Tributes flow after popular Nimbin resident, medicinal cannabis activist Francis ‘MoonShadow’ Hood dies aged 61

There’s been an outpouring of grief after the death of a well-known Northern Rivers medicinal cannabis activist and animal lover. Here’s the latest.

Nimbin’s Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood was a much-loved mum and compassionate advocate for cannabis reform.

Northern Rivers residents have been mourning the loss of a stalwart Nimbin supporter of cannabis law reform and medicinal use.

Francis ‘MoonShadow’ Hood was discovered at her Nimbin residence in late September.

Sadly, Ms Hood died aged 61 following a long illness.

Described as a mother, mentor, fierce defender of the underdog and tireless campaigner for legalising cannabis – which is now used medicinally on a widespread basis – the advocate leaves a legacy of empathy, understanding and challenging the status quo.

Nimbin, a village near Lismore, has long been a hotbed for cannabis law reform and the Nimbin MardiGrass festival is held each year.

Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood.

Daughter Teagan Hood said she shared a strong bond with her mum and they were both “stubborn”.

“She had such an amazing life,” Ms Hood said on social media.

“I don‘t want to ever forget her and keeping her memories will keep her alive to me.

“I’m gonna miss her so much – I need her strength more than ever. Blessed be mum fly high and pass over safely.

“I will always love you mum.”

Tributes have flowed for Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood.

Friend David Carr said Ms Hood was big part of the Australian cannabis reform community and she was known internationally for her activist work.

She was the longest contributing medicinal cannabis consultant at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy and ran several cannabis-based Facebook groups.

“She developed her pet tonic, which is now popular and had so many success stories over the years. Her passion for pets in unmatched by any of her peers,” Mr Carr said.

“She loved Nimbin and had many great friends here.”

Mardigrass in Nimbin.

Nimbin Hemp Embassy and Legalise Cannabis Australia president Michael Balderstone said Ms Hood came to Nimbin about 2015.

He said they did not initially get off to a flying start, but over time would enjoy random late night messages sharing opinions about “the gubberment”.

“Frances was a true advocate and became somewhat of a role model to me like many others I guess,” Mr Balderstone said.

“There’s a good reason everyone that has met Frances will say she’s a true warrior for every cause, however innumerous.”

Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood was a fixture in Nimbin.

“She’s been helping people with medical cannabis and animals for a long time.

“When they made medical cannabis legal (to some degree) in 2014, we just started getting so many inquiries and so many people wanting to know about it that Francis came up here to help us in the Hemp Embassy.”

Mr Balderstone said Ms Hood embedded herself in Nimbin quickly.

“She was very popular. Lot’s of people loved her,” he said.

Nimbin’s Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood was a much-loved mum.

“She loved dogs, she was always helping people with their dogs and looking after anyone who was sick – that was her life.

“She always ran in the elections and ran on Jeremy Buckingham’s ticket.

“A real medical cannabis healer.”

Mr Balderstone said Ms Hood “had great knowledge and I would always go to her or refer people to her for advice”.

Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood, Francis Hood (centre).

Hundreds of tributes have poured across northern NSW Facebook pages.

“A legend that everyone loved,” one person wrote.

One friend described Ms Hood as a “ganja fairy guardian angel”, while another said “she was so proud of her greatest achievements – and that was her children”.

Francis 'MoonShadow' Hood fought to have medicinal cannabis legalised.

The Nimbin Hemp Embassy has arranged a public celebration of life at the Market Space, 81 Cullen St, Nimbin from 1pm on Saturday.

Organisers asked attendees to wear purple and green in Ms Hood’s honour, and to bring a plate.