In Vice’s latest television venture, “Kings of Kush,” we follow the inspiring journey of a father named Mike Sullivan, who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a well-known TV spokesperson to a passionate hemp farmer.
Mike felt an instinctive sense of unease the moment his daughter, Lily, was born via emergency C-section. He couldn’t articulate why, but it was a feeling that persisted. “She came out looking like she was crying out for help,” he shared in a candid interview.
Initially, Lily spent her early days in the NICU, surrounded by monitors and bright lights. Mike’s fears were confirmed when genetic testing revealed that she had a rare genetic disorder involving complex duplications of chromosome 1 and 13. With little guidance available, Mike and his partner were left to navigate this unpredictable path alone.
Now a ten-year-old, Lily is described by Mike as a sweet, radiant girl with a unique ability to connect with others. Despite facing numerous medical challenges, including heart surgery at four, she has shown incredible resilience. She has undergone various therapies to support her development, grappling with feeding, sleep, and social interactions. Yet, Mike is consistently in awe of her spirit, noting her remarkable humor and determination.
When Lily began experiencing seizures at age seven, a neurologist prescribed medication that drastically changed her. Over time, she lost nearly 20% of her body weight and her vibrant personality seemed to fade away. It was as if a light had switched off for her. While grappling with this heartbreaking situation, Mike’s partner suggested trying CBD oil. Initially skeptical, Mike realized that the alternative was losing his daughter. They cautiously transitioned Lily off her medication and introduced her to CBD, leading to a significant turnaround in her health.
On a trip to Vermont, Mike visited a hemp farm and had a profound realization: this was where the medicine helping his daughter was cultivated. At 49, this former entrepreneur and TV personality, known for his work with OxiClean, decided to embark on a new path. Though he had no farming experience, his commitment to creating a safe product for Lily drove him to start his own hemp farm, which he named MONTKUSH—combining “Mont” for mountain and “Kush,” which signifies happiness.
Mike’s mission extended beyond just helping his daughter; he aimed to educate others about the benefits of hemp and CBD, dismantling the stigma surrounding it. He reached out to an old collaborator, who was eager to document Mike’s transition. Thus, “Kings of Kush” was born, showcasing the trials and triumphs of their farming journey.
Facing challenges like extreme weather and the pandemic, Mike and his partner persevered, eventually receiving organic certification. Their cultivation efforts flourished, growing from 66,000 plants in the first year to 75,000 in the second. They started receiving feedback about how their CBD products positively impacted people dealing with various health issues, far beyond Mike’s original intent.
What started as a quest for healing for one father’s daughter transformed into a venture that supports countless others. For Mike, stepping out of his comfort zone was intimidating, but he believes it was all worth it for Lily’s well-being. “No magic happens in the comfort zone,” he emphasized, noting that even small strides forward are significant.
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In summary, “Kings of Kush” chronicles Mike Sullivan’s profound transition from a TV personality to a dedicated hemp farmer, motivated by a father’s love for his daughter. The series sheds light on the challenges and rewards of farming while advocating for the benefits of CBD, ultimately transforming lives along the way.