In this special edition of Plant Rants, we take a look at the TGA’s 2025 consultation paper.
With the help of our AI journalists Charlene and Chadwick, this episode peels back the layers of bias and risk-centric framing.
So whose voices are being heard? Whose experiences actually count? And how do the lived realities of thousands of patients, who are seeing life-changing benefits from medicinal cannabis, stack up against the official risk-heavy framing of regulators?
This episode deep dives into:
📢 Call to action:
Read the document. Make your own decisions.
And most importantly, please get involved. The consultation period closes on 7 October 2025. Don’t miss the chance to have your say.
https://consultations.tga.gov.au/medicines-regulation-division/test-soms/
🔗 Join the movement at https://www.thepatients.au/
On Monday 11 August 2025, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) opened an eight-week public consultation on medicinal cannabis in Australia. The outcome of this process could shape how patients access plant medicine for years to come.
Australia’s medicinal cannabis program is regarded globally as one of the most respected, but access is not guaranteed. Even in places like California, once thought untouchable, patient access has been stripped back. We cannot let that happen here.
That’s why The Patients’ Campaign was created: to ensure this consultation remains patient-led, with lived experience and patient stories at the centre of decision-making.
In this episode:
⚠️ Note: The AI segment reflects the consultation themes but is not a substitute for reading the document yourself.
Please use it as a starting point only.
✨ Key Links
👉 Register now here.
💬 A Thought to Hold
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."
— Attributed to the Buddha
🎧 Listen now and thank you for your advocacy.
Plant Rants Podcast: Episode 3
Host: Natalie D'Alessandro
Episode Title: Australia's Cannabis Industry: A Sunny Place for Shady People?
Episode Description:
Welcome to the third episode of Plant Rants, hosted by Natalie D'Alessandro, CEO of Viz Medicinal.
In this episode, Natalie tackles the intriguing reputation of the Australian cannabis industry, exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by those within it. She discusses the impact of negative media coverage and highlights the importance of media literacy. Natalie also reads a compelling article on gender diversity in leadership roles within the cannabis sector and shares an inspiring piece celebrating dreamers.
Join Natalie as she delves into the complexities of the industry and emphasises the need for positivity and resilience.
Episode Highlights:
Media Literacy and Masterclass:
Gender Diversity in Leadership:
Celebrating Dreamers:
Conclusion:
Call to Action:
Additional Notes:
Links:
Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit.
Plant Rants Podcast Episode 1
Host: Natalie D'Alessandro
Episode Title: The Age: How big business pushes a product it's not allowed to advertise
Episode Description:
Welcome to the very first episode of Plant Rants, hosted by Natalie D'Alessandro, CEO of Viz Medicinal.
In this introductory episode, Natalie eases into podcasting by reading an article published in "The Age" on Wednesday 22 May 2024.
She shares her vision for the future, focusing on addressing frustrations and uncovering collaborative opportunities within the cannabis industry.
Join Natalie as she finds her podcast voice and prepares for future episodes featuring insights from industry insiders.
Episode Highlights:
Key Points:
Call to Action:
Additional Notes:
Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of Plant Rants. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit.