This week on Canna Curious, I’m reflecting on 48 hours that revealed the tension inside Australia’s medicinal cannabis space.

From hosting a candlelit launch centred on women, story and nervous system safety…to having a thoughtful dinner conversation with Professor Kylie O’Brien about the TGA and AHPRA review…to walking the floor at UIC 2026 - one of the country’s major industry conferences.

On paper, the conference program was rigorous and impressive, with respected clinicians and researchers presenting on addiction, hormones, endometriosis, regulatory frameworks and real-world data. Speakers like Justin Sinclair, Dedi Meiri and Dr Shabnam Sarshar are doing important, evidence-based work.

And yet, walking through the exhibitor hall, I kept asking one question:

Where were the patients?

This episode explores the shift from movement to marketplace, the evolution of the industry over the past decade, and why lived experience still matters in rooms where regulation, research and commerce intersect.

This isn’t a takedown. It’s a reflection on growth, memory, and the importance of keeping care at the centre.

"Send us a message"

Support the show

Connect with Kyla de Clifford
Instagram: @cannacuriousaus
TikTok: @cannacuriousau
YouTube: @cannacurious

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share, and leave a review - it helps the podcast reach more curious minds just like you.

Disclaimer:
We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice. Everything shared here is based on our personal lived experiences and the stories of others. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.