NEWS & MEDIA

Legalise Cannabis Party Fields Aimee Pearson In Farrer By-Election

The Legalise Cannabis Party has confirmed Aimee Pearson as its candidate for the upcoming Farrer By-election, putting forward a healthcare professional with real-world experience and a practical understanding of the issues facing...

Advocating For Change At My Joint

We’re at crossroads when it comes to cannabis reform.On the one hand, liberalisation is sweeping the globe. You can literally walk into a shop in many parts of the world, talk to...

Cape To Cape For Cannabis Walk

The Cape to Cape for Cannabis walk was the highlight for April. Brian joined hundreds of medicinal cannabis patients, doctors, researchers and industry leaders for four days on the Cape to Cape...

420 In NSW: From Rebellion To Community

20 April used to feel like a complete act of defiance. A date marked by rebellion, coded language and a sense that you were stepping outside the rules. Like many movements born...

420 Celebrated With A ‘High’ Tea In Melbourne’s West

The cannabis community held a ‘high’ tea in Melbourne’s west on 420/20 April to celebrate all things cannabis and to highlight the urgent need for law reform.David Ettershank MP said in previous...

Stafford By-Election

From parts of Alderley through Chermside, Grange, Kedron and Newmarket to Stafford, Stafford-and Wavell Heights and Wilston, Legalise Cannabis Queensland (LCQ) has you covered for Cannabis Law Reform!Current Interim LCQ Party President,...

420 In South Australia

After months of busy campaigning for the SA State Election this past March, the Legalise Cannabis South Australia Party took it easy for 420 this year, relaxing on the grass at the...

Message from Michael - April 2026

Hello Legalise Cannabis Party Members,Nimbin had a very happy and peaceful 420 last Monday, with the Oasis Cafe rocking to an African beat, in clouds of local ganja smoke. No sign of...

The Seedlings Present the Melbourne to Nimbin Road Trip

Ever found yourself staring at an extinguished joint, lost in a daydream, thinking, “One day I’ll actually get to MardiGrass…”—only to have life, work, the driving laws or the lack of a...

A Campaign Built on Visibility, Community and Momentum in South Australia

With voting complete for the 2026 South Australian State Election, the Legalise Cannabis South Australia Party delivered a highly visible and energetic Campaign. While the final results remain uncertain in the Upper...

WA’s Boldest Cannabis Reform Bill Hits Parliament

Dr Brian Walker has just tabled the Misuse of Drugs Amendment (Lawful Personal Use of Cannabis) Bill 2026 in the Legislative Council. The Bill proposes decriminalising personal cannabis use for adults in...

RDT Reform… Now We Wait for the Details

For those who have been pushing on roadside drug testing laws for years, we know it is relieving to hear of movement from government, let alone a Premier confirming reform in Budget...

Equal Opportunity Act Needs to Stop Discrimination Based on Medication

Victorians should not be discriminated against based on their medication—including ADHD prescriptions, medicinal cannabis or pain medication. Legalise Cannabis Victoria is introducing a Private Members’ Bill that could end that bigotry. MPs...

Breaking Through: How Legalise Cannabis South Australia Cut Through the Noise in 2026

In an election cycle where attention is everything and minor parties are often shut out of the conversation, the Legalise Cannabis South Australia Party has done something remarkable, it has broken through....

MY JOINT: A New Podcast by Rachel Payne MP!

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new podcast by Rachel Payne MP, My Joint: Conversations about Cannabis. You are invited to our Launch Party and we hope you’ll listen to—and share—the podcast....

Queensland Drug Policy Takes A Step Backward

It has been a busy year in Queensland politics, since the October 2024 Election and unfortunately for cannabis consumers, the direction of travel has been backward rather than forward.One of the most...

Take Action: Email Your State MP

Writing a compelling email to your elected representative is one of the most effective ways to advocate for drug law reform. For example, in Victoria, coordinated letter-writing campaigns by supporters of sensible...

Pill Testing for Harm Reduction in NSW

The death of a man at the Dreamstate music event at Sydney Olympic Park recently is tragic. One life lost, others hospitalised after consuming what they thought was just MDMA.What we already...

In the Coming Weeks

Parliament resumes in late February, noting:Legalise Cannabis Western Australia (LCWA) has Non-Government Business, mid-March and plans to reintroduce our Cannabis Legalisation Bill and most likely debate societal damage caused by alcohol, compared...

Campaign HQ Launch, Froth & Fury and the Hemp Mobile Tour

In late January the official opening of Legalise Cannabis South Australia’s Campaign HQ was held, after the office had been highly decoratively cannabis wrapped! You’ll find the Party’s Lead Legislative Council candidate,...

NSW Parliament is Back and Jeremy Hit the Ground Running

Parliament has just resumed for 2026 and Jeremy Buckingham has wasted no time getting straight to work.Cannabis Inquiry: Cross-Party Agreement on ReformLast week, as Chair of the inquiry into the Impact of the...

Acknowledgement of Melody Lindsay

The Legalise Cannabis Queensland (LCQ) Party Committee would like to acknowledge the resignation of Melody Lindsay as President (for personal reasons). The Committee would like to thank Melody, most sincerely, for her...

Drug Driving Review in Queensland

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Land Transport Safety and Regulation Branch, under the former ALP Queensland Government, was tasked with a Drug Driving Review. The Recommendations from this review are...

The Endocannabinoid System – Your Body’s Built In Balance

What Is the Endocannabinoid System? The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a natural communication network found throughout the human body in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells.Its main job is...

Massachusetts protects cannabis rights at work

Massachusetts lawmakers have advanced a bill to provide employment protections for people who use marijuana.Members of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on Friday passed the legislation from Rep. Chynah...

Canadians See Cannabis as Key to the Economy

A majority of Canadians say the marijuana sector that’s emerged since cannabis was legalized nationwide seven years ago is an “important contributor” to the country’s economy, according to a new poll that...

When Cannabis and Tobacco Combine, Your Brain’s “Bliss Molecule” Takes a Hit

New brain scans reveal how mixing the two alters mood and addiction chemistry If you’re one of the millions of people who mix tobacco with cannabis, in a joint, a blunt, or...

Victorian Government Back Down On Cannabis Law Reform

Victoria’s Labor Government has chosen to ignore the advice of top experts and announced it will not decriminalise cannabis in its response to a parliamentary report calling for ACT-style decriminalisation. Legalise Cannabis...

Sowing the Seeds of a Green Industrial Revolution

Last month Jeremy Buckingham hit the road to Moree with Minister Tara Moriarty to visit Keytah, the remarkable property of David and Danielle Statham, for a deep dive into the future of...

We Drive Change and Walk for Cannabis

In Western Australia, something powerful is happening. Dr Brian Walker has spent years fighting for a simple truth: patients who follow their doctor’s advice should not be punished for it. Right now,...

Young Women are one of the Fastest Growing Groups of Cannabis Consumers

Rachel Payne held a ‘Women’s Health and Cannabis’ Forum last week which attracted over 100 registrations, with many notables from the cannabis industry and former MP, Fiona Patten. The event was held...

Petition and Candidature for SA State Election

If you are interested in becoming a candidate for the upcoming State Election in March 2026, Legalise Cannabis South Australia is still looking for candidates for the House of Assembly (the Lower...

Regeneration Over Exploitation: A Just Future for People and Planet

Following on from last month’s Energy Policy, LCQ Party is pleased to provide their Environment Policy. The Party’s Environment Policy objectives include transitioning Queensland (and Australia) to a circular, regenerative economy; restoring...

Cannabis blunts back pain in 2 new studies

Why This Matters for Cancer PainPain remains prevalent in cancer care and clinicians seek options that balance relief with safety. This cross-sectional analysis used Optum commercial claims from 2007 to 2020 and...

TGA Medical Cannabis Review, Submission by Legalise Cannabis

Public Consultation Medical Cannabis Review October 2025 Summary Australians have been using illicit Cannabis sativa (cannabis) for as long as Australia has been a nation. Restricting access and penalising possession, use and/or cultivation,...

What Happened to the Sticky, Aromatic Cannabis Buds From the Mid-1990s?

The most common question I have received over the years has been: “What happened to the sticky, stinky buds of yesteryear?” The simple answer is that the lion's share of commercial cannabis...

The “Entourage Effect”

Cannabis and Its Complexity Cannabis is an exceptionally complex plant. Scientists have identified over 750 different metabolites within it, many of which interact with the human body in unique ways. These include:...

AHPRA tells pharmacists to think twice on cannabis scripts

Pharmacists have been cautioned that they must exercise their independent judgement in ensuring that medicinal cannabis is “safe and appropriate” for patients before filling a script, as AHPRA continues to crack down...

NSW Govt rejects cannabis overhaul but leaves door open for policy reform

The NSW government has rejected every recommendation made by a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s cannabis regulatory framework, but flagged some issues – including drug driving – may be revisited in its...

LCSA Launches Their Statewide Policy Tour

On 11 September, LCSA launched their statewide Policy Tour, the Tour d’SA, and announced their Lead Candidate for the Legislative Council, Jessica Nies, in style, on the steps of South Australia’s Parliament...

Strong Result in Kiama By-Election

The Kiama by-election on 13 September was the second one the Legalise Cannabis NSW Party has contested since the 2023 state election.As with the Port Macquarie contest back in March, Kiama was...

The Road to Justice

Experts and MPs Unite to Call for Reform of Cannabis Driving Laws NSW’s roadside drug testing regime is under renewed scrutiny after a parliamentary forum heard that the current laws unfairly penalise...

Former Drug Court Magistrate Demands Cannabis Law Change

The former supervising magistrate of the Victorian Drug Court and an ally of Legalise Cannabis, Tony Parsons, delivered the prestigious 2025 Penington Institute Oration at Victoria’s Parliament House calling for an urgent...

Momentum Building in Western Australia

It’s exciting to see the momentum building in Western Australia. The recent LCWA AGM was a huge success and congratulations to all who put their hand up to serve in the year...

LCQ Announces Energy Policy

Following on from last month’s Housing Policy, LCQ Party is pleased to provide their Energy Policy. The Party’s Energy Policy objectives include positioning industrial hemp as a cornerstone of bioenergy, sustainable construction...

How Big Pharma Plans to Destroy the Cannabis Industry As We Know It

Exposing Pharma Strategies to Dominate the US Cannabis Market - by Theresa Yarbrough, Georgia Cannabis Industry Alliance Introduction Federal rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances...

Hemp Seed Oil Has ‘Superior Effectiveness’ In Healing Wounds

Hemp seed oil can help accelerate healing of skin wounds—a promising development that authors say indicates that “hemp seed oil may serve as a promising natural and cost-effective adjunct for wound management”...

LCSA Getting Ready to Roll

Thanks to recent changes to Electoral Laws in South Australia, the Party will be given Advanced Funding that is intended to “level the paying field” in election campaigns. The committee plans on...

Big Win in Fight to Change Discriminatory Workplace Drug Testing Laws in Victoria

Legalise Cannabis Victoria has had another win as it battles to wind back workplace drug testing laws that hurt medicinal cannabis patients. LCV’s motion, calling on the Allan Government to commit to...

Language Shouldn't Get You Locked Up

Here’s the rub, New South Wales still has a law on the books that can land you in court for swearing at the air. We're not kidding. Section 4A of the Summary...

Switzerland lays the groundwork for adult-use cannabis

Two years after launching its first pilot projects for the regulated distribution of recreational cannabis, Switzerland is now laying the groundwork for full national reform. In cities including Lausanne, Zurich, Bern, Geneva...

What Is Micro-Dosing Cannabis And Why Is It So Popular?

What Is Cannabis Micro-Dosing? Cannabis micro-dosing can be as simple as consuming very low, precise doses of THC. This means you can experience nuanced therapeutic effects while avoiding the noticeable, impactful psychoactivity....

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a shift that could ease criminal penalties and reshape the pot industry by lowering tax burdens...

Cannabis Use by Older Adults Linked to Younger Brains

A new study suggests that cannabis use by older adults slows the aging of their brains and may even improve cognitive function. An international research team analyzed extensive health data on over...

Cannabis Is An Effective Treatment For Chronic Pain

The use of medical cannabis is an “effective treatment option” for chronic pain patients, according to the findings of a recent study. The research also found that chronic pain patients who used...

Cannabis for Sleep

Cannabis, also called marijuana, is widely used as a sleep aid, both recreationally and among medical users. Around 70% of young adults that casually use cannabis report that they do so to...

Australia: University research aims to boost hemp yields

A new Southern Cross University research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to fifty per cent, in what could be a game-changer for the industry's...

A new study finds that consuming cannabis does not raise risk of heart attack for older adults

A new study brings reassuring news for older adults using cannabis: smoking or consuming cannabis does not appear to raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death—at least among older...

Czech President Signs Bill to Decriminalise Cannabis

The President of the Czech Republic has signed a bill that decriminalizes recreational cannabis for personal use and home cultivation, but not its sale. President Petr Pavel signed several laws on July...

Poll: US Consumers Prefer ‘Clean’ Cannabis

A recent survey indicates the vast majority of cannabis consumers in the USA want their cannabis decontaminated – even if many aren’t aware of what’s involved. First off, it’s important to note...

The Use of THC is Associated with an Increase in Survival Time in Palliative Cancer Patients

The data of the study show an significant impact of THC on survival in ambulatory palliative care patients which survive the prescription by at least 7 days and use more than 4.7...

Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Summary: Recreational cannabis use may be associated with a significant decrease in the odds of experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults over 45. Analyzing data from the CDC’s 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor...

NSW politicians say cannabis decriminalisation inevitable

New South Wales government members have suggested cannabis reform is inevitable in the state after a parliamentary inquiry found the current regime is discriminatory because people with means can obtain medicinal cannabis...

The Growing List of Topical Cannabinoid Applications

Cannabis products offer a variety of consumption options for users to choose from, including edibles, joints, vapes, and suppositories. These dosage formats fit different needs and consumer preferences, but cannabis products can...

Cannabis Use Doesn't Affect Sperm Quality, New Study Finds

A recent study from the Boston University School of Public Health indicates that cannabis use does not significantly impact sperm quality. Researchers analysed semen samples from 921 men, assessing semen volume, total...

Australian cannabis industry struggles to gain foothold in flood of imports

The newly formed Australian Cannabis Cultivators Guild, which represents a majority of the country’s licensed cannabis producers, recently sent a letter to the federal health minister warning that without the government’s assistance,...

THC Beverages Study Looking to Explore Wellness Alternative Possibility to Alcohol

THC beverage study will investigate how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) beverages may have on alcohol consumption, overall quality of life, and mood. The study will take place over three weeks and is seeking up...

Strong Results & Growing Momentum

Published: 6 May 2025 We’ve just wrapped up our biggest federal campaign yet. We contested over 40 House of Representatives seats and delivered some outstanding results. From Leichhardt in Far North Queensland...

THC for Rest and Recovery: Why Some Basketball Players Turn to Cannabis

Cannabis use is gaining attention in professional sports. More leagues are relaxing rules around cannabis, allowing players to explore the soothing benefits of cannabinoids. In particular, basketball players have started to use THC...

Scientists Just Found a THC-Free Cannabis Compound That May Replace Opioids

Terpenes from the Cannabis sativa plant may offer a promising new approach to treating fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain, according to research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences, published in Pharmacological Reports. This study builds...

New cannabis formula will help epilepsy, multiple sclerosis sufferers

Scientists at the University of South Australia have come up with an innovative solution to improve the effectiveness of cannabidiol to treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive...

Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023

The Victorian Legislative Council's Legal and Social Issues Committee has released a comprehensive report on the inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis)...

Business Analysts See ‘Sudden Spike’ In Use Of Cannabis As An Alcohol Alternative

Americans are continuing to use cannabis as a substitute for other drugs, with analysts reporting a “sudden spike” in the consumption of cannabis as an alternative to alcohol in 2024. An analysis...

Youth drug use defies expectations, continues historic decline

Adolescent drug use continued to drop in 2024, building on and extending the historically large decreases that occurred during the pandemic onset in 2020. “I expected adolescent drug use would rebound at...

Does Cannabis Enhance Music?

After publishing findings last year that cannabis enhances users’ enjoyment of music, researchers in Toronto, Canada are setting out to explore in more detail exactly how cannabis affects people’s musical perception and...

Why Cannabis Will Never Be On The PBS

The Government cannot simply add a medicine to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The process is complex and depends on the company that makes the medicine. Here’s how it works: The company...

LCP Calls for Cannabis Legalisation to Break the Cycle of Youth Criminalisation

The Legalise Cannabis Party (LCP) is calling for urgent cannabis law reform in Australia, highlighting the devastating impact of prohibition on young people, particularly Aboriginal youth. LCP NSW Senate candidate and lawyer, Miles...

With more Americans able to access legalised cannabis, fewer are picking up prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that in American states where both medical and recreational cannabis are legal, fewer patients are filling prescriptions for medications used to treat anxiety....

US Cannabis Dispensaries Linked to Fewer Opioid Deaths and No Increase in Road Fatalities

The Public Health Institute in California assessed the relationship between cannabis retail store density and countywide mortality rates from suicide, motor vehicle accidents, opioid poisoning, homicide and accidental poisonings in Washington state....

Study Reveals Potential Use of CBD to Reduce Cravings in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients

A recent study published in Nature: Molecular Psychiatry, revealed exciting data findings that were witnessed in a double-blind randomised controlled ICONIC trial that researched the connection between cannabidiol (CBD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD)....

Cannabis Reform in The ACT Showing Promising Results

A study of more than 300 household cannabis growers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) shows an overall positive attitude around legislative reform enacted in 2020, despite some lack of clarity around...

Press Release: Legalise Cannabis Party calls out Meta's hypocrisy on free speech

Legalise Cannabis Australia senate candidates have accused Meta of hypocrisy for the continuous censorship of their Party on its platforms. Meta routinely shadow bans the Legalise Cannabis Party’s posts and pages, drastically reducing...

Cutting-edge LED technology is transforming cannabis cultivation

South Africa's cannabis industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by technological innovation and progressive legislation. Since the landmark decriminalisation in 2019, farmers are discovering a lucrative new frontier in agricultural production.Indoor...

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis-associated chronic pain can be disabling, affecting a patient’s quality of life through reduced sleep quality, mood disturbance, interference with social relations, and diminished cognitive function. This has a wider economic impact,...

Brazilian study transforms 14 cannabis seeds into 4,000 seedlings

The study used mini-cutting techniques , already established in other cultures, such as forestry, and adapted them for cannabis production. According to Gustavo Baesso, forestry engineer and managing partner of Buds INC, this approach...

Opioid deaths decline “immediately” following legalisation of cannabis, research shows

A new study has revealed that deaths caused by opioid overdose in the USA go down directly after the legalisation of recreational cannabis. The study also showed that states which changed their...

Chronic pain patients are more supportive of cannabis access than doctors

Adults with chronic pain are significantly more supportive of policies expanding cannabis access than the physicians who treat them, according to a study from Rutgers Health and other institutions. The study, published...

Cannabinoid CBG reduces anxiety and stress in first human clinical trial

A lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining in popularity Cannabigerol (CBG) effectively reduced anxiety in a clinical trial without the intoxication typically associated with whole plant cannabis. It may even have some memory...

Medical Cannabis Access Expands in Czech Republic with New GP Prescription Law

Thousands more doctors in the Czech Republic will soon be permitted to prescribe medical cannabis under a new decree published by the Ministry of Health. From April 2025, the country’s 5,000 general...

Physicians call for health-first approach to drug policy

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is calling for drug policy that puts people’s health first in its latest position statement. The position statement focuses on the need to have a comprehensive...

As cigarette prices soar, Australians aged 50+ turn to cannabis

New research from Curtin University has revealed increasing cigarette prices over the past several years have seen more older Australians turn to cannabis use as an alternative. Researchers from Curtin’s School of Accounting, Economics and...

Penington Institute launches "Regulate It?" campaign to encourage cannabis discussion in Victoria

Drug policy think tank the Penington Institute has launched a campaign encouraging Victorians to consider their stance on cannabis regulation in a bid to kickstart a conversation around the issue. The ‘Regulate...

‘War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly’: UN human rights chief

Speaking at the ‘Dealing with Drugs II’ conference in Warsaw on Thursday, High Commissioner Volker Türk highlighted the urgent need for a human rights-based approach to drug regulation, pointing to record numbers of...

Millennials are shaping cannabis culture in US & Canada

A new demographics report in cannabis trends offers valuable insights into the age, gender, and geography of cannabis sales in Canada and the United States. Key Findings Age Demographics Millennials and Gen...

Clinical Evidence Supports Cannabis 'Entourage Effect'

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Colorado has provided compelling evidence for the long-debated "entourage effect" in cannabis. This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study focused...

NSW Parliamentary Inquiry Recommends Immediate Steps Towards Decriminalising Cannabis

The NSW parliamentary committee inquiry has recommended steps towards the decriminalisation of cannabis, despite Premier Chris Minns' stated refusal to progress drug decriminalisation laws in the state. The inquiry, chaired by NSW...

National Survey Reveals More Than One-Third of U.S. Women Consume Cannabis

The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of MedMen, found that more than one-third (37%) of American women aged 21+ consume cannabis, and more than one in four (28%)...

Dispensaries are America’s new corner shop

Most Americans now live in a state that has legalised the drug. And most also have at least one cannabis dispensary in their county, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis....

Victoria Plans Reform for Medical Cannabis Patients Who Drive

Victoria is proposing changes to protect medical cannabis patients from automatic licence cancellation. This groundbreaking reform acknowledges a crucial gap in current legislation that affects thousands of prescribed patients. Currently, medical cannabis...

California's Legislation: Dutch-Style Cannabis Cafes Coming Soon

California has taken a bold step forward in cannabis legislation, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing Assembly Bill 1775 into law on October 1, 2024. This groundbreaking legislation allows for Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes...

Cannabis Sales Outpace Chocolate and Craft Beer in the US

The legal cannabis market in the US has seen remarkable growth in recent years, achieving a significant milestone. According to a report from MJBizDaily, Americans spent an impressive $30 billion on legal...

Blackmore Family donates $10 million for naturopathic research

Southern Cross University has received a $10 million gift from the Blackmore Family Foundation to further research and education in naturopathic medicine. This is the second major contribution from the Blackmore Family...

Cannabis in the ACT: Know the Facts

While cannabis remains largely prohibited across the nation, the ACT has decriminalised personal use and cultivation, offering its residents a unique degree of freedom. Let's delve into the specifics of these laws,...

Exploring the Potential of Home Cultivation for Medicinal Cannabis Users in Australia

Medicinal cannabis has proven its efficacy in treating a range of conditions, from chronic pain to epilepsy. However, the high cost of legally obtained medicinal cannabis products remains a significant obstacle for...

Workplace Drug Testing in Victoria

A new report has found that employees prescribed medicinal cannabis have lost their jobs or faced disciplinary action in Victoria. The report, produced by the Victorian Government’s Legal and Social Issues Committee,...

Cannabis and Muscle Spasms

Medical cannabis is increasingly recognised for its potential to alleviate muscle spasms, with evidence primarily emerging from multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Muscle spasms, or involuntary hypertonicity, can be caused by a variety...

Germany sets cannabis driving limits while NSW continues to criminalise users

German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed off on legislation a fortnight ago to set a limit for driving under the influence of cannabis, with the new legal limit that's now taken effect being...

Lead Candidate Announcement

We are delighted to announce our lead Senate candidates for Victoria and NSW for the upcoming Federal election. In Victoria, Fiona Patten will be known to many of you. She was first elected to Victoria’s State Parliament...

Could cannabis ease suffering for rural palliative care patients?

Terminally ill people in rural Australia have fewer options when it comes to symptom relief. Could medicinal cannabis be the answer? A new Mater medical trial will offer palliative care patients in rural and regional...

What are the drug-driving laws really costing you?

This podcast discusses cannabis driving law reform, focusing on the impact of current laws on medical cannabis patients. The podcast is hosted by Martin Lane, co-founder of Cannabiz, and David Ettershank, an...

First year of legal home grow yields big returns for these medical cannabis patients

Growing cannabis at home has been “pretty darn rewarding” for Joseph Diaz. He’s one of many Minnesotans who are medical patients that are growing their own cannabis after Minnesota legalized home grow...

Justice finally looming for medicinal cannabis patients

Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham has called on the NSW Government to follow Victoria’s lead and investigate a defence for unimpaired medical cannabis drivers. In a historic move this afternoon, the Allan...

Victorian Sporting Legends Back Medicinal Cannabis Drivers

A trio of Aussie sporting heroes is stepping up to the plate for medicinal cannabis users. AFL coaches Damien Hardwick and Alastair Clarkson, along with champion jockey Damien Oliver, are urging the...

Cannabis and Mental Health: Cannabis for Psychiatric Disorders

Recent studies have shed light on the potential of medicinal cannabis in addressing various psychiatric conditions, while also raising questions about its impact on psychosis. No Increased Risk of Psychosis in High-Risk...

The rise of the ‘Cannamums’

Modern mothers often need support with overwhelm and anxiety—and for some of us, that help can be surreptitiously puffed in the backyard while Peppa Pig entertains the little ones. While a glass of...

Daily Cannabis Use Overtakes Daily Alcohol Consumption in the US: A New Era of Substance Use?

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Addiction has revealed a significant shift in substance use trends in the United States: for the first time, more Americans report using cannabis daily or...

Latest wastewater results give Aussies bronze medal for cannabis use

Australia ranks third for cannabis consumption amongst developed nations, according to the latest drug wastewater report out today. On any one day, 14 per cent of Aussies have consumed the drug, compared...

NSW Government announces four-day drug summit before the end of this year.

A NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced the dates for a four-day Sydney and regional drug summit, alongside a $33.9m funding boost to create and support 12 drug and alcohol support hubs....

Brazil’s Supreme Court decriminalises possession of cannabis for personal use

Brazil's Supreme Court has made a historic decision to decriminalise the possession of cannabis for personal use, marking a significant shift in the nation’s drug policy. This ruling, long-awaited by activists and...

Legalise Cannabis, Animal Justice, and Greens Lead Charge for Permanent Pill Testing in Victoria

Legalise Cannabis, Animal Justice, and Greens Lead Charge for Permanent Pill Testing in Victoria Victoria has announced that its pill testing service, after an 18-month trial, will become permanent, influenced by persistent...

Where is Cannabis Legal in Europe?

Here's a quick overview: ✅ Legalised: Malta: First EU country to fully legalise adult-use, with non-profit cannabis clubs leading the way. Luxembourg: Home cultivation of up to 4 plants now legal, with...

Cannabidiol - an effective analgesic for toothache?

The study by Chrepa et al. is a randomised, placebo-controlled, triple-arm, phase IIA clinical trial with double masking which investigates the effectiveness and safety of Cannabidiol (CBD) as an analgesic for acute...

Hemp Bill Gives Victorian Farmers Opportunity to Grow VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is backing a private members Bill that would remove regulations stopping farmers from growing industrial hemp. VFF President Emma Germano said the Hemp Industry Bill 2024 introduced into the...

Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis – UK Medical Cannabis Registry

Whilst disease-modifying therapies are the cornerstone for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a need to develop novel therapeutics for the symptomatic sequalae of the disease. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) have...

LGBT people’s use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people can be at an increased risk of alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems (Department of Health and Aged Care 2017). These increased risks may...

Local hemp dreams heard

Farmers, community members and potential investors gathered at Barham this week to learn more about an exciting opportunity for the region. Attendees listened to how the growing, processing and value-adding of industrial...

Drug Driving in NSW: Lawful Cannabis Use and Honest Mistake Are No Defence

The medicinal cannabis industry in Australia was long criticised for its slow laborious movement towards accessible product. However, over recent years, the snail pace has developed into a gallop, as the nation,...

New study suggests it's time to ditch long-held stereotypes about cannabis

People who use cannabis are not as lazy and unmotivated as stereotypes suggest, according to new U of T Scarborough research. The study, published by the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, surveyed chronic cannabis...

The history of medical cannabis in ancient China

Noodles, dumplings, and paper: when you think of Chinese innovations, the last thing that comes to mind is cannabis. Yet the Chinese were the first to come up with a documented medicinal...

Victorian RDT trial to take 2 years

The Victorian Labor Government has advised LCV that the closed-circuit track driving trial for medicinal cannabis patients won’t be completed until mid-2026. This directly contradicts their previous undertaking that it would be...

Biden Makes Historic Cannabis Rescheduling Announcement

President Joe Biden has announced that his administration is officially moving to reschedule cannabis under federal law, applauding the “monumental” action that follows an extensive administrative review that he directed. The Justice...

RDT trial receives almost $5 million in Victorian Budget

The battle to change unjust roadside drug testing laws saw a significant win with the announcement of $4.9 million in the Victorian Budget to fund a trial. Speaking in a recent Cannabiz podcast,...

Age-related Patterns of Medical Cannabis Use: A Survey of Authorised Patients in Canada

An increasing number of Canadians are registering as authorized users of medical cannabis. Older patients comprise a growing subset of this population; however, relatively little information exists around age-related patterns of medical...

New Research Suggests Legalistion May Reduce Youth Substance Use

A new report published by the the American Medical Association (AMA) finds that neither adult-use cannabis legalisation nor the opening of retail stores in U.S. states led to increases in youth cannabis...

Introducing Permanent Stays Bill NSW

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse broke open the dark and often unspoken truths of child sexual abuse in a way that henceforth no-one could ever hide behind...

Nimbin Mardi Grass: A Celebration of Cannabis Culture and Freedom

Tucked away in the lush hinterlands of Northern New South Wales, Australia, lies the counter-culture haven of Nimbin. This quirky village is infamous for its open embrace of cannabis culture, and each...

Hundreds of supporters attend picnic rally, 36 arrested at Melbourne park

Police have swarmed on a pro-marijuana rally where hundreds where campaigning for the legalisation of the drug. At least 36 people were arrested at an annual pro-cannabis picnic at Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens....

3WA Interview- David Ettershank on 420 in the park 2024

MP David Ettershank has hit out at Victorian Police Commissioner, Shane Patton, after the top cop said police will ensure no one breaks the law at a 420 event this Saturday. Member...

This telehealth service changed Fiona’s life, but now it’s out of money

A world-first telehealth psychiatry service is at risk of closing despite needing only $400,000 a year to survive, amid a growing push for a payroll tax levy to help fund NSW’s ballooning...

Media Release: Melbourne Legalise Advocates To Join International Cannabis Celebrations on Saturday, April 20

MPs and advocates for the legalisation of cannabis will join the international 420 cannabis celebrations on Saturday, April 20, gathering in Flagstaff Gardens from 2pm. Following heavy handed policing at last year’s...

Call to Boost Mental Health Funding Following Bondi Attack

Deliberations for the NSW Budget will include a bid to introduce a payroll levy on the state’s largest employers to reverse a slide in mental health funding. Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham...

Judge Recognises that Medicinal Cannabis Producers are Not Criminals

The benefits of cannabis medicine are becoming widely accepted within the Australian community. However, laws around the non-profit cultivation of the plant to help the sick continue to carry the same level...

Uruguay: Pioneering Recreational Cannabis Legalisation

Uruguay was the first country in the world to legalise cannabis and has a history of progressive drug policies, with personal possession of drugs being decriminalised as early as 1974. In December...

Hempcrete Pottery

Hemp can be used to make Hempcrete pottery. The process involves creating a mould of the desired shape, then filling it with a mixture of hemp and lime. The hempcrete would then...

Bioplastics from Hemp

Hemp bioplastic is mostly made from the cellulose found in the bast fibre of hemp plants. It is produced by extracting the cellulose and converting it into a polymer that can be...

Hemp Fabric: 100% Biodegradable and Grown Pesticide Free

Imagine a fabric that caters to all your needs - comfort, breathability, and durability. A fabric stronger than cotton, making it a long lasting addition to your wardrobe. A fabric that breathes...

Hemp Paper: The Eco-Concious Choice

HEMP PAPER Hemp paper offers numerous advantages over traditional tree based paper, making it a beneficial and viable alternative. Rapid Growth and Sustainability Hemp paper is sustainable. Unlike trees, which can take...

Could medicinal cannabis be the answer to the pain of endometriosis?

Deakin researchers are exploring the potential use of medicinal cannabis for pain management in people with endometriosis. The 'EndoCannED' trial will look at whether prescribing medicinal cannabis instead of opioids can reduce...

About time’: NSW launches inquiry into legalising cannabis

Australia’s biggest state will launch a probe into laws surrounding the prohibition of cannabis, with one MP claiming the legalisation of weed could save the state billions of dollars. An upper house...

Transforming Cannabis Laws in NSW: A Historic Inquiry

In a groundbreaking session of the NSW Parliament, The Hon. Jeremy Buckingham has initiated a call for an in-depth inquiry into the regulatory framework for cannabis in New South Wales. This comprehensive...

Media Release: WA Cannabis Party Doubles Down

In another parliamentary first, Legalise Cannabis WA MPs Dr Brian Walker and Sophia Moermond today tabled not one, but two cannabis bills. Following their anticipated attempt to legislate for adult recreational use...

Why Cannabis Will Be Legalised In The Next Decade

One of Australia's most experienced and respected senior police officers has stepped up his campaign to regulate cannabis and believes the drug will be freely and legally available within five years. Mick...

Hempcrete facility on Mid North Coast paves way for alternative building materials

Former footballer Anthony Coffey discovered the benefits of hemp for its medicinal properties when he was living with chronic pain from sports injuries. His exploration of hemp growing for medical purchases led...

Adelaide driver disputes loss of licence following official drug test proving he was not under the influence

Published on www.abc.net.au An Adelaide man who falsely tested positive on a roadside drug screening has been issued a three-month loss of licence, despite official follow-up laboratory results revealing he was not...

Turning Pain into Power with Medical Cannabis

I am a 32-year-old father of 4. Before this, I had only had experiences with cannabis in my teens. I rarely drink alcohol and can go months or years without drinking a...

NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson acknowledges calls for NSW to expand psilocybin, MDMA treatments

The NSW Mental Health Minister says it is currently “too difficult” for sufferers of severe PTSD and depression to access emerging therapies. NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson has conceded more needs...

Media Release: Campaign for sensible access to psychedelic therapies

Advocates for mental health reform are fronting a campaign to remove NSW specific obstacles to new treatments that have become available across Australia for patients with treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder...

Scientists Find 2,700-Year-Old Pot

Scientists have discovered two pounds of a dried plant that turned out to be the oldest marijuana in the world. Inside one of the Yanghai Tombs excavated in the Gobi Desert, a team of researchers...

Federation TAFE in Ballarat offers first accredited medicinal cannabis cultivation course

Ballarat's Federation TAFE will be the first campus in Australia to deliver nationally accredited training in medicinal cannabis cultivation and production. Medicinal cannabis is growing in popularity as a treatment option for ailments including...

Limited evidence that cannabis ‘hangover’ blunts performance

Little evidence to support 24-hour pause on safety-sensitive tasks The first systematic review examining the phenomenon of a 'next day' hangover caused by cannabis has found scant evidence impairment exists hours after...

Alternaleaf brand to appear on NRL players’ jerseys in major sponsorship deal

Alternaleaf has signed a high-profile sponsorship deal with the Dolphins National Rugby League side in a move that will see the brand appear on players’ shirts and at packed-out stadiums in Queensland....

2GB Interview: Jeremy Buckingham with Ben Fordham

Jeremy Buckingham recently appeared on 2GB to discuss his article published in the Daily Telegraph, where he supports the idea of legalising cannabis. He emphasises that legalising cannabis could help reduce organised...

Hemp is a superfood with a low-carbon footprint, and many uses. So why isn't Australia embracing it?

Most of us are familiar with hemp clothing, and some of us have tried eating hemp seeds with yoghurt or blending them into smoothies. It's been hailed as a superfood that can...

National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023

Drugs can cause harm to individuals, families and communities. These drugs include alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes and vapes (‘e‑cigarettes’), illicit drugs, and pharmaceuticals used for non-medical purposes. The harm caused by drugs can be health‑related, such...

Legalise Cannabis Victoria urges government to get on with drug-driving trial

Legalise Cannabis Victoria has called on the state government to get on with its drug-driving trial after new research by Swinburne University found no evidence of impairment in medicinal cannabis users during a simulated...

Germany legalises possession of cannabis for personal use

Published 23rd Feb 2024 The Guardian Australia by Lenore Taylor Germany’s parliament has passed a law allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and hold limited quantities of cannabis, making it the...

THC in blood and saliva are poor measures of cannabis impairment

A new study suggests these biomarkers are inconsistent indicators. The findings contrast with the much stronger relationship between blood alcohol concentrations and driving impairment, with implications for the application of drug-driving laws...

Activists vindicated for breaking ad laws after projecting pro-cannabis images onto Opera House/

Famously described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as the “biggest billboard Sydney has”, the Sydney Opera House is protected by several heritage and advertising laws. Despite the strict laws, Cannabis activists Alec...

Cannabis battle shows up alcohol hypocrisy

In Australia “medicinal” cannabis is legal while “recreational” cannabis is not, yet there is no clear line between the two, only a continuum. Allow me to set the scene. In November the...

Drug-driving reform in NSW – the Government’s majority could depend on it

After 11,000 people signed a recent petition demanding reform to the state’s drug-driving laws, Legalise Cannabis NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham says the Government can’t ignore the clamour for change forever. Picture this: you’re...

Depression and the Potential Therapeutic Effects of Medical Cannabis

In this day and age, the use of medical cannabis is no longer a fringe idea. It’s a topic of serious conversation, vibrant debate, and ongoing research. One area of focus is...

NSW to consider medicinal cannabis expansion and drug law reform as hemp industry tipped to boom

Agriculture minister Tara Moriarty flags opportunity for hemp farmers ahead of formation of agriculture taskforce to drive growth. The New South Wales agriculture minister has opened the door to increasing the production...

Hemp Plastic Could Be the Answer to a More Environmentally Friendly Australia

As cannabis legalisation expands globally, the spotlight often falls on its medical potential. However, the versatility of hemp, a close relative of cannabis, extends beyond therapeutics. Hemp is emerging as a powerful...

Report Reveals that NSW Drink Driving Laws Work, Whilst Drug Driving Remains a Joke

A just released report advises that reforms to New South Wales drink- and drug-driving laws, which have seen penalty notices, triggering licence suspensions and fines, issued to first-time low-level drink drivers and drivers with...

Study: THC Blood Levels Not Correlated With Changes In Driving Performance

Toronto, Canada: The presence of THC in blood is not predictive of detriments in psychomotor performance, according to driving simulator data published in the journal JAMA Network Open. Researchers affiliated with the University of Toronto assessed...