Like many people of my generation, I had some exposure to cannabis in the 1970s. In the 1980s, alcohol was easier to access and more socially accepted, so that became the norm. I drank alcohol for most of my adult life and, over time, it became a problem.
In 2016 I suffered a work injury which led to my left hip being replaced, twice. In 2019 I was diagnosed with Chronic Pain Syndrome. That same year I moved from Sydney to Kangaroo Island.
When I arrived, I was taking morphine based pain medication. The Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic does not prescribe heavy opioids, which in hindsight did me a favour. Unfortunately, Panadol Osteo alone did not manage my pain.
I then signed up with a Cannabis Doctor and began my medical cannabis journey.
In April 2025 I had my right hip replaced. I was given opioids in hospital, but once I returned home and resumed my medical cannabis oil, my pain reduced significantly.
I now use both CBD and THC oil and flower. It is expensive, and I constantly worry about driving and losing my licence. I live remotely on Kangaroo Island, around 40 kilometres from essential services. Driving is not optional, it is essential.
I stopped drinking alcohol in 2022. Cannabis helped me do that.
In 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, melanoma and other skin cancers, along with a liver cancer scare that thankfully turned out to be lesions. Recently, I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis. I will never drink alcohol again. I genuinely believe alcohol contributed to my breast cancer, liver issues and bone health decline.
And yet alcohol is celebrated in our society, while cannabis is maligned. It makes no sense.
I am deeply opposed to roadside drug testing that only detects presence, not impairment. No one should lose their licence or their job for the presence of a prescribed medicine. We do not test people for codeine or Endone.
Cannabis is a natural medicinal plant. It does far more than just make people “stoned”. Hemp is an incredible fibre and food crop. Farmers should be able to grow it without excessive restrictions.
When I first arrived on Kangaroo Island, I spoke with a local farmer who wanted to change how he farmed. I suggested hemp. He said he would love to try it. Years later, I asked what happened. He told me government restrictions made it too hard.
That stuck with me.
One of the main reasons I am standing for the seat of Mawson in the upcoming South Australian election is to change our hemp laws. Kangaroo Island is my home and I want to see it thrive. Farmers need options.
I would love to see South Australian laws brought into line with the ACT. Ultimately, all states need to agree and make cannabis legal.
