Cannabis Media Grant

The Cannabis Media Grant supports the creation of cannabis related content that showcases a forward thinking view in the cannabis industry.

Winner – “Weed the People”

We are very pleased to announce that the winner for the The Cannabis Media Grant is the documentary “Weed the People”

For winning the grant, “Weed the People” will receive a $3,000 cash prize from grant sponsor From the Heart Productions.

Medical marijuana has the potential to save lives, but existing legislation prohibits millions of Americans from experiencing the life changing benefits of cannabis as a cancer treatment.

From filmmakers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, “Weed the People” looks beyond politics and propaganda to challenge everything you might have known about cannabis. It reveals the brave stories of ordinary families who are exploring the benefits of medical marijuana to save the lives of their most precious loved ones – their children.

“We are thrilled to give this film and filmmakers our grant

to allow them to expand the outreach and promotion of this great film”

Carole Joyce, Director of the Cannabis Media Grant

About “Weed the People”

Cannabis has been off-limits to doctors and researchers in the US for the past 80 years, but recently scientists have discovered its anti-cancer properties. Armed with only these laboratory studies, desperate parents obtain cannabis oil from underground sources to save their children from childhood cancers. “

Weed the People” follows these families through uncharted waters as they take their children’s survival into their own hands. Some of their miraculous outcomes beget the unsettling question at the heart of the film: If weed is truly saving lives, why doesn’t the government want people to access it

About the Filmmakers

From acting and producing, to dancing her way into the hearts of television audiences, Emmy Award-winning television host Ricki Lake is a pop culture icon who has built a career on her graciously candid sensibility and her authentic, relatable nature. The world first met Lake in 1988 as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ film “Hairspray.” Lake’s legacy and perhaps her greatest love is her role as independent filmmaker. She has channeled her nurturing spirit and drive for social change into passion projects that are altering the way society views birth, breastfeeding, childhood obesity, birth control and now medical cannabis.

Abby Epstein made her film directing debut at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival with the documentary, Until the Violence Stops, featuring Jane Fonda, Eve Ensler, Salma Hayek and Rosie Perez. The film won the Audience Award at the Amnesty International Film Festival in Vancouver. Until the Violence Stops premiered on Lifetime Television and received an Emmy and a Gracie Allen Award.

Ricki and Abby’s award winning, critically acclaimed documentary “The Business of Being Born” debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007. With over 5 million+ views, an online community of over 100,000, and more than 10 million press imprints, it is often hailed as the “must see” film among mothers-to-be. Together they co-wrote the book, “Your Best Birth” and released “More Business of Being Born” a four-part DVD series featuring celebrities sharing their birth stories, as well as an in-depth discussion on the birth process. Under their joint venture BOBB Films they served as Executive Producers for “Breastmilk” and “The Mama Sherpas,” and are working on “Sweetening the Pill.”

About the Cannabis Media Grant

The grant seeks heartfelt documentaries, short films, features, and web series that reveal how cannabis has benefited and changed people’s lives.

With the legalization of marijuana in states across the U.S., much of the media focus has been on the business aspects of the cannabis industry.

The Cannabis Media Grant encourages filmmakers to create projects that show where the cannabis market is going They should show how cannabis has become an important part of people’s lives, and how it’s improved those lives for the better.

Not Accepting Applications

The Cannabis Media Grant is not accepting applications at this time. No future grant is planned.

If you have questions or need more information, please email cannabismediagrant@gmail.com

Google Reviews

George Max *****

If you are a Screenwriter, Film or Documentary this is the one place that offers help through Grant's and programs. If you want to learn about Film Grants and much more, we would tell you to contact Carole Dean as she does have fantastic info on everything Film and Movie.

Jim Harrison *****

Fiscal film grants, Documentary film grants and film funding in made possible by great non profits like From the Heart Productions Inc. We really admire Carole Dean. She is such a classy, stylish and sophisticated lady. Carole Dean has honored her family and the entire movie industry by dedicating a big part of her life to 26 years of the Roy W. Dean Film Grant. From the Heart is a nonprofit foundation that seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society. She offers so many avenues to the Film and Movie industry by opening doors through contacts, grants and a life time of experience in the industry. She host a pod cast and radio talk show and gives classes to startup Film, documentary and full feature Screenwriters, Actors, Directors, Producers and basic funding through grants to inexperienced and experienced film makers. Enough can not be said about her efforts in helping artist create documentary, feature, short films, and web series shows. Carole Dean is a true 5 Star Diamond.

Vennie Guerrera *****

Documentary film grants come from From the Heart Productions. This dedicated film grant foundation has spent many years teaching young film students the art of film funding, grant money and so much more. No one can say enough about such a dedicated person like Carole Dean.

Luis Remesar *****

As filmmakers, working with From The Heart Productions has been a real godsend. They've been hands-on in helping us see our feature-length documentary to fruition, providing important production resources, grant opportunities and fundraising mentorship. Carole Dean, the Founder and CEO of From The Heart Productions is a one-of-a-kind champion of filmmakers. Her wisdom, experience and generosity of spirit has been a gift for our production team to collaborate with. Luis Remesar & Beth Dolan Director/Producer of "Stranger At Home"

Bre Pryse *****

I've known Carole Dean and From The Heart for over 10 years. Carol works tirelessly for her filmmakers. She is an extraordinary woman with experience in the film industry in many different areas. In addition to providing fiscal sponsorship, she also teaches classes, provides a grant and consults on projects and writes. From The Heart Productions should be the first choice when looking for fiscal sponsorship and film guidance.

Margarita Sweet *****

An over 10 year relationship of wonderful films and some amazing filmmakers. The attention and dedication that's put into the grants process is considerable for a small organization. From The Heart always puts the filmmaker first

Basil M *****

From the heart productions is a truly unique heartfelt non profit organization that cares and nourishes the art of filmmaking.

Core Issue Productions *****

Carole Dean has been a mentor, advisor, and all-around cheerleader for my film "The Weight of Honor"! We could not have done our documentary without From The Heart and the Roy W. Dean Grant!