Barry Lambert has had an AM added to his name for his service to cannabinoid medical research, to business, and to charitable organisations.
We’ve mentioned Mr. Lambert quite often here on HempGazette. The 75-year-old is somewhat of a rock-star of the cannabis space, but no doubt he would cringe at being referred to as such.
Mr. Lambert’s association with cannabis has a strong family connection. His granddaughter has Dravet Syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy. Her symptoms improved through the use of a cannabis extract, cannabidiol. The improvement was such that Mr. Lambert’s granddaughter was able to participate in a number activities previously not possible. According to various reports, she has not been hospitalised as a result of seizures since starting the treatment.
Among Barry Lambert’s medical cannabis-specific activities over the years.
- Co-Founder, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 2016.
- Co-Founder, for the establishment of the Lambert Center for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Co-Founder, Greenlight Project (medicinal cannabis advocacy group), 2017.
- Chairman and major financial supporter, Ecofibre from 2015 until 2022
Barry and his wife Joy were both bestowed with Honorary Fellowships from the University of Sydney for their support of medicinal cannabis research in 2019. In 2015, the Lamberts donated AUD $33.7 million to the University of Sydney for the establishing of the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. This huge donation financed state-of-the-art research facilities supporting the activity of dozens of researchers.
While Mr. Lambert has stepped back from the business side of cannabis, this article in the Manning River Times indicates he’s just as passionate about the potential for medical cannabis as ever, and provides more detail on his philanthropic activities; past, present and future.
Commenting on his humble acceptance of the AM, Barry Lambert said:
“I wouldn’t be happy if (the AM) was just because I gave away some money. The best award money can buy is not my idea of an award,” he said.
In the Australian honours system, appointments to the Order of Australia confer the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service. There are four levels, Companion of the Order (AC), Officer (AO), Member (AM) and Medal (OAM).
The 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognised 992 Australians for their various efforts.
