As the proud wife of newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael, better known as “Mongo” among us Bears fans, I know Steve is a fighter on and off the field. Since his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2020, our world changed pretty quickly. The disease has taken so much from us, but it hasn’t taken everything — thanks to the relief we’ve found in lawful hemp-derived products.
ALS is a cruel, relentless disease. It started subtly with Steve’s grip weakening, but before long, it took his ability to eat, speak and breathe independently. Yet, through all the challenges, we’ve found solace in something unexpected: hemp products. However, I’m not referring to the things you see at gas stations, I’m talking about products that are safely and thoughtfully produced.
I began researching hemp products following Steve’s diagnosis, and I’ve been a loyal customer of my neighborhood store, The Joint Shop, since it opened six years ago. The liquid delta-8 hemp products have been a game-changer for Steve, significantly improving his physical and mental well-being by keeping him comfortable and easing his pain. After being told he only had two to five years to live, Steve defied the odds like he always does, living well beyond those expectations. And I believe these products have played a significant role in that.
That’s why I’m stunned and heartbroken that Illinois lawmakers are considering effectively banning hemp-derived products, including delta-8 hemp and CBD, which are legal under federal law. These products aren’t about getting high — they’re about living well.
We sought out hemp products to avoid prescription drugs such as opioids that, quite frankly, don’t offer the same quality of life. They may dull the pain, but the side effects and high risk of dependency are not something we’re interested in. We wanted natural, God-given relief — and that’s exactly what these hemp products provide us. Even our chihuahua finds comfort in CBD products, especially during storms. These items are for everyone’s well-being, from humans to pets.
The more comfortable Steve is, the more comfortable we all are, including our daughter, his friends, his nurses and even his fans, who don’t want to see him suffer. When he has these products to keep him comfortable, it makes everything easier for everyone involved. And the support we’ve received from Chicago and Homer Glen communities has been overwhelming. We couldn’t have made it this far without you, and I can’t imagine our lives without the help of these hemp products.
The Joint Shop isn’t just a store to us; it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where the products are reliable, the staff is knowledgeable and the community is strong. The people here know us, they care about us, and they’ve become an essential part of our journey. Why would anyone want to take that away?
The misconception that hemp products are only about getting high is totally outdated and harmful. For families like mine, these products are about health, well-being and maintaining a semblance of normalcy while battling the challenge of a lifetime. Instead of effectively banning these products, lawmakers should focus on thoughtful regulations that ensure consumer safety and product quality. There’s room for both a regulated cannabis market and a regulated hemp market, each serving different needs.
I’m asking Illinois lawmakers to think about families like mine. Think about the comfort, the relief and the dignity that these products provide to people with serious, life-threatening conditions. Don’t take away something lawful that’s helping us survive this journey with ALS.
Let’s keep hemp products legal in Illinois. For Steve, for our family and for all the Illinois families out there just trying to do their best.
Misty McMichael is the wife of Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Steve “Mongo” McMichael.
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