HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
RESEARCH
Embassy HEADLINES Issue 527
TOP STORIES
URGENT call out for help to register Legalise Cannabis Victoria. If we are to run in the Victorian election in November we need people to join asap on legalisecannabis.org.au
Dr Brian Walker launches campaign to get medicinal cannabis listed on PBS
Nimbin Mardigrass returns for its 30th year with thousands rallying for cannabis law reform
Nimbin MardiGrass 30th Parade & Rally
AUSTRALIA/NZ
Fair Drug Driving Laws for Medicinal Cannabis Patients
Qld to decide whether medicinal cannabis users should be able to drive
Australian Cannabis Patients Turning to Prescriptions Over Illicit Market, Study Shows
Political pot party stoush brews with Victorian Electoral Commission
Albo, can you rule out a cannabis referendum as well please?
Free cannabis testing for ACT home-growers
New Zealand Approves First Locally Grown Medical Cannabis Products
NORTH AMERICA
Colombia’s President Pushes United Nations To End The War On Drugs
WORLD
UK Government Blocks Bermuda From Legalizing Marijuana On Same Day New Prime Minister Takes Office
Czechia Could Soon Legalise Sale and Growing of Marihuana
South African dagga producer sells all its output to Europe, Australia – a year in advance
Thailand’s Cannabis Bill Dealt a Blow After Bigger Parties Demand Changes
Timor-Leste: Drug policy should distinguish cannabis from dangerous drugs – president
German Lawmakers Tour California Marijuana Businesses To Inform National Legalization Plans
Lesotho Grown Legal Cannabis Funneled to Black Market
SCIENCE & TECH
Building houses with hemp
The lazy stoner myth debunked: University of Cambridge
The High-Stakes Race to Engineer New Psychedelic Drugs
Inside the Chemistry Lab Where the MDMA Godfather Synthesized Novel Psychedelics
European researchers probing hemp cellulose for use in high-tech gels
HEALTH
Analysis: Adoption of Adult-Use Legalization Associated with Decrease in State-Level Obesity Rates
Medical cannabis use reduces sleep disturbances caused by PTSD
6 types of weed tolerance breaks besides going cold turkey
Why does cannabis make your eyes red?
EVENTS
HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
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
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 526
TOP STORIES
URGENT call out for help to register Legalise Cannabis Victoria. If we are to run in the Victorian election in November we need people to join asap on legalisecannabis.org.au
Greens to move drug-driving amendments to Queensland road safety bill
Nimbin’s 30th MardiGrass a Spring Planting Ceremony
AUSTRALIA/NZ
When it comes to state elections, drug-driving laws are on the ballot
Cannabis As Medicine In Australia – CAMS20 Survey Results
Large jump in medicinal cannabis use
Michael Balderstone: Beernuts Podcast
Leanne Lockyer announced as Legalise Cannabis WA candidate for North West Central by-election
Why cannabis users could soon be allowed on Qld roads
NORTH AMERICA
California OKs bill to protect workers who use pot at home
US Forest Service Warns Employees On Cannabis Use
Cannabis lounges could become a reality in Sacramento
Group pushing for recreational marijuana in Arkansas releases first TV ad
Oklahoma Supreme Court Gives Marijuana Activists Temporary Win As They Fight For Legalization Ballot Placement
Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Program Shrinks As Recreational Sales Increase
WORLD
Jersey: Cannabis decriminalisation ‘could be up for discussion’
Medical cannabis now prescribed to 17,000 in UK – but many are still using black market
Can medical cannabis be prescribed for fibromyalgia in the UK?
Singapore: Joseph Schooling apologises after confessing to consuming cannabis overseas
Hempcrete seen as part of eco-friendly solution to Zimbabwe’s housing shortage
Norwegian Activists Announce Next Direct Action
Thailand Had Notoriously Harsh Drug Laws. Now Weed Is Legal—and That’s Making Things Complicated
Green Light For Industrial Hemp In Fiji
SCIENCE & TECH
U.S. Border Officials Want To Buy ‘Cannabis Analyzers’ To Detect Cannabinoid Profiles And Distinguish Marijuana From Hemp
Solventless Concentrates Gaining Fans and Market Share
Let’s bust some myths on vaping
Marijuana Is 67,200 Times Stronger Than It Used To Be (According To The Media)
HEALTH
Lambert reports positive results from cancer study
More people are turning to hemp products for relaxation, relief
Cannabis side effects: How weed affects your mind and body
Psychedelic ‘Magic Mushroom’ Ingredient Could Help Treat Alcohol Addiction
POLITICS & LAW
Legalise Cannabis Victoria wins Facebook reprieve as battle to register for November election goes to the wire
John Fetterman Calls On Biden To Legalize Weed Ahead Of Labor Day — Here’s How POTUS Responded
Whitehouse says it has nothing to announce on decriminalizing marijuana
FBI: CBD Users Need Not Apply
USA: Federal Court Strikes Down Residency Requirement for Those Seeking State Marijuana Licensure
USA: Marijuana Laws by State: More People Smoke Pot than Cigarettes
EVENTS
Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW
HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
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
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
NIMBIN’S 30th MARDIGRASS A SPRING PLANTING CEREMONY
MEDIA RELEASE August 30 2022
From the the MardiGrass Organising Body
NIMBIN’S 30th MARDIGRASS A SPRING PLANTING CEREMONY
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.”
Click here to receive our weekly email the HEMP HEADLINES, keeping you in touch with local and global news in the world of cannabis.
Embassy HEADLINES Issue 525
TOP STORIES
URGENT call out for help to register Legalise Cannabis Victoria. If we are to run in the Victorian election in November we need people to join asap on legalisecannabis.org.au
Queensland launches drug-driving review
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
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?
EVENTS
Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW
HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
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
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
TOP STORIES
URGENT call out for help to register Legalise Cannabis Victoria. If we are to run in the Victorian election in November we need people to join asap on legalisecannabis.org.au
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
EVENTS
Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW
HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
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
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
TOP STORIES
URGENT call out for help to register Legalise Cannabis Victoria. If we are to run in the Victorian election in November we need people to join asap on legalisecannabis.org.au
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
EVENTS
Nimbin MardiGrass, 16-18 September 2022, Nimbin NSW
HHI EXPO, Australia’s Largest Cannabis & Hemp Expo, 19-20 November 2022, Canberra ACT
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
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
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
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