The police raid on the Hemp Embassy in Nimbin yesterday delivered 7.5kg of cannabis leaf and ‘more than 500 pre-rolled cannabis “joints”, a small amount of an illicit substance believed to be methylamphetamine, and cash,’ said Richmond police in a press release this morning.
While the raid took up a significant amount of time and resources both on the part of the police and the organisers of the 27th Nimbin Mardi Grass, that gets off to a start with the Hemposium conference at 12 noon today, president of Nimbin’s HEMP Embassy and Australias HEMP Party Michael Balderstone told Echonetdaily that the police conducting the raid were ‘courteous and used their discretion’.
‘We have over 100 volunteers working at the Hemp Embassy preparing for the Nimbin Mardi Grass at the moment,’ said Mr Balderstone.
‘7.5kg of cannabis sounds much worse than it is. They weigh all the cakes and stalks. I’m not sure the joints were really cannabis, I think they were another herb.’
In fact Mr Balderstone was clear that they don’t sell cannabis from the Hemp Embassy and said he was surprised that they found what the police think is methamphetamine on the premises.
‘The police were really courteous and used their discretion and it could have been a lot worse. I think we’ll get the cash back,’ he said.
No photos of records
Concerns raised that the police were photographing the files of people the Hemp Embassy had supplied medicinal cannabis to have been dismissed by the observer from the Hemp Embassy who remained on site during the police raid.
$93,000 street value
According to police media the raid, set up as strike force Nerissa, commenced at 11.30am on Thursday, May 2 with assistance from Kyogle, and Woodenbong police.
‘Following inquiries by strike force detectives, it will be alleged a business on Cullen Street, Nimbin, was involved in supplying cannabis. The cannabis seized holds an estimated street value of $93,000,’ said the press release.
‘Following the search, a group of about 25 people were moved on from the location without incident.
‘As inquiries continue, no arrests or charges have been made.’
Meanwhile Lismore is one of the five worst areas in NSW for the horrible drug “ice”. “Ice” a chemical made by organised crime that is highly addictive and can activate extreme violence in users, it has no redeeming features. Cannabis is a non addictive, non toxic wonder plant that has numerous medical applications.
I’m trying to remember why we pay taxes… anyone?
When will this stupidity stop? It is time they accepted that Medicinal cannabis is safe to use & helps so many people. Lets catch up with the rest of the world in letting people have a safe herb to help ease what ails them.
I totally agree about “ice”, meth, MDMA & numerous other substances including alcohol, but cannabis is a danger as is anything that can be abused & it does impair your judgement whilst driving. But the lack of medical cannabis oil is truly horrific when there is a safe, natural way to treat so many things, without side effects of the type you get with even smoking, I find is astounding!
I’m from near Nimbin back visiting California where recreational cannabis is now legal. So I know the scene there and am seeing what can happen in a short time. When I lived here in Cali a decade before, it was like living in NSW is now. Heavy handed cops and drug busts. Now, there are at least ten retail stores near where I am staying and they have every kind of cannabis product imaginable. Time Australia’s governments and police wake up and smells the ganja!
Yes , we pay for the roads , such as they are,
Elections, and politians salaries and “entitialments “ and for the police to conduct
The ridiculous drug drive testing !
Our Commonwealth cousin Canada decriminalised Marijuana Nationally last year, 2018.
On the back of social, criminal and medical research. Australia would be wise to follow suit.
The studies have already occured & been documented.
The individual & social destruction Methamphetamine based drugs & “Ice” are causing, is catasrophic to families & children in the loss of functioning parents.
Affordable & available naturally grown out door pot, for recreational use. Would definately curb the attraction to easily accessed cheap elicit drugs, which can be produced in any back shed with no quality control.
The NSW Police Commisioner’s office should advise the Nothern Rivers Community and Australian public,
where the orders came from for this raid on the Nimbin Hemp Embassy, 3/05/19.
What communication was there with the NSW Liberal / National Party Government on or off the record that occured. As this unecessary action reeks of a politically motivated, ignorant righteous stunt,
Roadside drug testing needs to be developed to be specific to types of & quantities of a particular substance in a persons system. This broad brush approach is unscientific, unethical, shambolic & politically motiated.
Causing the loss of a driver’s licence, job, & means to pay rent, mortgage & feed families is reckless.
Leaving Centrelink to provide what little financial support it offers. Great plan NSW State government.
Our good service personell of the police, firebrigade, nurses & doctors who are required at short notice to do a double shift or overtime are at risk of fatigue & having a vehicle accident.
Proven to be equivalent to concentration levels of .05 – .08 alcohol in ones system, impairing reaction times & risking falling asleep at the wheel.
What do some State & Federal Govt’s do about this, “funding cut backs”.
In Australia today, injury or death by domestic violence in the family home & suicide, are some of the greatest blights on this “lucky” countries social fabric.
Not puffing on a joint.
OUR voted political representatives need a reality check and have the gumption to allow recreational & medicinal mariajuana to be legalised in a fair & equitable manner to the individual ASAP.
P.S. I use to smoke my own home grown outdoor pot, yet gave it away in 1990 by choice.
After being charged with possession of a tobacco tin of heads & slapped with a criminal record in South Australia before decriminalization.
SOLIDARITY
Regards
Vincent
It is time to stop this nonsense, pharmaceutical companies dominate government parties, too much money to be lost between them both if this wonder drug was legal. When will lives be more important than money???
Makes me so cranky to know that so much suffering could be avoided if greedy politicians knew what compassion is.
CANNABIS SATIVA
I think I’d rather cannabis sativa compared to fermented fruit, on top lay mould and scum beneath lay potent juice, this process called fermentation seems it’s fruit abuse, I think I’d rather cannabis sativa compared to rotting fruit.
I think I’d rather cannabis sativa as a form of mild intoxicant, being not too keen on the drinking scene as adverse effects are imminent. The drunken stumper of its abuse the cause of major crisis, I think I’d rather cannabis sativa the nicer of the vices.
I think I’d rather cannabis sativa, lesser proven of the evils, when used in moderation holds no physical disapproval’s, deception of its side effects are brought about by many, but people who contribute this hold bias views if any.
I think I’d rather cannabis sativa a milder drug than many.
I have not smoked weed in 13 years. Not out of avoiding a criminal record (whilst driving) or being singled out by a nice police dog. Up here drug availability is high and easily sought. I stopped because I did not want a record And to be denied an American visa. I have met people who are centrelink dependant to business people and multi millionaires. From Rastas to Christians the reason might be different but the end result the same. I met a little old granny who thinks there is not summer without enjoying a cricket match on television without having a smoke before a ball being bowled. I have met those with cancer find relief from chemo and other regimes of medicine and feel the pressure of non compliant officials that see them as criminals not as patients. Some folks see themselves notables in regards the tactics and so called megaphone politics to up the ante and seek to have the interest of themselves rather the well being of the users. It is obvious that change of legislation is part of what is needed, Facts and figures is required. And point out that the revenue collected out of sales and not by fines will increase the bottom line. Whether they feel the cut of GST revenue from the government would be bantered. But if they want a gauranteed and realiable income stream no more better than marijuana sale impost. How much for the NSW Government in income? Then let them find out. If The Premier want to be seen as progressive and creative how can she should look into it. Rather than look over her shoulder.
I believe cannabis should be decriminalised , the local independent political party in Cairns was trying to legalise , decriminalised it when I was living up there in 1992 , the fight must go on , especially for the people that really need it the most , the sick , injured & frail , then for all.
What a joke! I contemplated suicide from insomnia and these guys gave me a new life supply me with cbd oil for sleep! I tried all over the counter medications by doctors that is highly addictive and rots your liver and still nothing worked as good as the cbd,