16.5 C
Byron Shire
April 23, 2024

Nimbin prepares for annual cannabis protest

Latest News

Sweet and sour doughnuts

Victoria Cosford ‘It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,’ says Megan. I’ve called in at the pop-up...

Other News

Press release vs Save Wallum views

The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that...

Ignite your creativity at Mullum Laneways Festival

This year’s Mullum Laneways Festival, to be held on May 4 and 5, promises to be a feast for the senses, set to captivate visitors of all ages. On Sunday, May 5 everyone is encouraged to immerse themselves in the heart of the Festival, as Burringbar Street is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, art, and more.This is a free event, funded by local sponsorship and a gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 4.

Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist

In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in...

Paul Watson has his say on Sea Shepherd ousting

Regarding your article concerning the split in Sea Shepherd. I established Sea Shepherd as a global movement, not as an organisation, controlled by a few men. It was a democratic association of independent national entities

New insights into great white shark behaviour off California coast

Marine scientists using tracking devices have been able to shine a spotlight on the behaviour of great white sharks...

Heavy music with a bang!

Heavy music is back at The Northern this week, with a bang! Regular Backroom legends Dead Crow and Mudwagon are joined by Dipodium and Northern Rivers locals Liminal and Puff – the plan is to raise the roof on Thursday at The Northern. This is definitely a night, and a mosh, not to miss. Entry is free!

The Ganga Faeries are gearing up for yet another Mardi Grass. (file pic)
The Ganga Faeries are gearing up for yet another Mardi Grass. (photo Jeff, bogart, Dawson)

Organisers of this year’s Mardi Grass cannabis law reform protest in Nimbin believe they may finally have something to celebrate.

With states across Australia introducing legislation to allow for medicinal cannabis, the annual pot protest is expected to be a major case of ‘we told you so’.

‘Seems the hippies aren’t so stupid after all,’ organisers said.

A feature of this year’s festival will be the screening of a locally produced documentary that was filmed during last year’s Mardi Grass gathering.

The film was made in response to the ‘ludicrious’drug policy situation in Australia and particularly NSW.

‘The laws we have now are currently doing more harm than good and people’s lives are being severely  disrupted  when they come into contact  with the criminal justice system,’ the filmmakers said.

‘The current drug laws are not based on fact, evidence or research and are based on a fear campigin imported from USA in the 1930’s called  ” Reefer Madness”.

The current debate on medical cannabis is slow and torturous,  again people are suffering while policy makers drag their heels and won’t  listen to the overwhelming research and evidence.

The film, Reefer Madness 11 The people vs the law, provides a historical and current look at the war on cannabis in Australia.

‘The film explores medical cannabis, economic and social impacts of current drug policy and the benefits of legalisation and the pathway to it,’

The fim will premiere at the Nimbin Bush Theatre on Friday (29 April) at 10.30pm.

Meanwhile, festival organisers will once again be focusing on the medicinal qualities of cannabis.

‘Fact is if you support prohibition of cannabis you support millions of people being denied access to a simple remedy that ends so much pain and suffering.

‘Cannabis is amazing for children also as they are so sensitive to herbs.

‘Not just epilepsy but all sorts of autism, brain tumors, defects and disabilities.

‘Families are being tortured by prohibition. And so are millions of adults…… in jail, or just a criminal record, or broke and homeless just to pay for the medicine that keeps them sane.

‘People are being driven mad by prohibition, by the lies, by the misunderstandings, the propaganda and lies that have spread like cane toads.’

Meanwhile, organisers have issued a warning for people attending the Mardi Grass gathering to be aware that police will probably be conducting drug saliva tests on the roads in and out of Nimbin.

‘Be careful driving to MardiGrass. Spit testing drivers searching for traces of cannabis is how desperate they’ve become,’ oganisers said.

 

 

 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Aside from the fact that cannabis is a vegetable with many of the same nutrients as other leafy greens (like fiber, iron and calcium), it is jam-packed with beneficial cannabinoids that are unique to the cannabis plant. In other words, juiced cannabis is a nutritionally-dense, very potent medicine. 
 The high concentration of cannabinoids in juiced cannabis coupled with the perfect balance of fatty acids could help improve cell function and reduce damage caused by free radicals. Additional benefits of raw, juiced cannabis include reduced inflammation and the facilitation of two-way cellular communication. Many cannabinoids also have anti-tumor properties which are readily available through the consumption of raw marijuana. The N° 6 630 507 United States patent states that some cannabinoids have useful therapeutic effects, which are not activated by cannabinoid receptors and, consequently, don’t have psychoactive effects. Furthermore, this absence of psychoactivity allows very high doses without non-desired side effects. 
Dr. Courtney claims that these cannabinoids help the regulatory system of our body to be more efficient. In summary, they are nutrients that help to better regulate the performance of our 210 types of body cells. We are not talking here about their use as a medicine, but simply as essential nutrients

  2. There is a still long way to go. The new law is only for big pharma who do not use whole plant strain targeting for specific illness, nor any other such use for going better.

    Minister in charge Sussan Ley compares use to opium, a script for needle injection of a fluid made from just parts of the whole plant. That misses the known “entourage effect” of the whole natural plant. With doses only partly working especially, 3 or 4 needles a day will be needed. The only change to law is to make people end up pincushions of new pain.

    Minister Ley sees no difference between opium & cannabis, or its use. This solves nothing except insuring big pharma profits. Dispensaries & their labs such as Steep Hill overseas are having much better results than big pharma, but this is still ignored by our govt, and even the new needle law users can still be arrested.

    Again, we still have a long way to go. Prohibition & the new law still hurts & kills for opposition to freedom profits.
    Consider the Commonwealth country Canada’s much better approach now under Justin Trudeau..regulated above ground freedom of all use. We are very behind here, and so is the UN which is worthless & damaging to continue unchanged.
    All the very best with the annual Mardi Grass protest for better law. The current imposed damage must stop.

  3. It is a great malady of the Australian psyche, that having made a bad decision, it takes yonks for an apathetic populace to change it. Happens all over, from electing politicians to using synthetic spreads over butter. Surely when the facts are soberly weighed up then the fact that cannabis is illegal is the real crime here, foisted upon people by a government unable to act without the approval of the USA. It makes economic sense to remove the manufacture, distribution and sale of all drugs from the criminal class and their subsequent bribing of police and politicians, not to mention the bucks from the alcohol lobby. 3500+ years of usage and no deaths…oh I forgot, it’s dangerous. It’s a beautiful plant which should be in every backyard garden in the country, and also reaping in big revenues to cover corporate tax breaks. A win win in any crooked pollies book.

  4. What is Wrong with GMO Cannabis? – Too early to tell, and that is the problem. The medicine people have been using and having success with is not even being offered in Australia for those that need it most. The GMO Biotech Cannabis has seen deaths (Epidiolex) in trials that have ‘passed’ and other GMO (like Sativex) have failed trials and tests. In Fairness it would be wrong to say with Cannabis with over 100 cannabinoids including CBD and THC, and totaling over 483 other compounds GMO might hold many wonders for medicine. Outside of Australia GMO is being used, tested or trialed but not instead of real Cannabis or real Cannabis products. This is where Australia is differentiating.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Foodie road-trip paradise: Harvest Food Trail

Calling all food and farm enthusiasts, the iconic Harvest Food Trail is happening soon, over four days from May 2-5. It’s your chance to...

Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist

In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in town – literally. Enter Buzz...

Cape Byron Distillery release world-first macadamia cask whisky

S Haslam The parents of Cape Byron Distillery CEO Eddie Brook established the original macadamia farm that you can see from the distillery at St...

Heart and Song Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra with soprano, Gaynor Morgan

Join us for an enchanting afternoon as Byron Music Society proudly presents ‘Heart and Song.’ Prepare to be immersed in a program meticulously crafted by the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, showcasing a world premiere composition. Well-known soprano, Gaynor Morgan, will be premiering a setting of poems by Seamus Heaney and Robert Graves, skilfully arranged for soprano, harp, cello and string orchestra by prominent Northern Rivers musician Nicholas Routley.