Both major political parties in Queensland have ruled out legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis. Successive Queensland governments have continually rejected our requests and petitions to consider it and refuse to acknowledge that public opinion is changing.
The war on cannabis is a war on the people. Goverments around the world are realising that prohibition causes more harm than it prevents. Prohibition was not based on any concerns for public safety, as in the 'reefer madness' context, but on corporate greed.
Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance in Australia and for the first time more Aussies want legal cannabis than oppose it according to the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
People from all walks of life and age groups use cannabis socially, very few would resemble a stereotypical stoner with couch-lock.
For decades cannabis has incorrectly been referred to as a “gateway to harder drugs”. Modern medicine now says it is the ‘Exit Gate’ from dangerous and addictive LEGAL drugs like tobacco, alcohol, opioids and other illicit substances, including methamphetamines.
Common myths include:
“Cannabis causes mental health issues” - Common mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD are the second top reason doctors are currently prescribing cannabis.
“Cannabis causes schizophrenia” - Despite increased potency, demand and use of cannabis, schizophrenia rates have remained stable worldwide at about 1% of the population.
“Smoking anything is bad for you” - Unlike tobacco, cannabis has anti-cancer properties.
“Legalising cannabis will encourage youth uptake” - This has not been the case in jurisdictions where it is legal. It is the illicit nature that attracts some kids. Education is the key.
Any drug conviction can harm our kids’ chances of employment, housing, travel and educational prospects. Over 20,000 cannabis offences are prosecuted in Queensland each year, 5,000 more than New South Wales and twice the number in Victoria.
- Treat personal use of cannabis by adults similar to any other adults-only substance – keep packaging unattractive to minors, put in place age restrictions on use and limit advertising to minors
- The medical cannabis delivery system is a postcode lottery. Creating options for home-grow and a supply chain will give MORE patients access to affordable, whole plant medicine and a better quality of life
- Legalisation will reduce the financial burden on the court system and free up police to investigate real crime
- Personal-use cannabis would promote international tourism and create jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries
- Home-grow and regulated dispensaries could wipe out the dependence on the black market (as long as products are not overtaxed)
- Revenue generated from recreational sales via a state-based tax would aid the ongoing, post-COVID recovery, rather than benefitting criminal elements and organised crime.