The young man who inspired a national revolution on medical marijuana has died.
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Dan Haslam, 25, died in his East Tamworth home on Tuesday following a brutal battle with bowel cancer.
The unlikely crusader made headlines last year after he turned to the drug during his fight with the insidious disease.
His authenticity and deep conviction touched millions, pushing medical marijuana onto the national agenda and to the brink of legalisation.
Just this month Mr Haslam became one of the first people in NSW to receive a special cannabis licence.
“He never complained, he didn’t stop fighting right until the end,” his mother, Lucy Haslam, said.
“We need to honour his fighting spirit and continue his legacy.
“We will keep fighting for medical cannabis and make it freely available to people who need it.”
The Haslam family campaign also piqued the interest of Maitland residents, many of whom joined a groundswell of support for the cause.
NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley said Mr Haslam challenged society to rethink how we extend compassion to terminal illness.
“Despite the cruellest of circumstances, medical cannabis allowed Dan to live with a measure of peace and autonomy in his final months,” Mr Foley said.
“Like thousands of others, I believe it is time to change the law in NSW.”
In 2012, Mr Foley initiated a parliamentary inquiry into medicinal cannabis.
“It was the powerful and compelling advocacy of the Haslam family that convinced many in our community of the need for reform,” he said.
“I believe it is through stories like Dan’s that hearts and minds change – followed by laws – and society moves forward.”
