Legalise Cannabis NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham and Greens NSW drug-law reform spokesperson Cate Faehrmann will discuss their plans for adult-use legalisation at the MardiGrass festival next month.
Buckingham will chair the state’s first inquiry into the impact of prohibition after MPs voted in favour of the move earlier this month.
Last year, the Legalise Cannabis Party introduced three identical bills in NSW, Victoria and WA in a coordinated push to legalise personal use.
Meanwhile, the Greens have pledged to do the same, including moves to allow households to grow up to 12 plants, legalise cannabis social clubs and establish a NSW Cannabis Authority to regulate the market and prevent the dominance of the industry by large corporations.
As well as a host of politicians committed to drug-law reform, overseas speakers at MardiGrass – which takes place in Nimbin from May 3-5 – include California-based cannabis specialists Dr David Bearman and Dr Jeffrey Hergenrather.
MardiGrass president Michael Balderstone said: “As far as law reform goes, we still have a long way to go… especially the tragically cruel driving laws.
“Roadside drug testing needs to be about impairment and not just the mere presence of cannabis, and we also must be allowed to grow our own plants instead of having to buy them with a prescription.
“This year’s MardiGrass is blessed with two of California’s most experienced and respected cannabis doctors… Dr David Bearman is a specialist in using cannabis to manage pain, but wants to also speak about how they deal with driving [in the US].
“Dr Jeffrey Hergenrather wants to warn us about how the use of cannabis has been commandeered by commercial interests.”
With a top line-up of musicians and comedians, plus cabaret, competitions and the grand parade and rally for cannabis law reform, MardiGrass promises to be as colourful and controversial as ever, Balderstone added.
For more information and for tickets, visit nimbinmardigrass.com.
