Due to the last minute unavailability of the number one candidate for the Legalise Cannabis Party in NSW, Miles Hunt, number two candidate Michael Balderstone will be appearing in Byron Bay tonight at the Meet the Candidates forum in the Byron Theatre, a free event being organised by Echo Publications and BayFM Community Radio.
Former stockbroker and now hemp ambassador Mr Balderstone says he believes in personal freedoms, government transparency and ending the criminalisation of cannabis users, with his party’s campaign focusing on what they describe as sensible drug policy, social justice and economic opportunities for regional communities through sustainable hemp farming.
‘Cannabis isn’t legal until you can grow it and buy it freely and drive normally like everyone else,’ he said. ‘We are not criminals — set us free, bring back respect.’
Michael Balderstone is asking voters not to vote for him personally but to look for the leaf above the line and tick that box. ‘Miles is the man for the job in Canberra—I’m better off in Nimbin. But if Miles wins, I’ll be down there a lot because he’s promised me a job: introducing cannabis to every politician.
‘They don’t have to get stoned; it can be CBD. But let’s get over the stigma — the fear from a century of lies and propaganda. I want to undo that.’
Tonight’s free forum, including a Q&A, will run from 6-8pm in the Byron Community Centre, and will also be broadcast live on BayFM Community Radio. Tickets are available here.
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