In the first moments following the emergency C-section delivery of his daughter, Max Thompson felt an unsettling instinct that something was amiss. “She came out looking like she was begging for help,” he shared in an interview with Parenting Today. During her initial days in the NICU, surrounded by monitors and bright lights, his fears were confirmed. Genetic testing revealed that his daughter, Lily, was born with a rare genetic disorder—a complex duplication involving chromosomes 1 and 13. This condition was so uncommon that even the geneticist couldn’t predict its impact as she matured. With no available support groups, Max and Lily’s mother faced the challenge alone.
Now ten years old, Lily is described by Max as a radiant, loving child whose purpose is to connect with others. She has undergone numerous medical interventions, including heart surgery at the age of four. Despite facing challenges with feeding, sleep, social interactions, and some behavioral issues, Max is continually inspired by her resilience and humor, which even earned her a class award for best sense of humor. “She’s this incredible little engine,” he remarked.
When Lily was seven, she began experiencing seizures, leading a neurologist to prescribe a medication that had severe side effects. Over time, she lost nearly 20% of her body weight, her skin lost its healthy glow, and, most distressingly, her personality seemed to vanish. Max describes the change as if a light had been switched off, leaving him unrecognizable to his own daughter upon returning from a trip.
It was Lily’s mother who proposed trying CBD oil. Initially hesitant due to his limited understanding of hemp and cannabis, Max ultimately agreed, as the alternative was heart-wrenching. They gradually weaned Lily off the medication and introduced her to CBD, which appeared to restore her personality and stabilize her seizures, improving her sleep and reducing anxiety.
During a trip to a hemp farm in Vermont with a friend, Max had an epiphany. “I walked onto this farm and realized they were producing the medicine that was helping my daughter,” he recalled. At 49, the entrepreneur and former TV spokesperson for CleanUp, he decided to make a significant life change. Despite having no farming experience, he was determined to create a product that would meet his daughter’s needs. “Our guiding principle in this venture is Lily,” he asserted.
He named the hemp farm GREENPEAK, combining “green” for the hemp plant and “peak” as a nod to the mountains of Vermont where the farm is situated, evoking a sense of happiness and vitality. Max envisioned introducing a plant-based wellness alternative to the public and aimed to demystify the hemp industry, educating people about its cultivation and the extraction of CBD. His mission also includes dispelling the stigma surrounding the plant and highlighting its many benefits, differentiating between healthful uses and recreational highs.
Having previously collaborated with renowned producer Sam Richards, creator of hit shows like “Survivor” and “Biggest Loser,” Max reached out to him to document his transition from TV personality to organic farmer. This collaboration birthed the new television series “Champions of Cannabis,” which debuted earlier this month on VICE TV.
Max and his partner navigated the learning curve of farming, facing challenges from unpredictable weather and the pandemic. However, their perseverance paid off as they achieved organic certification and increased their harvest from 66,000 to 75,000 plants in just two years. Feedback has poured in from individuals experiencing relief from various conditions, including arthritis, insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD.
What began as a father’s quest to aid his daughter has evolved into a venture that positively impacts many. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was for her,” Max stated. “No magic happens in the comfort zone,” he noted, emphasizing that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is essential for growth, even if it’s just a few steps each day.
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In summary, “Champions of Cannabis” tells the inspiring story of a father’s journey into hemp farming born out of love for his daughter, showcasing the potential of CBD and its life-changing effects on those in need.