At the end of the year 2000, the following text was
included on a tourist pamphlet. While it is still relevant,
it should be mentioned that the "junkie" population
has declined, and street marketing has become more diverse.
Advice on Cannabis
1. Use or possession of cannabis is against the law although
Police sometimes appear not to enforce cannabis laws. Remember;
not smoking cannabis is always an option.
2. If you do decide to smoke cannabis, do not drive a car for
at least 3 hours. If you have been drinking alcohol as well
as smoking cannabis, do not drive a car for at least 6 hours.
3. For the regular smoker restrict yourself to a maximum of
5 days a week and no more than 4 joints a day (most people get
by with much less).
4. Taking any drug mixed up in smoke is harmful to the lungs.
If you want to keep smoking cannabis consider buying a vaporiser
and do not smoke cigarettes.
5. You should be aware that if you always mix tobacco with
your pot, but don't smoke cigarettes you will probably become
addicted to nicotine anyway.
When this occurs you will find that you will need to service
your nicotine addiction by smoking a cannabis mix many times
a day. This is one of the worst situations to be in, especially
for youth.
6. Cookies are not a safe or soft option. If you don't know
what you are doing, eat half, and wait an hour. The effect can
last longer than smoking, be more intense, induce paranoia,
vomiting and just plain going to sleep. Take care and don't
eat too much.
7. If you have a history of mental illness, there may a danger
of precipitating a relapse, and in that situation it is safer
to not use cannabis. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant,
it would be better not to consume cannabis.
8. If you buy cannabis, try to avoid people who also sell other
illicit drugs. In Nimbin, a lot of heroin addicts (Yes Nimbin
has a junkie scene) sell cannabis on the streets to unsuspecting
tourists. Don't get ripped off or pressured and never buy pot
from kids.
9. If you want help to stop smoking cannabis, ring the Alcohol
and Drug Information Service Sydney 02 8382 2111. Outside Sydney
'1800 422 599.
10. If you use it don't abuse it. Keep it organic
.
