Cannabis Law and Politics

Daily cannabis users are significantly more likely to be dependent on nicotine than non-users, according to a joint study by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) and the NSW North Coast Area Health Service. Unlike cannabis users in other countries, Australian cannabis smokers regularly mix their cannabis with tobacco, often called ‘mull’, leading to exposure, and potentially dependency, on nicotine as well as cannabis. The researchers decided to investigate the possible role cannabis use may play in higher tobacco smoking rates in men aged 25-34 in Northern NSW than in other parts of the state. Analysing data from the National Drug Strategy Hous…

Young adults who are religious are less likely to initiate cannabis use, delegates will be told today at a national cannabis conference. The study was the first of its kind amongst young adults, and although several potential protective factors were examined, only religiosity was found to protect against initiation. The study also found a range of risk factors that contributed to young adults beginning cannabis use. “Negative qualities of friendships, such as rarely feeling cared for by friends or often being criticised by friends, appears to be an important trigger for cannabis use. Young adults who are heavy drinkers and tobacco smokers are also at increased risk,” said…

A major 30-year longitudinal study has found that regular cannabis use is a risk factor for the onset of suicidal ideation for males, delegates will be told today at a national conference. Previous studies have found that suicidal ideation is often more prevalent among regular cannabis users than it is among those who have never used the drug regularly. This study aimed to determine the extent to which this correlation represents a causal relationship. The researchers were able to identify that regular cannabis use is indeed a risk factor for suicidal ideation and that it is not suicidal ideation that causes cannabis use. The study was part of the Christchurch Health and …

This is the second report from Australia 21. please read it and send comments to lyn.stephens@australia21.org.au This is a good time to let your voice be heard.. It appears these are the guys who are writing the reports for pollies about on how we are going to have legal cannabis in Australia. IF it does get through the red tape and becomes legal, you'll be kicking yourself if you had the oportunity to have some input into it and sat on your hands.... Wouldn't it suck if cannabis became legal to buy at the shops but remained illegal to grow!!!! BE HEARD!!! lyn.stephens@australia21.org.au Full report A21_Alternatives_to_Prohibition_SEP_12.pdf Discussion paper Aus…

G'Day to all the Aussie stoners out there. I'm new to the forum but not new to the cannabis scene. What i would like to discuss and get opinions of others out there is on the thought and whether it is possible for 'us' the public of Australia to take the Australian Government to court over misleading information and deceptive conduct in relation to the schedualing of cannabis and the laws that sourround it making it illegal for one to process and consume. Being a university student i have been talking to my trusty friends whom are coming close to the end of there legal degrees and they seem to think that 'we the people' have a case against the government. Just as an ind…

Hey guys, mind taking a few minutes to check this out? Signatures are greatly appreciated! http://www.gopetitio...ralia-2012.html I know a fair few of these have existed in the past, but no harm in having optimism

Hi everyone Just saying hi and explaining a bit about us. We're a civil liberty party that has a very strong stance that what you do to your own body should be your own business. We're running in the Victorian state election, and our candidate for the seat of Burwood is pushing strongly for the legalisatoin of medicinal marijuana and also more scientific research on the topic. We believe there is a serious lack of push for changes in legislation on the topic, so if your a talented grower who would like to legitimately make a living off your talent, in need of the countless medical benefits of that magic little plant, or just plain sick and tired of police hassling you o…

DECRIMINALISING drugs will be investigated by Australia's top independent policy adviser under a plan championed by a trio of federal MPs from different sides of Parliament, with the aim to take politics out of the debate. In April a report from the Australia21 think tank argued the ''war on drugs'' and tough stance on illegal substances had failed, sparking debate and gaining support for decriminalising personal use from eminent Australians, including former police commissioners and premiers. Liberal MP Mal Washer, Greens senator Richard Di Natale (who are both doctors) and independent Rob Oakeshott will this morning call on the government to ask the Productivity Commiss…

It seams fairly common practus in my area that the police in my area do not tend to go as hard on powder dealers yet they are trying to put my mate away for a long wile for seeling a little weed. We were discussing this the other day over a lot of hottys and 1 or 2 coldys and figered the junkers seam to get let off lightly is it becouse if they get court do they do a deal with the pigs and rat out the pot dealers that way they are not upsetting there (the junkys) own drug supply and the pore pot smokers loose out. It makes you think?

FINALLY a comprehensive and sensible approach to an obvious problem. Cant find where else this is being discussed so have posted here. Change cant happen without public pressure (and education). EVERYONE JOIN http://adlrf.org.au/ AND SUPPORT THIS MOVEMENT!!!! I have just joined and am going to talk to as many people as I can to do the same thing. I have hardly been involved with this forum but I am moved by what has happened today and I know that without some kind of reassessment of the current legal situation, Australia will never move forward so DO SOMETHING AND GET LOUD!!

Carol George, a 28 year-old Wurundjeri woman from Melbourne, has won the 2nd National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Competition. The annual competition asked entrants to compose and record a song that addresses how cannabis negatively affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The first prize in the competition was $5,000 cash and a two-day workshop to professionally record their song with SkinnyFish Music, Australia's leading music label for Indigenous artists. NCPIC is based at the University of New South Wales and is an Australian Government initiative supported by the Department of Health…

Carol George, a 28 year-old Wurundjeri woman from Melbourne, has won the 2nd National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Competition. The annual competition asked entrants to compose and record a song that addresses how cannabis negatively affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The first prize in the competition was $5,000 cash and a two-day workshop to professionally record their song with SkinnyFish Music, Australia's leading music label for Indigenous artists. NCPIC is based at the University of New South Wales and is an Australian Government initiative supported by the Department of Health…