I am Xavier, from Victoria, the Garden State. Growing up I was dead against drugs and cannabis, thanks to the propaganda I was fed. But as a teenager I became curious and open-minded. I started digging into the science of cannabis and realised everything I had been taught was completely disproved by research. With a little courage and a nudge from friends who had already tried it, I gave it a go. For me, cannabis took the edge off life. It made me smile, laugh and feel stress-free. Honestly, what’s the harm in that?

Cannabis has supported me through some of my darkest moments, helping to quiet intrusive thoughts and ease my mind. It also allowed me to move freely while recovering from a lower back injury. I include hulled hemp seeds in almost everything I eat to boost protein intake naturally, helping me maintain a balanced diet without relying on large amounts of meat.

My perspective changed even more when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer while I was studying for my Bachelor of Sport Science. Through university resources like PubMed, I discovered early studies from the 1960s showing cannabis’ potential against cancer. One study treated 24 rats, 23 overcame cancer. I encouraged my mum to use cannabis as part of her treatment and today she is still alive. Cannabis gave her life, literally.

I support legalisation because it would open up enormous opportunities for Australia. It would empower people to choose alternative medical treatments without fear of criminalisation, end a century of discrimination and support mental health for the over 1.4 million Australians already benefiting from cannabis-based treatments. Legalisation would also allow the hemp industry to flourish, creating thousands of jobs and replacing unsustainable products with eco-friendly alternatives. Cannabis even has potential in construction, offering stronger, greener homes, which is especially valuable in bushfire-prone regions and a step toward tackling the housing crisis. Overall, legalisation could make Australia healthier, wealthier and more sustainable.

A key change I want to see is the right for people to grow their own cannabis at home. Home cultivation ensures access to truly organic, high-quality medicine, free from processes like gamma irradiation used in commercial production. It is also time to eliminate discrimination against cannabis users in all areas of life. We are all adults and deserve respect for our choices. Ending stigma would foster a fairer, healthier and more inclusive society.

Photo: Xavier with Victorian MLC David Ettershank