PRESS RELEASE - 25th February 2003

Nimbin Good Medicine Heads To Sydney Mardi Gras
The Nimbin HEMP Embassy's giant 40 foot joint is once again on the road heading down to Sydney for the Mardi Gras with a busload of Ganja Faeries.

Travelling with the joint, Andrew Kavasilas, spokesperson for the Medical Cannabis Information Service said, "last year was our first in the Mardi Gras and we had a ball, this year we know what we're doing and it should be even better.

"With the theme of medical cannabis, the float and its participants will highlight the need for action by the NSW government to allow people to use cannabis for medical purposes.

"Over the years, the Medical Cannabis Information Service has proven to the NSW Government that the compassionate use of medicinal cannabis for people suffering with terminal conditions is a totally separate issue from the need to reform policies for recreational use of cannabis.

"For years now the NSW Government has painstakingly reviewed and accepted the scientific evidence about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. We are left at the will of Premier Carr to decide when relief will come to thousands of people in NSW. It's time for the Government to empathise with those living with HIV/AIDS, or severe pain, or MS, or the growing number of people with cancer who undergo chemotherapy, RATHER THAN JUST THINK ABOUT VOTES!

"Use of cannabis in the gay community is high, with figures indicating 1 in 3 HIV pos gay men smoking cannabis for medical purposes. The MCIS float will be there to inform and entertain, headed by the wacky Ganja Faeries, a local troupe who will dance their way along the parade route to the wondrous sounds of 'Tetra Hydra Cannabinol', a Nimbin classic written and performed by Doug Johnson".

The busload of Ganja Faeries is due to depart Nimbin at 1pm tomorrow, with no doubt an enthusiastic send off from the village happening in the main street.

For more information contact
Michael Balderstone
Inez Price

On the road and in Sydney
Andrew Kavasilas 0412 465 976
Dr Andrew Katelaris 0414 306 306