Olivia Newton-John: Icon for medical cannabis access & research
I was so saddened to hear the news of the iconic Olivia Newton-John's passing yesterday. In addition to her iconic acting and singing roles, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in her later years, she became an absolute icon for medical cannabis advocacy - bringing it out of the shadows by courageously sharing her story with the world, lobbying governments to approve its use for cancer patients and founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre and later the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to support research into plant-based medicines and cancer.
After opening up about her medical cannabis use to Good Housekeeping in 2019, she later told an Australian magazine: "Medicinal cannabis is something that should be available to everyone who is going through chronic illness or pain."
On the launch of the Foundation, she said: “During the last seven years, cannabis supplements and plant medicine have made a huge difference in my recovery. I’ve been fascinated to learn that there are 100,000 species of plants in the Amazon rainforest alone. And of those 100,000 plants, only three per cent have been studied and used for the healing value. Imagine the possibilities."
While the evidence for using medical cannabis to help manage some of the most difficult cancer symptoms and treatment side-effects are well established (chemo-induced nausea & vomitting, anxiety, insomnia, neuropathic pain, etc.), a number of studies are currently ongoing to explore the effects of cannabinoids and other plant extracts on breast cancer.
Following her death, her pioneering work will continue through the Foundation, her husband wrote in a statement on Facebook: “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”
Her tireless work in this space is sure to be her greatest legacy and one that will continue through the @onjfoundation.
For more information, check out this article.
