In a compelling new series from Vice, “Kings of Hemp,” we follow the journey of a father, Mike Thompson, who moves from being a television spokesperson to becoming a dedicated hemp farmer.
Mike felt an instinctual concern the moment his daughter, Lily, was born via emergency C-section. “She seemed to be calling out for help from the moment she entered the world,” he shared in an interview. Lily spent her early days in the NICU, and soon after, genetic testing revealed that she had a rare genetic disorder involving complex duplications of chromosomes 1 and 13. The rarity of the condition left Mike and his wife with uncertainties about Lily’s future. Would she ever walk, talk, or even make eye contact? With no support groups available, they were left to navigate this journey on their own.
Now ten years old, Lily is described by Mike as a beautiful and affectionate child whose purpose is to impact the lives of others. Despite undergoing various medical interventions, including heart surgery at age four, she faces numerous challenges, such as difficulties with feeding, sleep, and social interactions. Yet, Mike is continually inspired by her resilience and determination.
At the age of seven, Lily began experiencing seizures, and medication prescribed to control them had devastating side effects. After losing nearly 20% of her body weight and her vibrant personality, Mike was desperate for a solution. Initially skeptical about CBD, Mike’s perspective shifted when his wife suggested it. Faced with the possibility of losing Lily, they decided to transition her off the medication and introduce CBD. Remarkably, Lily began to improve, with the CBD helping to manage her seizures and alleviate her anxiety.
A visit to a hemp farm in Vermont sparked a transformation for Mike. “I realized this farm was producing the medicine that was helping my daughter,” he recalled. At 49, Mike, known for his role as a spokesperson for a popular cleaning product, decided to embark on a new path. Despite having no farming experience, he was determined to develop a high-quality product for Lily’s benefit. “Our guiding principle is Lily,” he emphasized.
He named the farm HappyHemp, drawing inspiration from the mountain landscape of Vermont and the positive connotations of hemp. Mike’s mission extends beyond personal healing; he aims to educate the public on hemp cultivation and the extraction of CBD, dismantling the stigma surrounding the plant and highlighting its potential benefits.
Collaborating with a seasoned producer, Mike proposed documenting his transition from a TV personality to an organic farmer. This idea blossomed into “Kings of Hemp,” which premiered recently on Vice.
The journey has been fraught with challenges, including battling extreme weather conditions and the pandemic. Yet, with perseverance, they achieved organic certification and significantly increased their crop yield. Their CBD products have been reported to provide relief for various conditions, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
What began as a father’s quest to help his daughter has evolved into a mission to support others. “No magic happens in the comfort zone,” Mike remarked, and for the sake of Lily, stepping outside his comfort zone was a necessary leap forward.
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out this informative post on home insemination. If you’re looking for expert knowledge on fertility issues, this source offers valuable information. Additionally, Women’s Health provides an excellent resource for understanding infertility and home insemination.
Summary
“Kings of Hemp” chronicles Mike Thompson’s inspiring shift from TV spokesperson to hemp farmer as he seeks to create a quality product for his daughter, Lily, who has a rare genetic disorder. His journey highlights the potential benefits of CBD while aiming to educate the public about hemp.