The plight of patients seeking access to medicinal cannabis will be front centre on Wednesday, as part of a film screening hosted by Cannabis Awareness Tasmania.
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The film, High As Mike, shines a spotlight on the use of medical cannabis across a range of health conditions and the problems faced by patients trying to obtain it legally.
The documentary follows Mike Gallagher, who has a brain tumour, and his year-long patient journey as he travels across Australia looking for answers and a GP who will prescribe medicinal cannabis.
Launceston's Lyn Cleaver, of Cannabis Awareness Tasmania, said there were still many misconceptions surrounding medicinal cannabis use in Australia.
"People often think either that medicinal cannabis is still illegal, or that it's there and everyone who needs it can access it. But that's not the case," she said.
"We have an access scheme here in Tasmania which is very restrictive.
"This [film] is about looking at how we can make it more accessible, for those who really need it.
"It is also about giving patients a voice, and starting a wider community conversation. Because this is something we need to be talking about."
Ms Cleaver's 28-year-old son Jeremy Bester was diagnosed with refractory epilepsy as a child and has been living with severe seizures ever since.
After exhausting countless pharmaceutical options, the Mount Direction family began harvesting their own cannabis crops, illegally, to help treat his condition.
Mr Bester's two applications to the state government's Controlled Access Scheme have been rejected.
Introduced on September 1, 2017, the scheme gives medical specialists the ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis products to patients, where conventional treatments have failed.
To date, 10 Tasmanians have been granted access to the scheme.
Ms Cleaver said she hoped the film screening would show people the "human face" of the issue.
"It is not just about GPs and health professionals," she said.
"This is about real people, with real conditions and real pain."
- High As Mike will be shown at Launceston's Village Cinemas on Wednesday, July 24 at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased here.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
