Tell Australia's Medicinal Cannabis Story

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. I deeply appreciate your interest in our proposed Documentary Series.

In Plain Sight is a compelling and insightful documentary that explores the complex and often misunderstood world of medicinal cannabis. This enlightening film delves into the historical, medicinal, scientific, political, societal and personal aspects of medicinal cannabis along side the wider industry itself, unraveling its past stigma and illuminating its potential in modern medicine.

The backbone of our story is led by the science behind medicinal cannabis, and how and why it works as a medicine. This is not a documentary about recreational cannabis use. We provide an in-depth look at the plant’s components, particularly THC and CBD, known as phytocannabinoids, explaining how they interact with many different receptor systems throughout the human body, as well as the endocannabinoid system, which is present in all mammals, was so named because of research involving cannabis.

Featuring interviews and stories with more than three dozen people including patients and their families, leading researchers and scientists, advocates, industry leaders, policy makers and politicians, the legal profession, and of course health care professionals like GP’s, all of whom are at the forefront of the field, offering insights into the current understanding of its therapeutic benefits and limitations.

Through the involvement of Australian Lucy Haslam, who was largely responsible through her advocacy for getting medicinal cannabis legalised in Australia in 2016 after her son died of cancer, we already have direct access through her relationships with 90% of the people, patients, scientists and medical practitioners, politicians, advocates and industry leaders mentioned in this outline.

Central to our story is the exploration of the intimate experiences of patients, their families and carers. The film presents a series of deeply personal narratives from individuals who have turned to medicinal cannabis often as a last resort, a beacon of hope. These personal narratives showcase the profound impact medicinal cannabis can have on peoples lives. Their stories not only provide a human face to the debate but also challenge the viewer to reconsider their preconceptions and stereotypes about medicinal cannabis and the patients who use it.

In 2024, it’s an industry generating billions of dollars each year. The legal and political aspects of medicinal cannabis are also critically examined, and compared with those in other countries like Canada, Israel and the USA, comparing the legal frameworks governing medicinal cannabis use and the impacts of these policies on patients and health care systems. All to see what we in Australia can learn from their failures and successes.

The story’s emotional climax brings viewers back to some of the personal stories we saw earlier, showing where each individual's journey has led them. The impact of medicinal cannabis on their lives is tangible, painting a vivid picture of transformation, relief, and newfound hope, considering the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead in the medicinal cannabis field. We end on a note of hope and cautious optimism, advocating for continued research, education, and an open-minded approach to this complex and often misunderstood, yet still largely unexplored medicine.

Please do help us fund this series of deeply human stories which explores the global cannabis story from a uniquely Australian perspective. Whether you can contribute $10 or $10,000, you will be making a difference that can only benefit everyone. These stories are at the same time too big and yet very personal not to tell, but I need your help to be able to do this. Together, we can collectively make a difference.

Thank you. Feel free to get in touch for more information.

Sincerely,

Lucy Haslam.

http://www.unitedincompassion.com.au/