Seeking Voices: Australian Medicinal Cannabis Documentary ‘In Plain Sight’ Calls for Patient Stories

Sydney, Australia – Producers behind a significant new documentary project titled “In Plain Sight” are actively seeking individuals across Australia who have experienced positive outcomes from medicinal cannabis treatment.

The film, directed by filmmaker Jay Richards and strongly supported by Lucy Haslam, co-founder of the advocacy group United in Compassion, aims to provide a powerful counter-narrative to existing public perceptions and recent negative media coverage surrounding medicinal cannabis.

Shifting the Narrative

The documentary’s core mission is to highlight the often life-changing positive effects that medicinal cannabis has had on the health and well-being of thousands of Australians. By presenting real patient experiences, the filmmakers hope to foster a more informed and empathetic public dialogue, moving beyond sensationalism to focus on clinical reality and patient benefits.

In a callout published in the June edition of AMCA Connect, Lucy Haslam specifically requested healthcare professionals to nominate patients whose lives have demonstrably improved through the use of medicinal cannabis. The filmmakers believe that authentic patient voices are crucial to illustrating the therapeutic potential of this treatment and challenging stigmas.

Call for Patient Participation

The production team is particularly interested in hearing from patients representing specific demographics and conditions where medicinal cannabis has shown promise or impact. This includes, but is not limited to, veterans, cancer patients, elderly patients, and individuals with sports-related injuries, including those involving head injury or other serious injury. They are also keen to feature stories from those who have been adversely affected by drug driving or workplace drug regulations despite using medicinal cannabis legally and responsibly.

By focusing on diverse patient profiles, “In Plain Sight” intends to paint a comprehensive picture of how medicinal cannabis is being used and its varying effects across different populations.

How to Submit Nominations

Healthcare professionals or individuals wishing to nominate a patient (with their consent) are requested to send their nominations via email directly to Lucy Haslam. Essential information required for each nomination includes the patient’s name, age, diagnosis, address, and phone number.

Producers will evaluate nominations based on several factors, including the patient’s location and overall production needs, to ensure a diverse and compelling representation in the final film.

Production Status and Release

The documentary “In Plain Sight” is fully funded and currently in production. The filmmakers and production team are working towards an anticipated release later this year.

The call for patient stories marks a critical phase in the production process, aiming to gather compelling personal narratives that will form the backbone of the film. The success of the documentary in achieving its goal of shifting public perception will heavily rely on the willingness of patients to come forward and share their deeply personal journeys.

By amplifying these voices, “In Plain Sight” seeks to offer a nuanced and factual portrayal of medicinal cannabis, contributing to a more balanced understanding in the public domain and among policymakers.