Who is The Sinsemillier?

Menopause and mental illness are stigmatized, as is cannabis. As a patient advocate who struggled with perimenopause for several years and has had few treatment options (not everyone is eligible for hormone therapy), I became a medical cannabis patient in 2017 and it’s been a transformative experience. A researcher by nature, I have to know why. 

I founded The Sinsemillier to do a deep dive into the symptoms of menopause and why cannabis may be able to help. To be clear, I do not see it as a panacea: Finding good quality research on menopause, let alone cannabis, is a big challenge. That’s what I hope to change with The Sinsemillier. There’s a long way to go in the US with regard to research, but it’s finally underway. With each wave of legalization, we get closer to the much-needed centers of excellence that can offer insight into the pharmacological value of cannabis. I do my part by keeping careful track of the products used to manage my symptoms. With data visualization, I examine patterns and hope to one day share what I’ve learned with researchers who have the same goals. Menopause may be my focus, but it affects people across all conditions and it can be a deeply isolating experience. I hope to be a source of solace, curiosity, and knowledge. 

As a digital strategist and writer by profession, I offer freelance services in digital marketing, writing, and data analysis. Being able to combine my experience with my skillset has made me an even more passionate patient advocate, and I look forward to reducing the stigma within both menopause and cannabis. You can check out my LinkedIn profile here. 

—Lee Frost, Founder, The Sinsemillier

Committee Member, Patients for Patient Safety US (aligned with the World Health Organization)

Committee work includes evaluating AI and patient safety and making recommendations for developers, purchasers, oversight bodies, and the general public. Prepared a presentation on AI and the online patient experience in seeking mental health services. Working with the Project PIVOT team to gather patient experiences and outcomes to improve quality of care.  

Research Advisor & Survivor Expert, ImPACT Virginia, with the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School

Co-designed educational materials for future healthcare professionals to help them better work with patients who live with complex PTSD. Developed a curriculum for them to work with incarcerated victims of human trafficking. Delivered keynote at annual symposium about the neurobiology of CPTSD and how to work with patients. 

Session Leader and Panelist for online course about trauma-informed care, HealthAdvocateX. 

Contributing Writer, CPTSD Foundation

Published numerous articles about my journey from diagnosis to treatment, sharing personal perspectives as well as research findings, including why women tend to get diagnosed in perimenopause. 

Community Leader, Patients Like Me

Certificates

• Healer Medical Cannabis Wellness Advisor Training, 2024
• Trauma-Informed Practitioner Certification, Trauma-Informed Training Center, 2024
• US Pain Foundation Patient Advocacy Program, 2023
• The Health Union Patient Leader Certification Program, 2022  
• Certificate in Endocannabinoid Science, American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine, 2021