In the inaugural episode of Vice’s latest series, “Kings of Hemp,” we follow the inspiring journey of Mark Sullivan, a father who transitioned from a well-known television spokesperson to a dedicated hemp farmer.
Mark’s life took a pivotal turn shortly after his daughter, Lily, was born through an emergency C-section. He sensed immediately that something was amiss. “She looked like she was crying for help as soon as she entered the world,” he shared in a candid interview. Lily spent her early days in the NICU, surrounded by monitors and tubes. Unfortunately, genetic testing later revealed that she had a rare genetic disorder, which left her parents uncertain about her future capabilities.
Fast forward a decade, and Lily is now a vibrant and loving girl with a strong spirit. Despite facing numerous health challenges, including a heart surgery at age four and ongoing therapy for various developmental hurdles, Mark marvels at her resilience. “She is an incredible fighter, constantly surprising us with her strength and humor,” he noted.
When Lily began experiencing seizures at the age of seven, a neurologist prescribed medication that came with severe side effects. Gradually, Lily lost weight and her lively personality seemed to fade away. In a desperate search for alternatives, Mark and his partner turned to CBD, a move suggested by Lily’s mother. Although he initially hesitated, the drastic change in Lily’s demeanor pushed him to consider this new option. After weaning her off the medication, they found that CBD not only helped control her seizures but also improved her overall mood and sleep.
During a visit to a hemp farm in Vermont, Mark had an epiphany: “I realized this was the source of the medicine that was helping my daughter.” At 49, he decided to shift gears from his television career, despite having no prior farming experience. Motivated by the desire to provide a quality product for Lily, he established a hemp farm named HappyHemp Haven. The name reflects both the strain of hemp they cultivate and the joy it brings to those who use it.
Once the farm was operational, Mark sought to demystify the hemp industry by showcasing how hemp is cultivated and CBD is extracted. He wanted to eliminate the stigma surrounding hemp and educate the public on its myriad benefits. With the help of a former collaborator, they launched “Kings of Hemp,” a documentary series that began airing earlier this month.
Mark and his team faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, their determination led to organic certification and impressive growth—starting with 66,000 plants in the first year and reaching 75,000 in the second. The positive feedback from users dealing with various ailments has been heartening.
What began as a father’s quest to aid his daughter has blossomed into a mission to help countless others. Mark reflects on his journey by saying, “Growth happens outside your comfort zone,” emphasizing the importance of perseverance for both him and Lily.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this post from our other blog, or visit Make a Mom, an excellent resource on the subject. You can also find additional information at ASRM, which provides valuable resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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