How far would you go to save the life of your child? Clearly, you do what you have to do, and that’s the attitude of first-time parents, Brian and Danielle Dwyer, in Tommy Avallone’s Waldo On Weed. For these new parents, they delved into the world of smuggling medical marijuana to save the life of their son, Waldo. I’m fortunate to live in California and its very loose marijuana laws, but for the Pennsylvania couple, their decision had ramifications beyond just the legal that would affect every aspect of their lives.
At six months old, son Waldo began having problems with his vision. Doctors told them that Waldo had eye cancer and immediately prescribed chemotherapy for the infant. Unfortunately, the side effects of the chemo were almost as devastating as the cancer itself. If you’ve ever been through chemo, you know it can leave you physically devasted at the end.
“…their decision had ramifications beyond just the legal that would affect every aspect of their lives.”
Now, violently ill, the Dwyer’s began looking for alternative cures and therapies, which led them to medical marijuana as an option. The couple made the controversial decision to treat Waldo with CBD oil. Something that here in California can purchase at any local dispensary without a problem. Waldo On Weed extensively goes into the chemistry of weed in that the CBD provides the curative properties, and the THC is the activator, and also what creates the “high” associated with marijuana. Waldo only needed the CBD oil.
What the Dwyer’s chose to do was treat Waldo with the CBD oil, which involved when the doctors asked, pretending they were giving him the chemotherapy, then fly to California and mail the CBD home to Pennsylvania hidden in a birthday gift, in case it was searched, and finally pray for the best. I’m not spoiling anything by saying the CBD treatment worked, and Waldo’s cancer went away.
Avallone’s Waldo On Weed is a reasonably standard documentary. Brian Dwyer shot extensive footage of his super-cute son (like most parents do) along with documenting as much of the medical appointments as possible. The rest of the film is supplemented with talking-head interviews of not only the Dwyer’s but family, friends, and experts including a representative from CALM (Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana).
"…the side effects of the chemo were almost as devastating as the cancer itself."
