Producers of a new documentary aimed at shifting perceptions of medicinal cannabis are calling on patients to share their experiences, as production of the film gets underway.
In Plain Sight, which is being shot by filmmaker Jay Richards and supported by United in Compassion co-founder Lucy Haslam, is fully funded and entering its next phase of development.
The documentary seeks to counter recent negative media coverage by highlighting the positive, life-changing impact medicinal cannabis has had for thousands of Australians.
While the industry broadly accepts it has challenges and practices that need eradicating, there is mounting frustration that mainstream media coverage is focused only on the few bad players, and overlooks the many positive elements of the medicine and the industry.
In a callout published in the June edition of AMCA Connect, Haslam asked healthcare professionals to nominate patients who had experienced a positive impact from medicinal cannabis, to share their stories.
“We are especially keen to hear from veterans, cancer patients, patients who have been adversely affected by drug driving or workplace drug regulations, elderly patients, sports injured patients including head injury or other serious injury,” she said.
To nominate a patient for inclusion in the documentary, practitioners should email lu*********@*****rg.au with the patient’s name, age, diagnosis, address and phone number.
Selection will depend on various factors including location and production needs.
Producers hope to release the documentary later this year.