Legalise Cannabis NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham and Greens NSW drug-law reform spokesperson Cate Faehrmann are set to outline their adult-use legalisation agendas at next month's MardiGrass festival in Nimbin.
Buckingham will chair the state's first inquiry into the effects of prohibition, following a vote by MPs in support of the move earlier this month.
The Legalise Cannabis Party tabled three matching bills last year across NSW, Victoria and WA as part of a coordinated effort to decriminalise personal use.
The Greens have also committed to legalisation, with a platform that includes permitting households to cultivate up to 12 plants, legalising cannabis social clubs, and creating a NSW Cannabis Authority to oversee the market and guard against corporate monopolisation of the industry.
Alongside the various pro-reform politicians attending, MardiGrass — running in Nimbin from May 3–5 — will feature international guests including 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."
Balderstone added that with a strong lineup of musicians and comedians alongside cabaret, competitions, the grand parade and a cannabis law reform rally, this year's MardiGrass is shaping up to be as vibrant and provocative as previous editions.
For more information and tickets, visit nimbinmardigrass.com.
