The pharmacist credited with overseeing the Australian introduction of Epidyolex has opened a new Melbourne dispensary dedicated to advancing advocacy, education, and access to treatments on the frontier of medicine, including medicinal cannabis and psychedelic therapies.
Vivian Nguyen said her vision is to create a "safe space" where people living with chronic pain and mental illness can openly discuss their experiences and explore alternative treatment options.
The opening of V22 Dispensary holds deep personal significance for Nguyen, who has lost a loved one to suicide.
"We have created an open environment where people can come together in a safe space to talk about their experiences without judgement," she said. "It is our goal that everyone who visits our dispensary feels comfortable speaking openly about their struggles.
"As someone with lived experience of losing a loved one to suicide, my goal is to help people living with pain and mental illness achieve better health outcomes, through advocacy, education, and access to emerging therapies."
Nguyen spent close to three years at Chiesi Group, where she was responsible for rolling out Epidyolex on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. She said patients should feel "empowered" and free to make their own choices when it comes to managing chronic pain and mental illness.
V22 Dispensary will provide a range of support services, including consultations with specialists in medicinal cannabis and psychedelic-assisted therapies, educational resources on how these treatments work, and, where clinically appropriate, pathways to access them.
As part of its advocacy mission, V22 Dispensary will also work to raise broader awareness of both the potential benefits and the risks associated with therapeutic options such as cannabis and psychedelics for people affected by chronic pain or mental illness.
The dispensary is situated on Toorak Road in South Yarra.
