The story could have ended there. But it didn’t. Thousands of people started to contact the Haslam family and even me as the reporter of the story. They were all desperate for some compassion and help in their various health battles. It was heart wrenching to watch and I began to wonder why we were making people feel like criminals when they were simply trying to help themselves get better and, in some cases, survive. The story began to gnaw away at me. I felt there was more I could do. I knew in the typical media cycle that many of the families would be abandoned when the next story came along. Increasingly, I found myself delving further into the research and discovering the incredible medical logic and science behind this plant itself. My sister, a scientist, began to source journal articles for me.
In the Sunday Night story, Dan bravely spoke out about the shame and fear of resorting to marijuana to help ease the debilitating side effects and symptoms of chemotherapy treatment. As the son of a retired drug squad police chief, his story was even more credible. For Dan, marijuana was a last resort. In fact, it took him some time to be convinced of its merits… but when he finally did try it, his family described it as a 'miracle'. Instead of spending days crippled in bed after another round of chemotherapy, incredibly he was able to eat, function and fight the disease ravaging his young body.
I also searched for films that would explain this more thoroughly and some did, but only part of the way. Most of them were so anti-propaganda or caught up in legalising marijuana for recreational use that they obscured the real facts. So I decided to make my own film, which I could produce, direct and write. I wanted complete editorial control this time. It was good to be back telling real stories again.
Importantly, his quality of life also improved dramatically. But what he may not have expected was the impact the host story would have on others either contemplating medical marijuana or already using it. His story gave voice to other Australians and one by one they began to stand together bravely, not in shame and fear. Dan’s story became the catalyst for nationwide momentum. The night the story aired, an unprecedented number of people voted largely in favour of medical marijuana… almost three million took part in an online poll and 96% said it should be legal for patients like Dan. The Australian public roared in agreement.
Then something amazing began to occur Dan’s story began to draw support from the most unlikely of places. Senior police and politicians became advocates. It even led to NSW Premier Mike Baird announcing clinical trials, and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announcing law reform and foreshadowing its legalisation.
NSW Premier Mike Baird
The title of the documentary, A Life of its Own, really reflects the organic way this all came about. The reaction to the first story was so huge and then came another, and then another, and my need to investigate the issue further dominated my thoughts. I also began to see the global disparity on the topic. Some countries were fractious in their approach, others too liberal, others too conservative. Most of them lacked a properly regulated system - until I started reading about Israel. It was there that some of the leading science on the plant had occurred and also where the largest human trials took place. So I travelled to Israel to witness first hand the work being undertaken with medical marijuana. The people reminded me of Greeks, open hearted and compassionate. It was an eye-opening trip and I interviewed many doctors who have been treating patients for a range of health symptoms, from pain relief to neurological disorders and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Greens NSW MP John Kaye
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer VA N I L L A | 1 3