Friday is the final day to submit nominations for the inaugural Dan Haslam Memorial Award, with the winner to be announced at the AMCA UIC Conference 2026 later this month.
The new accolade is designed to honour exceptional contributions to Australia's medicinal cannabis industry, with a focus on integrity, service, ethics and compassion.
Eligible contributions span research, advocacy, patient support, education, product development and policy reform, and the award is intended to become one of the most prestigious forms of recognition in the sector.
"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.
Dan's mother, Lucy, announced the award at the 2025 United in Compassion (UIC) Symposium. It honours a man whose personal story shifted public attitudes across Australia and contributed to legislative changes around access to medicinal cannabis.
In a joint announcement to members, the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) and Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) noted that Haslam's own experience helped build both 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."
Those wishing to put their own names forward are strongly discouraged from doing so.
UIC takes place at Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre on February 26, 27 and 28.
