The AusCannaPodcast: Patients Are Watching: A System Under Review - Regulation, Trust, and Cannabis with Helen Kapalos

In this episode, Christina sits down with Helen Kapalos for a frank conversation about medicinal cannabis, media, and policy in Australia. Helen shares the story behind her documentary A Life of Its Own, why she left mainstream journalism, and how stigma and misinformation still shape public narratives.They unpack the TGA’s medicinal cannabis review, the danger of policy driven by headlines, and the gaps in data, education, and leadership across the sector. From patient power to the need for credible research and medical education, this episode looks at what real reform could actually look like in Australia.If you want to understand how policy, media, and advocacy collide in cannabis, this one is essential listening.In this episode:* Rapid Fire* Who is Helen Kapalos?* A Life of Its Own hits a roadblock that mortgaging a house overcomes* The things you learn as you grow* Everyone’s talking about the TGA review with hyped up narratives* Knee-jerk reactions and loaded questions lead the conversation* Why is the TGA’s head in the sand?* Letters… who’s getting them and who’s not?* Cherry picking the facts* Who has the real influence?* We need more research and education * Lowering the bar on expectations* Show me the data!!!* Hope for the TGA’s review… Best-case scenarios * The plant doesn’t change; our understanding of the plant does* Christina’s small confession* There’s important work left to doShow Notes:* A Life of Its Own* AusCannaReviews’ TGA Letter* E-Petition to end roadside and workplace zero tolerance of THC for medicinal cannabis patients in QLD. (The petition is closing on April 22, 2026. 💚)Where to Find Helen:* Helen on LinkedIn* Helen on InstagramWhere to Find Christina:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email [email protected]* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com