Legalise Cannabis WA has unveiled the first 10 candidates it will field in Assembly contests at the state's March election, with additional names expected to follow in the weeks ahead.
The party described the candidates as bringing "a wealth of experience from all walks of life, alongside a firm commitment to the reform of cannabis laws across Western Australia."
Practising barrister and RAAF veteran Christopher Cole will challenge Labor's road safety minister David Michael in Balcatta. In Butler — the seat long held by attorney general John Quigley — LCWA has endorsed Ramon Grandos, a civil engineer and CEO of a specialist hemp engineering firm.
Local businessman and graphic designer Steve Emmons will contest Forrestfield against Labor's Stephen Price and the Liberals' George Tilbury. In the port city of Fremantle, David Foley, a young boilermaker and medicinal cannabis advocate, will take on sitting minister Simone McGurk.
Long-time campaigner and cancer survivor Sam Law will draw on her personal experience with cannabis as medicine during her campaign in Joondalup. In Kalamunda, experienced nurse Penelope Young will offer voters an alternative to Labor's Matthew Hughes.
Aviation mechanic and mother Jane Southworth will carry the party's drug reform message in Midland. In Mindarie, university researcher Lee Hunt will bring direct knowledge of the Canadian cannabis system to his contest against Labor's Mark Folkard.
Farmer and permaculture advocate Aaron Peet will run in Warren-Blackwood, one of the more attainable seats in the state, which Labor currently holds with a 2% margin. Completing the initial ten, mining sector manager and ADF veteran Elliot Taylor will challenge treasurer Rita Saffioti in West Swan.
In the upper house, sitting MP Dr Brian Walker leads the ticket, followed by Melissa D'Ath, Dr Craig Buchanan and Frances Barns.
The party expects to announce additional Assembly candidates over the coming fortnight.
