There will be one familiar face missing when the Nimbin Hemp Embassy hosts another medicinal cannabis workshop next weekend.
Andrew Katelaris, also known as Dr Pot, has been a regular at the workshops but remains in jail after being arrested on 5 December following an appearance on television.
His court hearing is set down for November 5 and he has a bail hearing on January 24.
Hemp Embassy president Michael Balderstone said Mr Katelaris had attended every MEDICAN workshop at Nimbin, and ‘pretty much’ every Mardi Grass in the past 25 years.
But after being arrested last year, he was refused bail because in the past he had refused to not continue helping people with cannabis, especially epileptic children.
Nevertheless, Mr Balderstone said the MEDICAN workshop would still feature a number of doctors, as well as visitors from America.
‘Three Aussies who have spent years in California learning the art of extracting the medicinal oil from the Cannabis plant will demonstrate (with legal herbs) and talk about their experiences in the legal medical Cannabis world of North America over both days this coming weekend,’ Mr Balderstone said.
‘Everyone who is keenly interested in this subject is urged to attend as it’s a rare opportunity for first hand conversation on a new science that is fast changing the face of health in some American states.’
‘I am totally confident that if they re-legalise Cannabis there will be massive health savings in the future. Especially if they allow people to grow their own medicine,’ Mr Balderstone said.
Also speaking on Saturday is Dr Deb Waldren from Queensland and Dr Teresa Towpik author of a new book, “Introduction to Medicinal Cannabis…An Easy Guide for Doctors and Patients”.
Other speakers include CBD Luke and local lawyer Steve Bolt.
‘The doctors and medicine makers will be there again on Sunday and joined by Rayman who will talk about the extraordinary healing power of juicing with raw cannabis,’ Mr Balderstone said.
‘Radic Al will be there both days as will Andrew Kavasilas to fill us in on the latest from the Government on how they are working out their embarrassment at criminalising us for so long. Hopefully!’
Mr Balderstone said people were optimistic following the full legalisation of cannabis in California on New Year’s Day.
‘Optimism is in the air despite Mr Hunt keeping on telling us medical cannabis is now legal here. It’s not really. That’s just technical political bullshit. It’s legal for the very few who get specialist approval and have a terminal illness and can find a doctor to support them. There are a lot of very difficult hoops to jump through and few have managed to do it,’ he said.
Makers or users of medical cannabis who wish to share their stories are welcome to speak at the Workshop. Just turn up or email [email protected]Â
Anyone wanting to contribute to Dr Pot’s legal fund can donate toÂ
https://www.gofundme.com/supporting-andrew-katelaris or contact the HEMP Embassy in Nimbin.
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