PRESS RELEASE - 23rd May 2002

UK Shows US The Way On Cannabis!

The Nimbin Hemp Embassy applauds the decision of British MPs to re classify cannabis making possession a non-arrestable offence. We note the push for this change came from the UK police who were continually wasting their time as well as alienating half the population.

It’s a tragedy that whilst such changes are happening all over Europe, in NSW we have sniffer dogs back on the streets. Of course the dogs will mostly catch personal users and further encourage the use of harder to detect and more dangerous powders and pills instead of bulky and smelly cannabis. Half of our youth are now practicing criminal behaviour thanks to prohibition of natures most popular medicinal herbs. No wonder respect for authority is on the wane, and no wonder it’s hard to keep good people in the police.

Its also a tragedy that we have the likes of John Howard and Major Brian Watters directing drug policy, neither of whom would know which end of a joint to light. They still believe the reefer madness propaganda from the 1930’s!!

It’s also totally hypocritical that our politicians drink whisky every evening (or earlier in the day), while their children and their peers are judged criminals for their choice of drug. Every inquiry reports the same, alcohol is a far more damaging and dangerous drug, yet booze is still there promoting most major sporting events.

At Nimbin’s annual Mardi Grass earlier this month 10,000 people smoked pot together created an entirely peaceful event managed by a few police with no arrests. Imagine a booze festival as big!!!

further info Nimbin Hemp Embassy: 02 66891842
Michael Balderstone