HEMP week in Brisbane
By Brent Wish
BRISBANE — Last week at the University of Queensland HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) and the High Society organised events to highlight the many uses of hemp and its continuing prohibition in state law.
Events included the launch of two new Australian films, The Hemp Revolution and Mardigrass. There was also a panel discussion, a benefit gig with local bands and a picket of Premier Wayne Goss. Goss was presented with "Bud", a flowering marijuana plant, which he declined to accept.
The climax of the week came at a launch of the Australian edition of the book Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy. For the book launch two leading US activists, Jack Herer and Lynn Osburn, discussed the history of marijuana prohibition, the many uses of fibre hemp and the recreational use of marijuana.
John Jiggens and Tony Kneipp, from Brisbane HEMP, outlined the struggle for hemp legalisation in Australia.
The state Drugs Misuse Act provides a maximum sentence of 25 years for possession of small amounts of marijuana. HEMP plans to challenge for several seats in the next state elections, and is registering as a political party.