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The advocacy for cannabis culture and legalisation has been gathering pace in recent years. The unique, carnival-esque atmosphere of cannabis festivals is a celebration of freedom and the culture, whilst also spotlighting the need for equal funding in both medical and recreational cannabis research. Advocacy strategies have pivoted from challenging the government to utilising human rights arguments, marking a significant shift in the fight for cannabis legalisation.
The potential benefits of certain drugs, which have been deliberately concealed due to prohibition, are now being rediscovered. Grassroots collectives are empowering individuals to reclaim their right to cultivate their own cannabis and establish their own clubs and coffee shops. The depth of content that can be explored in this area is truly phenomenal.
However, the impact of legislation and law enforcement on the cannabis community cannot be overlooked. The stark contrast between the acceptance of cannabis in Amsterdam and the stringent regulations in the UK is a clear example. The Police Crime Sentencing Act could threaten the existence of green pride events and lead to serious prison time for organisers. The sweeping power within the bill could even make it illegal to be homeless and restrict the right to stay on land.
Moreover, it’s disingenuous for non-cannabis users to be seen as experts and have a say in legislation that affects those who would have been penalised for using just a few years ago. The goal is to educate people on how to handle encounters with law enforcement when it comes to cannabis possession, aiming to make it a non-issue for both parties.
In conclusion, the battle for cannabis culture and legalisation is multi-faceted, involving advocacy, legislation, and law enforcement. It’s a fight that requires a shift in societal attitudes, changes in legislation, and a more informed and compassionate approach from law enforcement. As we continue to rediscover the potential benefits of cannabis and empower individuals to cultivate their own, the hope is for a future where cannabis is not just accepted but celebrated for its cultural and therapeutic contributions.
Chapters
00:00 Intro 00:37 When we met / Green Pride 2016 2:58 Brighton Cannabis Social Club 3:42 Product Earth 2016 11:36 Events Era 2016-2018 13:03 Simpa’s Intro to the industry and events 15:22 Issues faced at Simpa’s events 20:10 Durham City Cannabis Club Autumn Expo 21:52 The changing law: Police Crime Bill 26:00 The changing laws: medical and recreational 26:35 The changing industry – did we peak in 2018? 27:10 How has medical relaxation around cannabis affected the wider industry? 28:40 Medical Patient Vs Criminality Associated with being a recreational consumer 30:08 The Medical Cannabis Industrial Complex 31:00 The legality of cannabis in the UK – 2021 vs 2016 36:00 Outlaw and grassroots activism 40:59 Series Plans, Simpa’s Podcast and Outro
