Nominations for the inaugural Dan Haslam Memorial Award close on Friday with the recipient set to be announced at the AMCA UIC Conference 2026 later this month.
The new honour recognises outstanding contributions to Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector through integrity, service, ethics and compassion.
It can include contributions across research, advocacy, patient support, education, product development or policy reform, and is intended to become one of the sector’s most respected forms of recognition.
“We encourage you to reflect on colleagues, advocates or leaders whose work genuinely embodies Dan Haslam’s legacy and to consider submitting a nomination on their behalf,” AMCA said.
Nominations can be lodged here.
The award, announced at the 2025 United in Compassion (UIC) Symposium by Dan’s mother, Lucy, honours the life and legacy of Dan, whose story triggered a shift in national attitudes and contributed to legislative reform around medicinal cannabis access.
In announcing the award to its members, the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) and Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) said Haslam’s personal experience helped galvanise public and political momentum around compassionate care.
“Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at just 20 years of age, Dan Haslam became a powerful advocate for medicinal cannabis after using it to manage the side effects of chemotherapy,” the organisations said.
“His public campaigning helped galvanise national conversation and political reform. This award serves as both a tribute to Dan’s legacy and a call to continue advancing compassionate, evidence-based healthcare.
“The award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing medicinal cannabis in Australia, including through research, advocacy, patient support, education, product development or policy reform.
“It is intended to become a highly respected and sought-after recognition within the sector.”
Self-nominations are strongly discouraged.
UIC takes place at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre on February 26, 27 and 28.