The AusCannaPodcast

Christina Mc Mullan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Bimonthly

Join Christina Mc Mullan as she explores the world of Australian medicinal cannabis from a patient's perspective, speaking with the experts, cultivators, advocates, and patients shaping the industry. From cutting-edge research to real-world patient experiences, no topic is off-limits. Expect deep dives, honest conversations, and a bit of fun along the way—especially with rapid-fire questions now open to listeners! New episodes fortnightly. Got a burning question? Send it in and be part of the conversation! auscannareviews.substack.com

  1. 6d ago

    The AusCannaPodcast: The Truth About Medical Cannabis in Australia | Research, Regulation & Reality w/ Matt Shales

    What happens when the science is advancing, patient numbers are growing, and outcomes are improving... yet stigma and misinformation continue to dominate the conversation? In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, Christina sits down with Matt Shales, Founder and CEO of MediCann Health and MediCann Clinics, for a wide-ranging discussion about the current state of medicinal cannabis in Australia and where the industry may be heading next. From patient access and clinic models to prescribing trends, product quality, education, and policy reform, Matt shares his unique perspective from the front lines of one of Australia’s leading medicinal cannabis clinic networks. They also explore some of the emerging research that isn’t getting nearly enough attention, including promising studies involving CBD and endometriosis, concussion recovery, and why real-world patient outcomes often tell a very different story from headline-grabbing laboratory studies. Along the way, they discuss: 🌿 Why high-THC products aren’t always the answer 🌿 The growing disconnect between experienced patients and traditional healthcare models 🌿 How stigma continues to influence policy, prescribing, and public perception 🌿 Why Australia’s driving laws remain one of the biggest barriers facing patients 🌿 The role education will play in the next phase of industry growth 🌿 What a truly patient-centred cannabis system could look like in Australia Most importantly, this conversation explores a question that continues to shape the future of medicinal cannabis: How do we bridge the gap between what the evidence is showing, what patients are experiencing, and what the broader community understands? Whether you’re a patient, healthcare professional, industry stakeholder, or simply curious about the future of medicinal cannabis, this episode offers an honest, balanced, and insightful look at where we are today and where we may be headed tomorrow. Chapters: * Rapid Fire (3:17) * The Endometriosis Trial No One’s Talking About (16:00) * Cannabis & Concussion: New Research (19:20) * Cannabis Stigma in Science & Medicine (21:00) * From Diver to Cannabis Founder (23:00) * Why Matt Started a Cannabis Clinic (25:25) * Are Clinics Actually Helping Patients? (26:58) * Managing Patient Expectations (Reality vs Hype) (29:15) * “We’re Not the Gatekeepers” (32:31) * When Doctors Get It Wrong (34:15) * The Truth Behind Product Recommendations (36:00) * CBD vs THC: What Patients Get Wrong (37:00) * The Future of Over-the-Counter CBD (39:00) * Aussie Growers Are Struggling (40:00) * The Ideal Cannabis System… Matt’s Vision (44:02) * Driving Laws vs Reality (49:45) * Matt’s Call to Action… Hemp for Animals, Environment & More (56:01) Show Notes: * Ananda Hemp and Ecofiber * Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics * Hemp Brothers * Cannabinoids in Traumatic Brain Injury Study (Funding for this project was provided by MediCann Health Aust Pty Ltd.) Where to Find Matt Shales: * Matt on LinkedIn * MediCann Health Website Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * 👉 Got a Rapid Fire question? Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * 💚 Want to support the podcast? Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    1h 2m

  2. May 28

    The AusCannaPodcast: Why Australia Still Criminalises Cannabis with Miles Hunt

    Cannabis reform in Australia is no longer a fringe issue… but why does meaningful change still feel so slow? In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, Christina sits down with lawyer, activist and former Senate candidate Miles Hunt for a wide-ranging conversation about cannabis prohibition, harm minimisation, politics, stigma and the future of reform in Australia. Miles shares his journey from working inside the legal system to becoming a public advocate for cannabis and drug law reform, including the personal risks and stigma that can come with speaking openly about cannabis in Australia. Together, they discuss: 🌱 Why prohibition has failed ⚖️ Medicinal cannabis driving laws 🏛️ Why politicians may privately support reform but publicly avoid it 🧠 Media fear mongering and public perception 💊 Pill testing and harm reduction 🏡 Hemp industries and sustainable futures 🔥 Why MardiGrass remains so important for the movement 📈 Whether Australia could legalise cannabis within the next decade This episode is thoughtful, honest, hopeful and deeply grounded in the reality of where cannabis reform currently sits in Australia. Chapters: * Rapid Fire (3:06) * From Lawyer to Drug Law Reform Advocate (13:22) * Why Adult Use Markets Reduce Harm (16:01) * The Risks of Public Cannabis Advocacy (17:39) * Parenting, Stigma & Speaking Publicly (19:00) * First Impressions of MardiGrass (23:40) * Stigma vs Science in Cannabis Prohibition (26:38) * Why Does Australia Still Criminalise Cannabis in 2026? (29:01) * Media Fear Mongering & Public Perception (31:31) * Pill Testing & Harm Reduction (34:50) * Why Australia Needs Federal Cannabis Frameworks (36:36) * What Realistic Reform Looks Like (39:39) * Hemp, Sustainability & Economic Opportunity (41:44) * What Keeps Miles Optimistic (45:12) * Final Thoughts & Where To Follow Miles (49:01) Show Notes: * On The Road - Jack Kerouac * Thievery Corporation * Eathan Nadelmann MardiGrass Talk * Drug Law Reform Australia * Unharm Website * Sydney Morning Herald Article from 2013… Lawyer: ‘I’ve used drugs’ * Hempcrete Where to Find Miles: * Miles on Instagram * Miles on Facebook Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * 👉 Got a Rapid Fire question? Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * 💚 Want to support the podcast? Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    53 min

  3. May 14

    The AusCannaPodcast: Creating Space: Kyla de Clifford on Cannabis, Community & Curiosity

    This episode of AusCannaPodcast was recorded fresh off the back of Nimbin MardiGrass 2026. Christina sits down with Kyla de Clifford from CannaCuriousAus and Ruby Mary Botanicals to unpack the real heartbeat of MardiGrass beyond the headlines, including the very first Women’s Morning Tea, a space Kyla had dreamed of creating for years before finally bringing it to life this year. Together, they explore the cannabis community, women’s health, stigma, perimenopause, cannabinoids, patient education, storytelling, and why emotionally safe conversations matter just as much as access itself. This episode moves between laughter and vulnerability as Kyla opens up about her own changing relationship with cannabis, the importance of journaling and understanding your body, and the power of community in an industry that can still feel isolating and heavily male-dominated. More than anything, this episode is about connection. About the spaces we create for each other. About fighting stigma through honesty. And about the people quietly holding the cannabis community together behind the scenes. 👉 Got a Rapid Fire? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. 💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes! Chapters: * Rapid Fire (2:40) * Why 2026 MadriGrass Felt Different (8:20) * The Story Behind the Women’s Morning Tea (9:15) * Buddy Systems, First-Timers & Finding Your Place (10:45) * Hempcrete, Hemp Farming & The Future of Hemp (12:30) * Why Women Need Different Cannabis Conversations (15:14) * Dry Vaginas, Shame & Safe Spaces (24:01) * The Hidden Labour of Cannabis Advocacy (27:11) * Politicians, Grassroots Movements & Changing Perspectives (30:12) * Why Nimbin Still Matters (35:33) * The Things You Learn During End-of-Life Conversations (38:29) * People Need Better Access to Feeling Understood (40:39) * Everybody Needs Cheerleaders (42:30) * Kyla’s Hopes For Women In The Future (45:00) * Final Thoughts (47:40) Show Notes: * Chumbawamba - Tubthumping * Nimbin MardiGrass * High on Hormones: Women, Sex and Cannabis Where to Find Kyla de Clifford: * @CannaCuriousAus on Instagram * Kyla on LinkedIn * @CannaCuriousAus on TikTok * Ruby Mary Botanicals Website * The Canna Curious Podcast Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    49 min

  4. Apr 23

    The AusCannaPodcast: The Future of Women’s Health Cannabinoid Therapy

    In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, Christina McMullan sits down with pharmacist Neda Beric from CannCompounding to explore the evolving role of cannabinoid therapies in Women’s Health. Neda works directly with prescribers and patients to develop and refine compounded cannabinoid formulations tailored to individual needs. Her approach is grounded in real-world patient feedback, where treatment is continuously adjusted based on lived experience, symptom response, and quality of life outcomes. This episode highlights a shift in Women’s Health care towards more responsive, individualised treatment models, where patient experience is not an afterthought, but a core part of clinical decision making. 👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community! 💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes! In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including: * Rapid Fire (2:16) * Why Women’s Health Needs More Attention (10:19) * How Compounded Cannabis Actually Works (13:45) * A Real Patient Journey (Start to Adjustment) (15:01) * Hormones, Cycles & Why Timing Matters (18:05) * Perimenopause & Unpredictable Treatment Needs (20:01) * When Treatment Isn’t Working (And What to Do) (22:50) * Small Tweaks, Big Changes (25:02) * The Role of Patient Feedback (26:00) * Why Patients Just Want to Feel Normal Again (28:00) * What Patients Wish Doctors Understood (31:30) * The Future of Cannabis in Women’s Health (32:18) * Fast-Acting Formulations & Nano Tech (33:40) * Don’t Give Up: Finding What Works for You (37:00) * Reducing Stigma & Final Takeaways (41:00) Show Notes: * Alan Watts Where to Find Neda and Cann Compounding: * Cann Compounding on Instagram * Cann Compounding Email Compounding.sa@cannhg.com.au * Cann Compounding on LinkedIn * Cann Compounding Website Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    44 min

  5. Apr 9

    The AusCannaPodcast: Before the Patient: Genetics, Trust, and the Future of Cannabis

    What if the most important part of your cannabis experience happens before the plant is even grown? In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Chase, founder of Umami Seed Co., to explore the world of cannabis genetics, phenohunting, and what it really takes to create a cultivar worth building around. With over 20 years in the space, Chase shares how a single decision early in his growing journey sparked a lifelong obsession with breeding, and why today, that same process can take years to refine. We unpack the reality behind phenohunting, why most cultivars never make the cut, and what separates something that’s simply “good” from something that truly stands out. But this conversation goes deeper than genetics. In an industry where patients often don’t see what happens behind the scenes, we explore the role of trust, how much of the cannabis experience is shaped at the genetic level, and why flavour, terpene profiles, and subtle chemical differences can completely change how a product feels. From the early days of weed to global expansion across medical markets, this is a grounded, honest look at the evolution of cannabis and the people shaping its future. 👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community! 💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes! In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including: * Rapid Fire (2:28) * Falling in Love with Cannabis Genetics (15:15) * From Brick Weed to Boutique Bud… It’s a Stark Difference! (18:45) * Trust, Genetics & Industry Transparency… Is Cannabis Built on Trust or Blind Faith? (22:50) * No Compromise Philosophy (29:15) * What Keeps Chase Up At Night? (30:12) * The Reality of Pheno Hunting (33:55) * Terpenes, Flavour & the “Umami” Concept (40:01) * What Makes a Cultivar “10/10” (42:00) * Patient Perspective: Effects vs Genetics (44:58) * Global Cannabis: Regulations & Chaos (52:01) * Prefecting Craft Cannabis on a Global Scale (53:44) * Classic vs Modern Breeding… Why both can coexist (56:30) * Passion Over Profit (60:02) * Where to Find Umami (64:00) Show Notes: * Umami Seed Co YouTube Channel * Terpene of the Month: Terpinolene Where to Find Chase: * Umami Seed Co on Twitter/X * Umami Seed Co on Instagram * Umami Seed Co on LinkedIn * Umami Seed Co on Facebook * Umamai Seed Co Website Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    1h 9m

  6. Mar 26

    The AusCannaPodcast: Are We Losing the Patient Voice? Medicinal Cannabis at a Turning Point

    There’s a shift happening in the Australian medicinal cannabis industry. As the space grows and becomes more commercial, many are starting to ask the same question: Are we losing the patient voice? In this episode, I sit down with Bee Mohamed, a government relations and advocacy professional working at the intersection of policy and lived experience, to unpack where things really stand. We talk about the move from grassroots advocacy to industry growth, and the growing disconnect between decision-making and real patient experience. Bee shares why lived experience needs to go beyond tokenism and be embedded into how policy is actually shaped. Plus, we explore what it would take to bring patients back into the centre of the conversation. We also get practical. From patient-led events to better industry support for advocacy, this isn’t just about what’s broken… It’s about what we can build next. Because this space was created for patients, and the future of it depends on whether we keep them at the centre. 👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community! 💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes! In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including: * Rapid Fire (2:04) * From Grassroots to Growth: Are We Losing the Patient Voice? (10:02) * The Problem With “Patient Consultation” (TGA Breakdown) (14:01) * Why Patient Stories Actually Change Policy (19:01) * When Profit Enters: Has the Industry Shifted Too Far… What Can You Do For Me? (22:58) * Collaboration vs Gatekeeping: What Needs to Change (28:57) * “The Peace Pipe”: A New Kind of Patient Event… Looking For Sponsors (31:15) * Can Companies Support Advocacy Without Breaking the Rules? (34:01) * Outdated Systems: Prescribing, Access & Education Gaps (37:01) * What Needs to Happen Next (Patients, Clinicians, Industry) (41:58) * The Meaning Behind Mata & Storytelling as Medicine (45:01) * Full Circle Moment (49:00) Show Notes: * The Mata Collective Website * Drive Change * Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers 2026 Where to Find Bee: * Bee on SubStack (The Mata Collective) * Bee on Instagram * Bee on LinkedIn Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    54 min
  7. The Catch-Up: United In Compassion 2026

    Mar 12

    The Catch-Up: United In Compassion 2026

    The Catch-Up is a collaboration between Give and Toke and AusCannaReviews, with Paul and Christina coming together occasionally to explore what’s happening in Cannabis in Australia and around the world. In this episode: * Unmissable talks: Gabriel Younes on aroma, and Chad Walkaden on Indigenous healthcare (2:30) * The TGA Presentation: cautious optimism and takeaways (7:00) * Community leading the way (12:00) * Good vibes prevailing in a volatile time (14:30) * Key takeaways - memories, challenged perspectives, finding common ground, breaking stigma (17:00) * Improving UIC for patients (22:00) * UIC is Cannabis School Camp (26:00) @AusCannaReviews on SubStack, Instagram and Twitter/X Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com Visit www.giveandtoke.com.au Follow @giveandtoke on Instagram Email giveandtoke@gmail.com Get $10 off accessories with the code ‘CATCHUP’ at giveandtoke.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    31 min

  8. Feb 26

    The AusCannaPodcast: Patients Are Watching: A System Under Review - Regulation, Trust, and Cannabis with Helen Kapalos

    In this episode, Christina sits down with Helen Kapalos for a frank conversation about medicinal cannabis, media, and policy in Australia. Helen shares the story behind her documentary A Life of Its Own, why she left mainstream journalism, and how stigma and misinformation still shape public narratives. They unpack the TGA’s medicinal cannabis review, the danger of policy driven by headlines, and the gaps in data, education, and leadership across the sector. From patient power to the need for credible research and medical education, this episode looks at what real reform could actually look like in Australia. If you want to understand how policy, media, and advocacy collide in cannabis, this one is essential listening. In this episode: * Rapid Fire * Who is Helen Kapalos? * A Life of Its Own hits a roadblock that mortgaging a house overcomes * The things you learn as you grow * Everyone’s talking about the TGA review with hyped up narratives * Knee-jerk reactions and loaded questions lead the conversation * Why is the TGA’s head in the sand? * Letters… who’s getting them and who’s not? * Cherry picking the facts * Who has the real influence? * We need more research and education * Lowering the bar on expectations * Show me the data!!! * Hope for the TGA’s review… Best-case scenarios * The plant doesn’t change; our understanding of the plant does * Christina’s small confession * There’s important work left to do Show Notes: * A Life of Its Own * AusCannaReviews’ TGA Letter * E-Petition to end roadside and workplace zero tolerance of THC for medicinal cannabis patients in QLD. (The petition is closing on April 22, 2026. 💚) Where to Find Helen: * Helen on LinkedIn * Helen on Instagram Where to Find Christina: * @AusCannaReviews on SubStack * @AusCannaReviews on Instagram * @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X * Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com * Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

    1h 4m
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About

Join Christina Mc Mullan as she explores the world of Australian medicinal cannabis from a patient's perspective, speaking with the experts, cultivators, advocates, and patients shaping the industry. From cutting-edge research to real-world patient experiences, no topic is off-limits. Expect deep dives, honest conversations, and a bit of fun along the way—especially with rapid-fire questions now open to listeners! New episodes fortnightly. Got a burning question? Send it in and be part of the conversation! auscannareviews.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Mc Mullan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © AusCannaReviews
  • Show Website
    The AusCannaPodcast

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