The Legalise Cannabis Party has selected Albury pharmacist Aimee Pearson as its candidate for next month's federal byelection in the NSW seat of Farrer, with drug driving legislation among the key issues she plans to campaign on.
Pearson's platform will also take in local healthcare concerns, including strain on Albury Hospital, and the cost-of-living pressures weighing on families across the region.
She said her background in community pharmacy and oncology, combined with personal experience at home, shaped the priorities driving her campaign.
"When my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, we saw the reality of managing chronic pain," Pearson said. "That experience really opened my eyes to how important it is that patients can actually access the treatments that work for them, and also how some of the laws just haven't kept up."
Medicinal cannabis made a "real difference" to her husband's condition, she said, and avoided a need to take opioids. Yet he could still be arrested for taking the medicine and driving, even when unimpaired.
"I've seen the benefits [of medicinal cannabis] up close, not just as a pharmacist, but at home," Pearson said.
"But what's frustrating is that the law hasn't caught up with that reality. You can follow your doctor's advice and still lose your licence. That's not how any other prescription medicine is treated.
"If you're not impaired, you shouldn't be punished, especially in regional areas where people rely on their licence. Losing it can be devastating, both personally and financially."
Beyond cannabis policy, Pearson intends to push for stronger services at Albury Hospital and better infrastructure and service delivery across border communities.
"Everyone in this community knows the pressure our health services are under, including at Albury Hospital," she said. "People shouldn't have to wait months or travel long distances just to get the care they need.
"People here are fed up with being overlooked and they're tired of the same old politics not delivering."
Legalise Cannabis Australia president Michael Balderstone said: "Aimee gets it. From healthcare to the nonsense around cannabis laws. We've got politicians in Canberra who just don't understand what's going on in the real world, and people are fed up."
The byelection is scheduled for May 9, triggered by the departure of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who had held the Farrer seat for 25 years.
Ley left parliament after Angus Taylor replaced her as leader of the party in February.
