Plant Rants

Natalie D'Alessandro

Conversations pertaining to the Australian medicinal cannabis industry.

Episodes

  1. Plant Rants Special Episode: The Patients + TGA Consultation

    18/08/2025

    Plant Rants Special Episode: The Patients + TGA Consultation

    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: Natalie explains what’s at stake and why the consultation matters.A short AI-generated interview with Charlene and Chadwick helps to summarise the themes from the TGA’s 21-page consultation paper (while encouraging you to read it yourself).We explore the risks and regulatory concerns highlighted by the TGA, and what a patient-centred reframing could look like.Why sharing your own story during this consultation could be the most powerful way to shift the narrative.The sound for this episode is pretty bad. Manifesting something good for next episodes here!⚠️ 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 📄 Read the TGA consultation paper (21 pages, easier than it looks!)🌿 Join The Patients’ Campaign to stay connected, share your story, and get resources to participate 🎥 Webinar — Thursday 21 August, 7pm AESTBreaking down the consultation documentKeeping The Patient voices front and centre 👉 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.

    19 min
  2. Australia's Cannabis Industry: A Sunny Place for Shady People?

    30/05/2024

    Australia's Cannabis Industry: A Sunny Place for Shady People?

    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: Natalie's exploration of the "shady people" perception in the cannabis industryImportance of media literacy and upcoming Media MasterclassReading an article on gender diversity in leadershipCelebrating dreamers in the industryMedia Literacy and Masterclass: Highlighting the importance of understanding media dynamics.Announcement of the Cannabis Industry Media Masterclass for industry insiders and healthcare professionals.Encouraging listeners to register for an invitation on the Viz Medicinal website.Gender Diversity in Leadership: Reading an article by Hannah Adler on the importance of having women in leadership roles in the cannabis industry.Discussion of the challenges and progress made in achieving gender equality.Acknowledgment of the contributions of women leaders and the need for continued efforts.Celebrating Dreamers: Sharing a LinkedIn post by Juliana Whitney, celebrating the resilience and spirit of dreamers.Emphasizing the value of dreaming and the importance of supporting dreamers in the industry.Conclusion: Reflection on the episode and its themes.Gratitude to listeners for their support and feedback.Encouragement to stay connected on LinkedIn and participate in upcoming events.Call to Action: Register for an invitation to the upcoming Media Masterclass webinar at vizmedicinal.com.Additional Notes: For those who find Natalie’s speaking pace fast, please consider adjusting the playback speed.Natalie was listening to this album while preparing this episode. The album was released last week by a local band, Girl and Girl, with songs on the album like: Call a Doctor, Mother and Outro. Natalie very much enjoys the synchronicities in life and is excited to head to the album launch at Junk Bar in Brisbane tonight. You can find the album on Spotify here. Natalie is sorry she said endlessly and salacious twice. Links: Adam Isaac Miller’s Newsletter on LinkedInViz Medicinal Please sign up for Cannabis Industry Media Masterclass - Email invitation coming soonNatalie's LinkedInViz Medicinal LinkedInJuliana's LinkedInCannabiz ArticleMiley Cyrus - Plastic HeartsThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit.

    20 min
  3. 23/05/2024

    The Age: How big business pushes a product it's not allowed to advertise

    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: Introduction to the Plant Rants podcastNatalie's approach: "start low and go slow"Reading an article to build confidence and find her podcast voiceAddressing the challenges of medicinal cannabis portrayal in the mediaUpcoming Media Masterclass webinar detailsKey Points: Podcast Introduction:Natalie introduces herself and the purpose of the podcast.The goal is to chat with cannabis industry insiders and discuss common challenges and opportunities.Easing into Podcasting:Natalie starts with a simple format: reading an article to allow access to many in the industry to hear what's being printed in the media.No opinions, just the news.Addressing Media Challenges:The media often fails to report positively on medicinal cannabis.Announce an upcoming Cannabis Industry Media Masterclass Webinar to help industry and healthcare professionals understand media dynamics. Call to Action: Please share your thoughts and feedback on LinkedIn.Register for an invitation to the upcoming Media Masterclass webinar at vizmedicinal.com.Additional Notes: For those who find Natalie’s speaking pace fast, consider adjusting the playback speed.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.

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Conversations pertaining to the Australian medicinal cannabis industry.