Australia has one of the highest rates of Cannabis use in the world, and has recently opened up medicinal, industrial and commercial avenues for production and medicinal consumption. Cannabis is increasingly being accepted for its healing properties, and research continues to reinforce is the minimal nature of its harm; especially when compared with alcohol, tobacco and many prescription pharmaceuticals. However, strong stigmas surround those who use cannabis, alienating and categorising them while also paradoxically encouraging use of more harmful substances. We will deconstruct those stigmas, tracing the path that Dr Towpik took from reinforcing the stigma to educating to remove it.
“About a year ago I used to hold very, very biased and limited views on cannabis,” she said, describing herself as almost “brainwashed” by prevailing attitudes to the subject.She thought it was dangerous and addictive and in her mind equivalent to heroin. But when she started to investigate more closely, her views changed.“I started reading and researching and became quite fascinated by the possibilities,” she said.’ - https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/4640743/gp-cannabis-crusader/ We focus on this transformation from stigma to awareness in Dr Towpik’s life; as an individual, a GP, and now a fierce advocate for medicinal cannabis. We will engage with some of Dr Towpik’s arguments for the value of cannabis but generally focus on the negative effects of ostracization and the positive effects of a welcoming environment of research, medicine, and debate. Conversation will also invoke Dr Towpik’s efforts to educate others and demystify the stigma.
Keen to learn more? Contact Dr Towpik at: [email protected] Website: https://medihuanna.com