# Our Story

**End the Suffering (Stopp lidelsen)** is a national advocacy organization working to make medical cannabis accessible to patients in Norway. We were founded in early 2025 to address the challenges faced by Norwegian patients, doctors, and researchers in prescribing and studying medical cannabis for treatment.

We build on the work of the member organization **"Association for Cannabis Medicine"**, established in 2016. While we achieved significant progress, we had to pause the organization in 2019 due to burnout—a hard lesson learned. After a long break, we regrouped, renewed our energy, and refined our strategy.

In the winter of 2024, we cautiously restarted our efforts with an op-ed in [*Dagens Medisin*](https://www.dagensmedisin.no/realisme-rundt-medisinsk-cannabis/606186): *"Realism Around Medical Cannabis."* This was followed by the petition *"Medical Cannabis NOW!"*, which gathered over 3,000 signatures and inspired the creation of **End the Suffering**.

Now we’re back—stronger and more focused than ever. As an advocacy group, our clear goal is political change that enables research, increases healthcare knowledge, and delivers real improvements for suffering patients.

## Who We Are

We’re a small but dedicated team—Sofie, Britt-Inger, Geir Roger, and Ruben—who have fought for meaningful change for years. Everyone in the organization volunteers, and while our capacity varies, our commitment never does. We appreciate your patience if responses take time.

Over the years, we’ve built a broad network of national and international experts, healthcare professionals, academics, and researchers with deep expertise in the field.

## Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

We also extend our deepest gratitude to those who paved the way. The first patients and families in Norway who spoke out faced immense challenges, making today’s fight easier to bear. Without their courage and sacrifice, we wouldn’t be where we are now.

They laid the foundation. Now we continue the fight—together—for them, for us, and for everyone who follows.

## Meet the Board

**Sofie Haughom** is a trained physiotherapist with a master’s in societal safety and is currently pursuing a master’s in health sciences. Passionate about the field, she has written professional summaries, op-eds, participated in debates, and given lectures. Sofie also brings personal experience from the fight for cannabis medicine access, having shared her patient story in [*NRK Ekko*](https://radio.nrk.no/podkast/ekko_-_et_aktuelt_samfunnsprogram/sesong/202004/l_d183ff97-c98d-4015-83ff-97c98d4015fc) / [*NRK Dokumentar*](https://www.nrk.no/dokumentar/xl/sofie-sprayer-cannabis-under-tungen-fire-ganger-om-dagen-1.13458156).

**Britt-Inger Solheim** has extensive experience as a project manager in international companies and has long been active in advocacy work. With a strong network in patient organizations and politics, she plays a key role in meetings, webinars, and debates, bridging the gap between patients and policymakers.

**Geir Roger Moen** is one of Norway’s most visible advocates for medical cannabis. A frequent participant in debates and media, his patient story has inspired many. He is a driving force in our push for legislative change.

**Ruben Solvang** has witnessed firsthand the difference cannabis medicine can make for a family member who did not get adequate relief from conventional treatments. As our technical all-rounder, he manages the website and works as an IT consultant.

In short, we put patients first and drive change through knowledge and collaboration.

<a class="button" href="/om-oss/vedtekter">Read our bylaws</a>
