The myths and stigma that surround cannabis remain a huge obstacle to legalisation. One old fairytale, driven by prohibitionists, that ‘stoners’ are sloths and never achieve anything, is a particular favourite. The Party asked members if their cannabis use had held them back from achieving. These are some of their answers.

• “I have been a recreational user of cannabis since 1970. I raised two children, owned three different businesses, DRIVEN long distance haulage, Taxis, mining … I drove and operated heavy vehicles with no problems and know of many hundreds of others doing the same thing”. Stan, aged 78 years.

• “I have been a cannabis user since my late teens, I have never been tempted to other drugs. I smoke green every day, gave up smoking cigarettes 15 years ago. During my working life I was a gardener. I have raised a family, bought a house, own a motorcycle and a sports car and in fair health considering my age”. Warren, aged 71 years.

• “I had my first smoke of cannabis at 19. I realised this was me full 100% control of my body unlike alcohol. Gave up alcohol at 24 – realised it was the real dangerous drug. Worked as farmer till 28. Then off into the wild blue yonder as farm was sold, working at music, playing guitar and doing PA systems. I’ve had the same mixing job at the same venue for 6 years. I have smoked potent indica buds and noticed I’d slipped into 16/8 fasting everyday. At 45 the doctor told me I have textbook blood pressure. I take no tablets from the doctor and the last time I saw my doctor was actually at a gig where I admitted to him I used bush mull for health, he said I was looking good”. Allan, aged 64 years.

• “I’ve partaken in cannabis use almost daily for 46 yrs. I Look 40. I’m fit as. Not overweight. Clear skin and eyes and have no medical condition or take any medication whatsoever, just my herb. I eat it, drink it, smoke it. I got my bronze medallion at 57 easily”. Susan, aged 62 years.

• “I have Crohn’s Disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Short Gut Syndrome & various other health concerns. Cannabis has been the most effective analgesic, antiemetic…basically the most helpful, safe therapy I have ever used. Without it I am literally unable to move, eat or sleep. I have relied on it for over 40 years, and personally have found it to have zero long term side effects or health concerns – unlike my prescribed medications which have caused me major health issues. Cannabis has helped me lead a normal life (apart from the stigma attached). Now it’s about quality of life and it helps enormously. My son has, and still sees everyday the benefits cannabis has provided me. He’s now a huge advocate for it’s legalisation. There’s only one negative. Getting it! It really needs to legalised here in Australia”. Liz, age withheld.

• “I decided at 17 alcohol was shit. I’ve smoked cannabis regularly since. Did medicine as a single parent, working part-time as well. Became a specialist rural GP. Had successful solo practice until enemies and cancer intervened. Now over 5 years in remission from end-stage melanoma (dendritic cell therapy worked), and I have a year to go on a Bachelor degree in Western Herbal Medicine. I’ve been an activist and run for parliament. Good god, what would I have achieved if I hadn’t smoked the demon weed?” Debbie, aged 60 years.

• “I’ve smoked cannabis since the age of 15. I have worked hard all my life, raised 4 beautiful well adjusted children, have been married for 32 years. Own my own house and am a respected member of the community despite my numerous possession charges which came about mainly because I unofficially fostered many children that had been sexually abused. I became a suicide counsellor to help them get through the tough times as well but due to my convictions I am ineligible to be a foster mother so we had no financial help with our foster kids. We paid for their schooling while their ice addicted parents continued to get the family payment for them and enjoyed dobbing me in to police out of spite. I’m the most law abiding citizen other than my cannabis use. I’ve been denied a blue card despite being the babysitter for everyone’s children. It makes no sense and makes me quite distressed. I have Crohn’s disease for which I use oil but I can’t find any doctors willing to prescribe in the town I live in”. Lisa, aged 55 years.

• “I’ve been smoking since l was 15. I’ve successfully raised three kids, I have a career and have a beautiful home. If I’d been an alcoholic for 30 odd years I’d be homeless and incredibly unhappy”. Nic, aged 53 years.

• “I’ve managed in supermarkets, been a site manager in the building industry, and always been a reliable and hard working employee. I’ve used cannabis daily for 30 years for pain relief and it’s never affected my life. I’ve never had a car accident, nor have I ever driven under the influence I’ve never returned a positive roadside drug test (says something about their testing methods)”. Jason, aged 47 years.

• “I am married with two teenage kids. Currently in my final year of university studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Creative Writing and History. Started at 43, it was my first time back at school in nearly 30 years. Smoker since I was 18”. Queenie, aged 46 years.