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Nimbin’s 30th annual MardiGrass, a cannabis law reform protest on the first weekend in May, was postponed this year because of the floods. It’s now on in a couple of weeks over the weekend of September 16th to 18th.

“It’s usually a harvest festival,” said Michael Balderstone, president of the MOB, the Mardigrass Organising Body. “But a lot of the harvest was flooded this year, so a Spring planting ceremony seems appropriate.”

There will be movies, a photo exhibition and Yarndi Yarns to share old memories of past MardiGrass’s, as well as all the usual favourite events.

Some high lights include the Great Green Cabaret on Friday evening, the Kombi Konvoy and Hemp Olympix on Saturday and Big Protest Rally Sunday. Pot Art and Pot Poetry is on again as well as a new event, the MMMA, MardiGrass Marijuana Music Awards.

The Hemp Olympix now famous events, the Bong Throw and Yell, Growers Iron Person Event and Joint Rolling competitions will be officially monitored this year by Belgium officials after world records were broken last year but drug testing not completed before hand in the appropriate way. The records were not accepted.

The Hemposium is a packed program of speakers on all things cannabis related spread over 4 stages on both days. An extra ordinary collection of Aussie weed experts. There is a lot to talk about.

Michael Pettersson the young ACT Labor politician who initiated the laws that allow Canberrians to grow 2 plants and who is now trying to decriminalise personal amounts of all drugs there, is coming to MardiGrass for the first time. As is solicitor Bernie Bradley, the Legalise Cannabis candidate that gave Pauline a run for her money in Qld in the recent Federal election.

There is also a concerted effort to help people get to and from MardiGrass without losing their licence.

“Drug free drivers are much sought after around Nimbin at MardiGrass time and quite a large community network is pulling together this year to help each other out. The answer to a lot of problems is community and it’s something Nimbin is good at. And there’s nothing like a war to pull a community together!

This is an important protest weekend. The drug war just plods on relentlessly even though most everyone agrees drug use is a health issue. How are we going to stop it?

The two core issues we are protesting about, is to be allowed to grow our own medicine instead of having to buy it expensively from big corporations via a doctor.

And the drug driving rules must change to an impairment test. It’s appalling that medical cannabis users are losing their licences just for having a tiny old residue of cannabis in their saliva which is not affecting their driving ability at all.

The full program is on nimbinmardigrass.com and volunteers have begun arriving to set up the event. Volunteers can register on the website as can DFD’s, drug free drivers who can be part of the Ubud or Duber networks. Or you can register at the HEMP Embassy in Nimbin or on Facebook at Mardi grass rideshare.

Michael Balderstone
President, Nimbin HEMP Embassy, Legalise Cannabis Australia (Formerly Australian HEMP Party) & Nimbin MardiGrass
51 Cullen Street
Nimbin NSW 2480
Phone: (02) 66890326 or 0472 760236

“The war on drugs seems to be all about who gets to profit from our pain relief, a truly sick business.”

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Embassy HEADLINES Issue 525

August 25, 2022 Kath Noneofyourbusiness Cannabis News, News

AUSTRALIA/NZ

Most patients still using illicit cannabis, but prescription numbers soar

Medical Cannabis Clinic Opens In Adelaide

TGA’s Authorised Prescriber data dashboard delayed by ‘technical issue’

NORTH AMERICA

Hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisonings among Canadian children surged after legalization

New Mexico has approved 1,000 cannabis licenses in about a year

South Dakota Governor Pledges To Implement Marijuana Legalization If Voters Approve Ballot Initiative…This Time

New York City Mayor Launches Marijuana Resource Hub To Support Industry Equity

WORLD

Vive La Revolution? French Senators Call For Cannabis Legalization

Cook Islands: Majority votes for cannabis

‘Very good for tourists’: Thailand aims for high season with U-turn on cannabis

Cannabis tourists not welcome in Thailand – yet

UK: Cannabis Factories Keep Being Found in Abandoned Police Stations and Courts

UK: Tory peer could be refused entry to US after cannabis revelation in the Times

UK food agency’s ‘honor system’ for CBD does not inspire confidence

Ireland: ‘Under the counter’ vapes found to contain cannabis

Guyanese Parliament approves industrial hemp legislation

Cayman Islands: Changes to ganja and gambling laws up to the people

Malaysia: Medical Cannabis Use Still Illegal Pending Product Approval

South Africa: High-Jacked in the Rainbow Nation

High street? Dutch ecstasy ‘shop’ shows possible way for drug reform

SCIENCE & TECH

Impacts of recreational cannabis legalization on cannabis use

Trucking Alliance Seeks Federal Permission to Use Hair Drug Testing Methods

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

More Hemp In Space

HEALTH

USA: Residents asking about medical cannabis? A senior living community brought in the experts

Is teen vaping a gateway to cannabis use?

POLITICS & LAW

Legalise Cannabis Australia ponders complaint to Victorian Electoral Commission over ‘rival’ party

Bipartisan Senators Demand Justice For Another U.S. Citizen Imprisoned Over Medical Marijuana In Russia

USA: Cannabis Regulators of Color – No SAFE Equity Without Amended Bill

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Bod Australia Scores US CBD Product Certification

U.S. trade group cries foul over proposed strict limits on THC in extracts

As US Hemp Cultivation Levels Plummet The Established European Industry Continues To Flourish

HISTORY & CULTURE

What is ‘clean weed’ and why is everyone talking about it?

What Does Good Weed Look Like?

Young Americans using cannabis and hallucinogens at record rate

The long history of psychedelics in religion, from ergot-spiked wine to magic mushrooms

EVENTS

Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW

HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT

Garden States – Cultivating Ethnobotanical Plant Knowledge, 2-4 December 2022, Melbourne VIC

BILLS & INQUIRIES

Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis

Submissions now available: NSW parliamentary inquiry on the justice of THC-positive driving laws

NSW Council for Civil Liberties Submission: Inquiry Into The Road Transport Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Exemptions From Offences) Bill 2021

CAMPAIGNS

The Legalise Cannabis: Personal Health Plan

Join Legalise Cannabis! Join the federal and/or state party at legalisecannabis.org.au

Ready to change the conversation about drugs? Registration for StoryLab 2022 is now open, and you’re invited.

FUNDRAISERS

‘End Evidence-Free RDT’ Whole Bus Ad For NSW

Donations For the Legal Fees of Mitchell Rice

PETITIONS

#NoMoreZombieVeterans. Medicinal cannabis for Australian veterans with PTSD.

PETITION – Tell Albo: Legalise cannabisnow!

End discrimination against medicinal cannabis patients in Australian drug driving laws

RESEARCH

Global Drug Survey 2022

University of New South Wales: Cannabis experiences in the ACT

Monash University & UOW – Researchers Seek To Further Understand The Effects Of Cannabis

EDUCATION

PSYCHOACTIVE – A podcast series with Ethan Nadelmann

Mardigrass Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary With A Feature Documentary

ANZCCP medicinal cannabis [Authorised Prescriber] course for doctors

Australian Cannabis Summit 2021 Catchup

Ending Discrimination: Medicinal Cannabis & Drug Driving Law Questions Answered

Voices from the Real World – Medical Cannabis Testimonials

Embassy HEADLINES Issue 524

August 18, 2022 Kath Noneofyourbusiness Cannabis News, News

AUSTRALIA/NZ

More research on THC and driving ‘fundamental’ to law reform, inquiry report says

The history of Australia’s drinking culture from rum as a currency to non-alcoholic wine

NZ health ministry confirms review to improve ‘workability’ of Medicinal Cannabis Scheme

NORTH AMERICA

Some Arkansas Marijuana Activists Oppose Legalization Measure On November Ballot

71% of pot users in B.C. get it from legal stores: PSSG survey

Weed around the world: Las Vegas, Nevada USA

‘Croptober’ pushes Canada’s cannabis inventories to record 1.4 billion grams

BC’s cannabis distributor closes temporarily due to union job action

Two In Five Americans Say They’ve Changed Their Mind On Drug Policy, With Most Becoming “More Liberal,” Poll Finds

Poll shows near even split among Americans asked if cannabis is good or bad for society

Minnesota hemp edibles law ushers in new rivals, upends marijuana market

What Oregon’s Ban on Synthetic Cannabinoids Means for the Industry

Poll: Majority of Texans Support Cannabis Legalization

Despite pleas from business, Illinois Council says no to cannabis grower ordinance change

Ohio medical marijuana grow facility expands

Minnesota ordinance issues delay decision on retail sales at cannabis grow facility

WORLD

Kenya’s Cannabis Friendly Presidential Candidate Becomes Internet Sensation

Guyana Passes Industrial Hemp Bill

The Suffering Stoners of Guernsey

Switzerland Has ‘Laid The Groundwork For Its Medical Cannabis Industry To Flourish’ And Could Soon Be Exporting ‘Very High-Quality Flower’

Capetown cannabis tech provider to distribute micro-decorticator in Southern Africa

French Senators Petition Macron’s Government For Urgent Cannabis Reform

Colombian president discusses releasing cannabis prisoners and legally exporting the drug

Malaysia aims to learn from Thailand in push for medical use of cannabis

SCIENCE & TECH

What is THCP and how does it affect you?

HEALTH

Medical Cannabis Use Not Associated with Elevated Risk of Hospitalizations Due to Mental Health Disorders

The great serotonin myth – what really causes depression?

Cannabis Use Not Associated with Increased COVID Severity

Using Medical Cannabis To Treat ADHD & Fibromyalgia – Rosie’s Story

Cannabidiol effective for young people with treatment-resistant anxiety – pilot study

POLITICS & LAW

Just What Is Joe Biden’s Marijuana Policy?

USA: Anti-Drug Group Hides Corporate Sponsors Like NFL And Krispy Kreme Amid Backlash Over Bid To Block Marijuana Bill In Senate

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Medical Cannabis Dispensary Staff Training Found Lacking

HISTORY & CULTURE

Transbay Challenge: A View From the Judges’ Table

Clear The Air: Weed Etiquette For Roommates

EVENTS

Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW

HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT

Garden States – Cultivating Ethnobotanical Plant Knowledge, 2-4 December 2022, Melbourne VIC

BILLS & INQUIRIES

Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis

Submissions now available: NSW parliamentary inquiry on the justice of THC-positive driving laws

NSW Council for Civil Liberties Submission: Inquiry Into The Road Transport Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Exemptions From Offences) Bill 2021

CAMPAIGNS

The Legalise Cannabis: Personal Health Plan

Join Legalise Cannabis! Join the federal and/or state party at legalisecannabis.org.au

Ready to change the conversation about drugs? Registration for StoryLab 2022 is now open, and you’re invited.

FUNDRAISERS

‘End Evidence-Free RDT’ Whole Bus Ad For NSW

Donations For the Legal Fees of Mitchell Rice

PETITIONS

#NoMoreZombieVeterans. Medicinal cannabis for Australian veterans with PTSD.

PETITION – Tell Albo: Legalise cannabisnow!

End discrimination against medicinal cannabis patients in Australian drug driving laws

RESEARCH

Global Drug Survey 2022

University of New South Wales: Cannabis experiences in the ACT

Monash University & UOW – Researchers Seek To Further Understand The Effects Of Cannabis

EDUCATION

PSYCHOACTIVE – A podcast series with Ethan Nadelmann

Mardigrass Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary With A Feature Documentary

ANZCCP medicinal cannabis [Authorised Prescriber] course for doctors

Australian Cannabis Summit 2021 Catchup

Ending Discrimination: Medicinal Cannabis & Drug Driving Law Questions Answered

Voices from the Real World – Medical Cannabis Testimonials

Embassy HEADLINES Issue 523

August 11, 2022 Kath Noneofyourbusiness Cannabis News, News

AUSTRALIA/NZ

“Police Powers Are Bleeding Out”: Redfern Legal Centre’s Sam Lee on the Strip Search Class Action

Olivia was an inspiration. A gentle and loving warrior fighting ignorance, stigma and bias

Cannabis alliance rebrands as new era dawns for industry lobbying

Creditors to meet next week over fate of troubled Australian company

NORTH AMERICA

Missouri Will Vote on Marijuana Legalization in November

Delta-8 THC hemp products are legal in Kentucky, judge rules

More weed wars over recreational cannabis in Detroit

After new law, Minneapolis businesses launch hemp-derived THC beverages

Arizonans Should Smoke More Marijuana, Here’s Why

Nebraska hemp farmers say outdated regulations leave them disadvantaged

Colorado’s cannabis industry is enduring its first sustained downturn since recreational weed sales began

Inside New Jersey’s largest legal weed factory

New Jersey Senate President Files Bill To Allow Interstate Marijuana Commerce

WORLD

Guyana Parliament Legalizes Hemp

UK Parliamentary group’s curious fantasy: 220,000 hectares of hemp by 2027

Green Light For Industrial Hemp In Fiji

SCIENCE & TECH

Climate Change and Cannabis: The Scary Truth

HEALTH

Canadian health committee urges government support for CBD research

States That Legalize Marijuana See ‘Significant Reductions’ In Synthetic Cannabinoid Poisonings

Study: Medical Cannabis Use In Menopause

Study: Medical Cannabis May Present a “Useful Treatment Strategy” for Fibromyalgia Patients

Can medical cannabis help with Crohn’s and UC?

POLITICS & LAW

Canada: Nearly four years after cannabis legalized, mandatory review of the law is months overdue

USA: Harris labeled hypocrite for condemning Brittney Griner’s jail term in Russia

USA: Medical Marijuana Patients Are Too ‘Dangerous To Trust’ In Motion To Dismiss Lawsuit On Gun Rights

Weed vs. Greed: How America Botched Legalizing Pot

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Canada: Survey shows significant decrease in illegal cannabis store use

Marijuana Vs. Alcohol: How The Two Industries Are Handling Inflation, And What That Means For Consumers

Cannabis Security: 3 Legal Considerations When Working at Dispensaries

Canada: Pot shop owners worry they’ll lose customers if halt on Ontaria Cannabis Store deliveries stretches on

HISTORY & CULTURE

THC-vision: The best TV shows to watch stoned

5 CBD mocktail recipes for warm weather

Bud for Blood Campaign Advocates for Cannabis Consumer Blood Donations

EVENTS

Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW

HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT

Garden States – Cultivating Ethnobotanical Plant Knowledge, 2-4 December 2022, Melbourne VIC

BILLS & INQUIRIES

Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis

Submissions now available: NSW parliamentary inquiry on the justice of THC-positive driving laws

NSW Council for Civil Liberties Submission: Inquiry Into The Road Transport Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Exemptions From Offences) Bill 2021

CAMPAIGNS

The Legalise Cannabis: Personal Health Plan

Join Legalise Cannabis! Join the federal and/or state party at legalisecannabis.org.au

Ready to change the conversation about drugs? Registration for StoryLab 2022 is now open, and you’re invited.

FUNDRAISERS

‘End Evidence-Free RDT’ Whole Bus Ad For NSW

Donations For the Legal Fees of Mitchell Rice

PETITIONS

#NoMoreZombieVeterans. Medicinal cannabis for Australian veterans with PTSD.

PETITION – Tell Albo: Legalise cannabisnow!

End discrimination against medicinal cannabis patients in Australian drug driving laws

Imprisoned for Healing the “Incurable” with Medicinal Cannabis Therapy. Drop Alan’s Charges

RESEARCH

Global Drug Survey 2022

University of New South Wales: Cannabis experiences in the ACT

Monash University & UOW – Researchers Seek To Further Understand The Effects Of Cannabis

EDUCATION

PSYCHOACTIVE – A podcast series with Ethan Nadelmann

Mardigrass Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary With A Feature Documentary

ANZCCP medicinal cannabis [Authorised Prescriber] course for doctors

Australian Cannabis Summit 2021 Catchup

Ending Discrimination: Medicinal Cannabis & Drug Driving Law Questions Answered

Voices from the Real World – Medical Cannabis Testimonials

Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis

August 4, 2022 Kath Noneofyourbusiness Drug Testing

Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis

Currently, there are Bills before three Australian state parliaments to provide medical exemptions from cannabis-presence driving offences for users of MC.

Unfortunately, those Bills have been opposed by government representatives in all three states. In New South Wales, the government arguments against the Bill are provided in a submission by the NSW Government (2022) to a Parliamentary Inquiry held in relation to the Bill; and in Victoria, the government arguments against the Bill are contained in the report of the Medicinal Cannabis and Safe Driving Working Group (2022). Those two documents are linked below.

The main focus of my presentation is to identify the government arguments against the Bill, and to provide counterarguments. As you can see from my presentation, the government arguments are flimsy, and look more like excuses than real reasons.

References

Medicinal Cannabis and Safe Driving Working Group. (2022). Assisting medicinal cannabis patients to drive safely. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) of the Victorian Government.

New South Wales Government. (2022). Submission Number 105 to the Inquiry into Road Transport Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Exemptions from Offences) Bill 2021.

Dr Michael White
Adjunct Senior Fellow
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia
Email: mawhite8@internode.on.net
ResearchGate Address: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_White24