Gerald Major
CEO of Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana
Gerald Major is a medical cannabis patient, staunch chronic illness advocate and arthritis warrior. Showing symptoms of inflammation in both knees at the age of 14, he was diagnosed at 23 with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis, both inflammatory arthritis that ends in fusion in the back and peripheral joints. Gerald’s Arthritis took him out of work 7 years ago where he was Senior Vice President of Operations for Citibank Hedge Fund Services North America. “I’ve had a very difficult journey and dedicate myself to improving the lives of others by advocating, educating and supporting. No one should have to go through the struggles of chronic illness alone.”
Gerald joined CFAMM in 2016 as he noticed the barriers to medical cannabis access for patients, with cost being a major factor. He eliminated sleeping pills and significantly reduced his opioid prescriptions by way of medical cannabis but many cannot afford their full dose.“Canada is experiencing an opioid crisis that is destroying families and killing Canadians. I worry about those people who can’t afford to make the safer choice and everyone who has trouble accessing this important treatment. I will not stop advocating until Canadians access the treatment and support they need. We can do better together.”
Gerald is also the President of the Canadian Spondylitis Association, Best Medicine Coalition board member and member of Ontario Best Practice Research Initiative patient advisory committee.