetime Advocate Award at the prestigious Chalice Festival.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2023, Joey received his only award for his contribution to the cannabis and autism community that bears his name at the Nothing But Fire event in Los Angeles. \u201cSome people go a lifetime not knowing their purpose,\u201d Hester-Perez says. \u201cJoey knew his purpose and trained me for mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Supporting Those in Need\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry and legal medical marijuana landscape is a continual challenge, Hester-Perez says. While legislative progress has been made in some states, families navigating the complicated world of medical cannabis lack sufficient guidance. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the cannabis industry has made significant strides since my early involvement, there remains room for improvement,\u201d Hester-Perez says. \u201cThe legalization of adult-use cannabis in certain states has introduced new complexities, particularly concerning medical marijuana licensing for parents.\u201d As a result, she says, families frequently seek advice and support for their children.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy advocacy work extends beyond mere product recommendations; it includes building goals, setting realistic expectations and providing ongoing support to families,\u201d she says. \u201cThe lack of uniformity in regulations and support systems across different states compounds the challenges faced by families, particularly those with special needs children. This glaring gap in support is what motivates my push for legalization and the establishment of specialized support services.\u201d<\/p>\n The intricacies of navigating the world of special needs care are known only to a select few. \u201cIt\u2019s fascinating to hear advocates confidently offer advice to families in similar situations, not realizing the unique challenges we face,\u201d Hester-Perez shares. \u201cFrom deciphering our children\u2019s cues to determining the most suitable products and settings, the conversations I share with families can span from two hours to two years.\u201d<\/p>\n In states including New York, Florida, parts of California, Arizona and Colorado, the lack of clear guidelines and regulations regarding cannabis use poses significant challenges for families. Even with a valid medical marijuana license and thorough compliance with legal requirements, Hester-Perez says families may still find themselves under scrutiny from Child Protective Services due to opposing views on cannabis.<\/p>\n In the US, placing children in educational settings involves navigating a labyrinth of confidentiality agreements, such as those in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. \u201cDisagreement from just one social worker, social security representative, or regional center official can throw a wrench into the process,\u201d Hester-Perez says. \u201cIn such cases, my role as an advocate becomes crucial.\u201d While she refrains from publicizing specific cases, Hester-Perez guides to parents on how to advocate for their children without jeopardizing their safety.<\/p>\n Amidst these challenges, Hester-Perez says providing consistent and uniform guidance remains paramount. \u201cI\u2019ve encountered scepticism from judges and social workers. However, my focus has always been on quietly and diligently supporting families, one at a time, through the system\u2019s complexities,\u201d she says. \u201cAs attitudes towards cannabis evolve and regulations change, I remain dedicated to empowering parents and advocating for their needs in a rapidly changing landscape.<\/p>\n \u201cRecently, I devised a plan to shield these families from undue scrutiny\u2014a provision designed to offer guidance and support. This provision, similar to an online course or the DUI model, aims to provide clarity and direction in navigating the complexities of cannabis use within the family dynamic,\u201d Hester-Perez says. \u201cWith approximately one out of every 17 homes in America experiencing Autism in some form, she says it\u2019s imperative to establish a framework that ensures their protection.<\/p>\n Beyond consultation and advocacy, Hester-Perez\u2019s willingness to go the extra mile for families in crisis sets her apart. \u201cWhether it involves drafting letters, appearing in court, or offering boot camp-style support, I\u2019m deeply invested in ensuring that families receive the assistance they require,\u201d she says. \u201cMy experiences have imbued me with a profound understanding of the intricacies of family dynamics and the challenges they face, driving me to provide unwavering support to those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n Hester-Perez has certifications in brain health, pain management and assessment and ethical issues in healthcare. She attends court with a certification as a legal nurse expert to support law firms in finding the appropriate resources for civil and family law cases.<\/p>\n The Move into Motorsports<\/strong><\/p>\n Recently\u2014and somewhat unexpectedly\u2014Hester-Perez has found herself working with NASCAR<\/a> motorsport teams and drivers. Her journey was sparked by an encounter with a driver who disclosed their autism diagnosis. Recognizing the gap between autism awareness and mainstream acceptance, Hester-Perez says transitioning between unconventional therapies and motorsports has been seamless and driven by a shared commitment to addressing unmet needs.<\/p>\n \u201cVenturing into motorsports allows me to step out of my comfort zone while still honoring my son Joey\u2019s legacy,\u201d she says. \u201cThese partnerships have allowed me to work with companies and support inclusivity in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n What initially seemed like a casual foray quickly revealed deeper connections to her past.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t realize how much motorsports had been a part of my life until my dad sent me over pictures from my fifth birthday,\u201d she says. \u201cI was wearing a \u201cDukes of Hazzard\u201d hat. When I sat down with a professional motorsports team owner, pleading my case, I said, \u2018I\u2019m supposed to be here.\u2019 When he asked why, I showed him the picture and he said, maybe, you\u2019re supposed to be here.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Hester-Perez seized the opportunity to support this cause by aligning with CBD companies and exploring potential collaborations within the motorsport community. She says her immersion into professional motorsports transcends mere fandom; it represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between mainstream sports and the burgeoning CBD industry.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough motorsports platforms, I aim to introduce mainstream audiences to the evolution of CBD companies that are able to market their companies through conventional marketing outlets, thereby facilitating greater acceptance and understanding within the broader American sports landscape,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n In 2021, Hester-Perez was gifted the role of an advisor for the Team Armani Racing NASCAR<\/a> driver Armani Williams<\/a>. In the role, she worked closely with the pioneering NASCAR driver diagnosed with autism, securing sponsorships to support their initiatives. Currently, Mieko Perez is the business development for a driver development program at Curry Motorsports<\/a>, in addition to working with various motorsports professional teams independently. She\u2019s also working on a docuseries, \u201cTrack Pursuit,\u201d that will cover her journey navigating the business of motorsports.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n These business endeavors mark significant strides in raising awareness and breaking barriers within the motorsport community\u2014another example of Hester-Perez\u2019s continued work breaking stigmas. Through it all, Hester-Perez\u2019s dedication is unwavering. \u201cI\u2019m committed to oversight and consumer-centered outcomes with unconventional therapies, leveraging my experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the legal and medical landscape,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy journey, though born out of personal tragedy, has become my source of inspiration and empowerment. It drives me to make impactful business decisions that will change perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n The post Mieko Hester-Perez Redefines Medical Cannabis, Healthcare and Motorsport<\/a> appeared first on Cannabis Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Mieko Hester-Perez embodies the archetype of a modern-day \u201cwarrior mom.\u201d For almost two decades, she\u2019s been on a mission to break barriers and champion change for cannabis patients and their families. Since publicly sharing her son Joey\u2019s success with medical cannabis in 2009, Hester-Perez has become a beacon of hopeContinue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":234,"featured_media":74032,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[50,80,11181,139,17666,17667,510],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74031"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/234"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74031"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74033,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74031\/revisions\/74033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74032"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Mieko](\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Mieko-and-Joey.jpg\")
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\nRead More: Mieko Hester-Perez Redefines Medical Cannabis, Healthcare and Motorsport<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"