Dale “Rick” Thompson, a outstanding determine in Michigan’s marijuana legalization motion, handed away on the morning of September 18 on the age of 57.
He had been battling colon most cancers for the previous three months and died at his dwelling in Flushing, surrounded by his household, reported MLive Michigan.
A Lifetime of Advocacy: Remembering Thompson’s Legacy
Thompson, a father of three and a grandfather, was identified for his unwavering dedication to the reason for marijuana legalization. He transitioned to full-time advocacy work within the hashish sector in 2010 after working in retail administration. His dedication was not simply to the plant itself however to the folks whose lives had been impacted by it.
Anton Harb Jr., a buddy and fellow advocate, described Thompson as having a exceptional superpower – empathy. “He liked life, he liked hashish, and he liked seeing a smile on folks’s faces,” Harb stated.
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Thompson’s advocacy work spanned over a decade. He was usually on the frontlines of battles surrounding marijuana legalization and entry in Michigan. Jamie Lowell, an in depth buddy and colleague, recalled Thompson’s ardour for medical marijuana rights. “Rick is righteous and he at all times stood up for what he believed in, it doesn’t matter what,” Lowell stated.
Thompson’s Function in Shaping Marijuana Legal guidelines
Thompson performed a pivotal position in decriminalizing marijuana in collaboration with native governments and was a pacesetter within the MI Legalize initiative, which efficiently handed leisure marijuana legalization in 2018.
Even within the face of declining well being, Thompson remained dedicated to his trigger, working for the Redemption Basis, a nonprofit devoted to serving to people negatively impacted by previous marijuana prohibition and prosecution.
Michigan Legal professional Normal Dana Nessel paid tribute to Thompson, thanking him for his efforts in acquiring expungements for previous marijuana convictions and advocating for inmates serving prolonged sentences for marijuana-related crimes.
Thompson’s daughter summed up his legacy. “To the world, you had been an advocate, chief, speaker, buddy, and so many issues. On the finish of the day, you had been simply my Dad. That is all that ever mattered to me.”
Thompson is survived by his kids, Matthew, Melissa, Macon and a granddaughter, Morgan. A visitation is deliberate on September 22, adopted by the funeral service on September 23.
Michigan’s marijuana trade, which owes a lot of its progress to Thompson’s advocacy, mourns the lack of a real pioneer and compassionate advocate.
In case you are desirous about studying extra and discussing the cannabis-related panorama not simply in Michigan however in different states as nicely, contemplate becoming a member of us on the seventeenth version of the Benzinga Hashish Capital Convention, which is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. All info is obtainable on bzcannabis.com
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