Tribute to Hannah Deacon
Hannah Deacon was a wonderful mother, partner, and friend to many of us. Her passing on 6 May 2025 is absolutely devastating news, which we are trying to digest and comprehend. Hannah died at just 45 years old, following what was described as a ‘short and brutal illness’.
Hannah was an absolute force of nature, concerned with protecting the life chances of not just her own children, but many others in similar situations. It was clear to those of us who knew Hannah that she would stop at nothing to achieve this.
Her son Alfie has a rare genetic condition called PCDH19, which doctors say there is no cure. After extensive research, Hannah discovered medical cannabis as a treatment. The family moved to the Netherlands (before the law change in the UK), so that Alfie could obtain this medication. His seizures consequently reduced significantly, and his life became much happier.
Hannah then played an absolutely pivotal role in campaigning for the law to change in the UK, relentlessly and tenaciously pushing for change, which came about in November 2018. It is no exaggeration to say that without Hannah, medical cannabis would likely not be legal today.
The number of NHS prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis medicines sadly remains extremely low. Although Alfie was able to secure one of these, Hannah never strayed from her mission to make medical cannabis accessible to all children and patients who need it. She was an articulate, inspirational, and impassioned advocate for change, regularly appearing on the media and meeting politicians to hold their feet to the fire.
Hannah founded a range of industry organisations, including the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (to engage doctors and healthcare professionals), Medcan Family Foundation (to support other parents and carers), and Maple Tree Consultants (where she worked with industry to press for change and improved outcomes). She was also an active member of the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC).
Hannah always had a funny, mischievous and positive outlook on life, and this rubbed off on many of us. She was someone you wanted to be around, who lit up a room, and made the world a better place.
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with partner Drew, children Alfie and Annie, and indeed to all her family and friends. Hannah was an inspiration and hero to many of us, and her legacy will live on. Rest in Peace.
Dr Callie Seaman, Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) Co-Chair
Jamie Bartley, CIC Co-Chair
Mike Morgan-Giles, CIC CEO
