The teaser released for Brain Shocks: From Frontline to Freedom. Photo: Adam Drummond.
A Wagga-produced feature-length documentary looking into the benefits of medicinal cannabis as an alternative treatment for veterans and first responders has launched its new teaser.
Pro Patria Centre veteran Jason Frost and Wagga Wagga TV filmmaker Adam Drummond have again joined forces for a project in association with Pro Patria Rise Up Media to produce a documentary featuring experts from around the world.
The documentary will focus on the impacts of alternative treatments, particularly medicinal cannabis, which has been shown to help those suffering from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Mr Frost said the documentary was gathering force, with expressions of interest from new investors coming on board.
“It is helping a lot,” he said. “And we’re starting to see at the centre (PPC), now that we have medical services running, we’re seeing more people coming through and gaining access to treatments that weren’t previously available to them. It’s great to see people benefiting from that.
“Adam is putting together the trailer for us along with interviews and discussions with some of Australia’s leading researchers, doctors and physicians who are working with new therapies. It’s been great to hear their insights and experiences.”
Mr Frost said PPC providers had been made aware that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now considering applications for psychedelic-assisted therapies.
“Of course, doctors and specialists will have to submit applications on a case-by-case basis, but we’re watching that process closely,” he said.
“There are so many people waiting for this – particularly those who are treatment-resistant and not seeing results with traditional methods. It’s a real source of hope for them.”
The veteran said he was set to speak to doctors and the patients themselves to share their stories.
“We’re also looking at hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The clinicians treating it in Queensland are in the final stages of ethics approval, which is very exciting.”
Mr Frost said the documentary would also explore food and nutrition and the devastating side effects of polypharmacy.
The documentary will investigate the challenges of treating certain conditions while exploring emerging alternative treatments.
Mr Drummond said the team had raised more than $1500 towards their $60,000 target through the new crowdfunding page.
“We’ve got a lot of work to get the documentary up and running, so every dollar counts,” he said.
“Interest from investors across the country is growing, with meetings taking place to discuss funding for the film.
“It’s an exciting stage as we now work out who to interview from a veterans’ perspective, telling stories not only about their experiences in combat zones but also their struggles with traditional medicines that may not have had the desired effect or outcome they were after.”
Mr Drummond said WaggaWaggaTV was seeking donations via crowdfunding platform Pozible to fund the documentary, which he said had the potential to make a universal impact.
Visit Brain Shocks: From Frontline to Freedom to donate.
If this story has raised any issues or caused distress, contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit Open Arms, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting Lifeline. In a life-threatening situation, call triple zero.
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