0844 335 1506

We are producing an intelligent and sensitive two-part documentary for BBC3 to go out in late January. The aim is to explore the wide variety of issues for young people (under 30) who have been or are, involved in using cannabis. We want to explore the impact it can have on people, their families, and those around them. We are keen to explore how individuals, families or friends cope when they or someone they know is consuming the drug. We feel it is important to get across their experiences, the short and long term impacts of living with, or being close to, a cannabis user, particularly when that user is young. We also want to explore a large range of debates around cannabis as well as trying to debunk some of the myths.

In order to give a balanced, well-informed range of perspectives to portray in the documentary we would like to get in touch with a range of parents, siblings and friends, as well as the people who use cannabis themselves. I was hoping that you might be able to help me get in touch with people who have direct experience with cannabis; be it a teenager who is concerned about their heavy smoking or a parent concerned that their child is smoking cannabis; a very young person who smokes recreationally for something to do, to someone who has left their cannabis smoking days behind as it was adversely effecting their life, a former dealer/grower of cannabis who no longer is involved in this etc. etc. We are open to speak to anyone who may have a life experience they could possibly want to share with the public but initially just with me.

I'd be very happy to hear from anyone who wants to know more about the documentary and might be willing to talk through their personal experiences with me. Initial contact can be via email or over the phone, and ideally I'd be happy to meet up in person. I must stress that all dialogue will be done in a non-intrusive, and sensitive manner: and at no point would anyone be under any obligation to take part in the programme should they feel uncomfortable about it. At this stage we are just hoping to meet and speak to people in an informal manner.

At the BBC we have strict editorial guidelines which shape the way we look after our contributors and how they are portrayed. They also stipulate the need to ensure we have proper consent in place with people we do any filming with. We take these issues very seriously and always insure we hold them in the highest regard. We will also talk with people about protecting their identities on screen if they require or we feel it is in their best interests.

If you need any further information, please do let me know. We are hoping to start filming during September through October. In an ideal world it would be great to speak to people as soon as possible and I am keen to meet people face to face as I always find it’s a better way. As BBC Three has a large number of young people watching it we are hoping the sorts of stories we can tell reflect that audience but also educates and entertains them. Television can be a very good tool for learning new things and we hope this documentary can really help enlighten the debate around cannabis as well as engage the audience.

Bart Corpe

BBC VISION

Room 1.26

Broadcasting House

31/33 Whiteladies Road

Bristol

BS8 2LR

Cannabis Skunk Support © 2009 | Charity no. 1125329 | CALL 0844 335 1506 |