From Diagnosis to Recovery: Darius’ Journey with Cancer and Cannabis

It’s one thing to talk about the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis in theory — it’s another to have lived the experience. Our founder, Darius Dunn, knows this all too well. His personal journey with cancer, recovery, and the role medical cannabis played along the way is one of the quiet driving forces behind Made In Hemp.

This isn’t a story about miracle cures or medical advice. It’s a deeply personal tale — one Darius has graciously allowed us to begin sharing here.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

Several years ago, Darius was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in his pancreas — a rare and often silent type of cancer. As anyone who’s received a life-changing diagnosis knows, it turned his world upside down in an instant.

Thankfully, the tumour was operable. He underwent a complex Whipple procedure — a major abdominal surgery that involves removing part of the pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and other nearby tissue. While the procedure was successful, the recovery journey was long, painful, and filled with emotional and physical hurdles.

Supporting Recovery — The Role of Medical Cannabis

Like many people recovering from cancer and major surgery, Darius was faced with a complex mix of challenges: chronic pain, disrupted sleep, lingering anxiety, and the emotional weight of the experience.

Under medical guidance, he began using a range of cannabis tinctures — primarily high-strength formulations of THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. The aim wasn’t to replace conventional treatments, but to support the healing process in a more holistic way.

These tinctures became a daily companion during the months and years that followed — helping ease physical discomfort, quiet his nervous system, improve his sleep, and create space for genuine rest and recovery.

Five Years On: Clean Bill of Health

Today, Darius has been given a clean bill of health — five years post-surgery. While everyone’s journey with cancer is different, for him, medical cannabis played a meaningful role in getting through some of the toughest days and finding steadier ground.

He continues to advocate for education, access, and destigmatisation around cannabis — not because it’s a cure-all, but because he knows first-hand how powerful it can be when used wisely and intentionally.

A Personal Mission Behind the Brand

This experience sits at the heart of Made In Hemp — not as a marketing story, but as a quiet truth that informs how we do what we do. We believe in plant-based support, transparency, and compassionate care — and that belief is rooted in lived experience.

Darius will be the first to tell you: this is just his story. What worked for him may not work for everyone. But if sharing his journey can bring comfort, spark a conversation, or help others feel less alone — then it’s a story worth telling.

Interested in hearing more from Darius and sharing his story. Please check out his interview with the Pancare Foundation below.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness approach, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medication.

We’re proud to grow and manufacture our own hemp extract range, but Australian legislation currently limits how much we can share about these products publicly. If you'd like to learn more, please get in touch — we're always happy to help.