Veteran Jason Frost with Professor Iain McGregor, academic director of the Lambert Initiative at the University of Sydney, who believes medicinal cannabis and psychedelic-assisted therapies could revolutionise mental health treatment for veterans. Photo: Pro Patria Rise Up Media.
A Wagga-produced feature-length documentary, currently in the early stages of development, is set to explore the benefits of medicinal cannabis as an alternative treatment for veterans and first responders.
Pro Patria Centre veteran Jason Frost and Wagga Wagga TV filmmaker Adam Drummond have again joined forces for a project under Pro Patria Rise Up Media to produce a documentary featuring experts from around the world.
The production for Brain Shocks: From Frontline to Freedom 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).
The documentary will also feature real-life stories of individuals overcoming traumatic experiences and regaining control of their lives. Its aim is to inspire others in isolation and highlight the need for more support for veterans and first responders.
As part of the documentary’s research, Mr Frost and Mr Drummond recently attended a Brisbane United in Compassion conference, run by those advocating for those in pain to have access to full spectrum herbal medicinal cannabis extracts. They interviewed numerous experts, including doctors, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, about the latest advancements in medicinal cannabis.
“We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Iain McGregor from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, and it was interesting to hear him talk about some of the research being done at Sydney University (USYD),” Mr Frost said.
“They are developing clinical studies for a growing number of conditions, and their work offers hope to many people in this space.”
He added that their discussion shed light on some of the groundbreaking research underway in Australia in the endocannabinoid and botanical medicine fields.
What are endocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring lipid signalling molecules found in the body. They mediate normal physiological functions and are believed to have evolved in the brain to maintain biological harmony by reducing excessive and damaging neuronal excitability. They also play a role in neuronal plasticity, which is how the brain adapts to change.
Mr Frost said Professor McGregor and his team were leading pioneering studies into how cannabinoids (CBD) and plant-based compounds can support PTSD recovery, cancer treatment, chronic pain management, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.
“Their work is advancing scientific understanding and shaping policy and clinical practice, ensuring more Australians have access to evidence-based, plant-derived therapeutics,” he said.
“It’s inspiring to see research institutions like the Lambert Initiative driving rigorous science in this space, especially as Australia begins to recognise the role of cannabinoids in holistic health care.
“Real innovation is happening at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health and personalised medicine, and it’s exciting to witness how these insights can transform lives.”
Mr Frost said Professor McGregor had also been conducting studies into treating psychosis in various forms with CBD and other cannabinoids.
“It’s interesting that we have some promising links for treatment,” he said. ”The key takeaway here is the importance of properly balancing these treatments.”
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As an advocate for medicinal cannabis, Mr Frost knows firsthand the immense benefits, having used the medicine since 2017 and been approved by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for most of that time.
“I have a traumatic brain injury and significant nerve damage in my back,” he said. ”I spent years on polypharmacy, to the point where I was having seizures, unable to leave my house, and suffering from internal bleeding.
“It was a horrible experience, especially because there was little understanding of the chronic conditions many of us [veterans and first responders] face. The only option seemed to be taking more and more pharmaceuticals to see if they would help.
“I’ve significantly reduced my pharmaceutical use and regained control of my life over the years.”
Mr Frost said medicinal cannabis had helped him “as a foundational platform” for his healing.
“I’ve been able to explore other treatments and modalities that have further supported my progress,” he said. ”It’s important to note that I don’t see medicinal cannabis as a cure-all or a complete fix, but as a starting point.
“Many others who are now accessing it are also finding it helps them rehabilitate and reconnect – not only with themselves but also with their families and communities.
“It’s crucial to move beyond the stigma surrounding cannabis and recognise the significant amount of research that has gone into making it accessible to Australians.
Despite its history as a drug that has been widely boycotted, new research shows that when used properly, medicinal cannabis can have profound positive effects on health.”
Mr Drummond said Pro Patria Rise Up Media was seeking donations to fund the documentary, which had the potential to make a universal impact.
He said following the success of the mini-documentary A Call to Action: Your Defence, Our Battle in 2022, which raised $100,000 for the Pro Patria Centre, Mr Frost approached him again for a larger-scale documentary.
“We aim to raise awareness and influence policy change,” Mr Drummond said. ”We filmed 21 interviews over two days [in Brisbane] with experts from all over the world.
“It was exhausting but rewarding. The research is advancing quickly, and we’re hopeful for holistic solutions soon.”
Visit Brain Shocks: From Frontline to Freedom to donate to the documentary.
Original Article published by Shri Gayathirie Rajen on Region Riverina.
