Let's follow America's lead. Since legalising recreational cannabis at the beginning of this year, Colorado has revieved approximately $30 million in cannabis taxes. Furthermore, crime rates in Colorado have dropped over 10%, suicide rates have dropped, and illegal crime syndicates have lost business. Do you want the same results for South Australia?

To say that marijuana has been given a bad reputation over the past few decades is an understatement. If you’re like most Australians, you've been led to believe that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug that has destroyed the lives of millions of teens and adults. You have been encouraged to believe that marijuana causes lung cancer, or that it is a “gateway” to harder drugs. The government has even tried to convince you that most people who use marijuana are losers who sit around on couches all day doing nothing. This is simply not the case.

Part of the problem is that many people are simply unfamiliar with marijuana. They have never tried it (or perhaps only tried it once two decades ago) and assume the worst. They have been conditioned to think that marijuana use is bad and that people who use it are dangerous or strange or maybe even dirty. They perceive people that use marijuana as being totally zonked out and unable to maintain a regular conversation, hold a job, or be a functioning member of society.

The truth is that marijuana is widely used in a safe, responsible, and enjoyable manner. Adults might consume it before enjoying a dinner party with friends. Friends might have a little before engaging in a spirited game of ultimate Frisbee. And spouses – yes, even some couples you know – might imbibe a bit while enjoying a romantic evening together. Concert-goers have even been known to have a puff or two before or during a show – which more likely than not results in them dancing or otherwise enjoying the music, not lying on the ground like lumps.

None of this is “bad” or “wrong” or “immoral.” It is simply something that these responsible adults choose to do. And frequently it is something they choose to do specifically instead of alcohol. And for good reason! Alcohol is more toxic, more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to result in injuries, and more likely to lead to interpersonal violence than marijuana.



Cast your name on this petition, and become an instrument for truth and freedom.