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Why Olivia Newton-John is an icon for medical cannabis advocacy
The star spent years advocating for medical cannabis and cancer research.
Tributes have been paid to the actress Olivia Newton-John who spent years advocating for access to medical cannabis.
The British-born icon, most famous for her role as Sandy in the musical Grease, passed away on Monday 8 August, following a long battle with breast cancer.
Her husband, John Easterling, announced the news on her Facebook and Instagram page, telling fans the 73-year-old passed “peacefully”, surrounded by friends and family at their home in southern California.
Newton-John was a passionate advocate for access to medicinal cannabis and spoke openly on several occasions about how she used the plant following her cancer diagnosis. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and later in 2013 and 2017.
Easterling grew medical cannabis on their ranch in the US, which Newton-John used to “help with her symptoms” describing it as “healing” and a “miracle plant”.
After opening up about her consumption 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 a chronic illness or pain.”
Newton-John used her platform to help raise awareness of the potential of medical cannabis and has spent years lobbying governments to approve the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients.
She founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre and later the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to support research into plant-based medicines and cancer.
On the launch of the Foundation, Newton-John 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.
“I have lost way too many friends and loved ones to cancer, and it was totally strengthened my resolve to find the answers in the plant kingdom.”
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, Easterling 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.”
Support from the cannabis community
Many fellow cannabis advocates have paid tribute to the star since the news broke.
Cannabis journalist and editor of Canada Leafly, Ashley Keenan, wrote: “There’s something about a celebrity you looked up to as a kid talking about cannabis as a patient, without judgment. She didn’t just use the plant for fun—not that there’s anything wrong with that—but she found it helpful for her symptoms, and was willing to share her story with the world.
“She gave me the permission that I hadn’t been able to grant myself; that it was ok to find relief in medicinal cannabis.”
Organisations and campaigners operating in the cannabis space across the globe, have also been sharing their support for her work on Twitter:
Such sad news about Olivia Newton John's passing, her advocacy and research into cannabis and cancer will have helped many families and will continue through her legacy in the setting up of the @onjfoundation. https://t.co/1GxiBzpky0
— MedCan Support (@MEDCANSupport) August 9, 2022
UK charity Medcan Support, which helps families of children with epilepsy praised the work she has done to help families affected by cancer.
Devastated to hear of the passing of Olivia Newton-John, an icon of our age and a shining star from my younger days to the present. She was tireless in forging a path to Wellness, including the use of a safe and natural healing herb – cannabis. May her memory be a blessing. ???? pic.twitter.com/L1r8A02wN1
— Dr Brian Walker MLC (@BrianWalkerMLC) August 9, 2022
Dr Brain Walker said Newton-John was “tireless in forging a path to wellness”.
Not only a music icon and acclaimed film star, for many she was a beacon of resilience and compassion. Olivia Newton-John was one of the most visible activists for medical cannabis on the international stage. Our thoughts go to her family. #restinpeaceolivia #ValeONJ https://t.co/HutoAJm8dL
— Little Green Pharma (@LittleGreenPHAR) August 9, 2022
Australian cannabis company Little Green Pharma acknowledged her “resilience and compassion” as one of the “most visible” international cannabis activists.
Today we lost one of most influential advocates for #medicalcannabis Fly high beautiful lady. Your work continues ????#OliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/QpbGMm7Jko
— I am Billy (@iambillyuk) August 9, 2022
The I Am Billy campaign, which is fighting for wider access to medical cannabis in the UK, pledged to help continue her work.
One of Australia’s icons has passed away peacefully last night. Not only did Olivia Newton John have major impact on the music world but also in the cancer research world and cannabis research. An amazing soul who graced us with her presence. Thank you and Rest In Peace ???????? pic.twitter.com/wQsKXfDj3S
— Janet schloss (@schloss_janet) August 8, 2022
Clinical nutritionist and naturopath, Janet Schloss, praised the impact she had on cannabis research.
Vale Olivia Newton John. I grew up with her music, as so many of us did. We have truly lost an icon.
— Fiona Patten MP (@FionaPattenMLC) August 8, 2022
Something we could do in her memory in Victoria is to improve access to medicinal cannabis, something she fought tirelessly for. pic.twitter.com/zcd1hgLd54
Australian politician, Fiona Patten, called on those in the state of Victoria to improve access to medicinal cannabis in Newton-John’s memory.
We are saddened to hear of the death of @olivianj this evening
— Sapphire Medical Clinics (@SapphireClinics) August 8, 2022
Not only was Olivia an amazing artist but also a devoted advocate of medical cannabis.
Her work continues through her fabulous charity @onjfoundation which you can donate to here:https://t.co/cBTtvNgrqv
UK cannabis clinic Sapphire Medical also paid tribute and urged followers to support the foundation.
You can donate to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund here
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