HEMP, HEMP, HOORAY!

Visitors from around the planet and Casino are already gathering in
Nimbin for MardiGrass - the famous cannabis law reform rally - this
Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2.

Mardigrass has been going since 1993 in protest against the
prohibition of cannabis and will continue "every year until we are not
criminals," MardiGrass spokesperson Michael Balderstone said.

"You may not have heard but a third of Europe and half of America has
all but legalised the once sacred plant. One of the leading exponents
of the change, Dr Bob Melamede from Colorado, is coming to MardiGrass
to speak to us on the anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties of the
endocannabinoids that Australian prime ministers keep insisting are
driving us crazy," Michael said. "We invited Kevin Rudd of course, if
only he'd come."

There are three stages with over 50 performers (Diana Anaid, A French
Butler Called Smith, Marshall & the Fro, Fyah Walk, Alice Blue, Pagan
Love Cult and more) and entertainments including the MardiGrass
market, pot art and poetry, cannabis cooking classes, hash-making and
vapourizer demos, the Kombi Konvoy, the Global Marijuana March
Protest, Pot Art Tattoo, Obama look-a-like comp, Kidz Circus, legal
advice sessions, buskers competition, hemp movies including the world
premiere of The Hemp Solution, and the central event the Rally and
Parade for Cannabis Law Reform on Sunday afternoon where Nimbin's
legendary Ganja Faeries will be joined by the Bringabong Babes for the
first time.

And then there is the Hemp Olympix.

This unique sporting event puts superbly practised athletes from all
over the world into a two-day sporting competition where spectators
can appreciate the amazing skills involved in joint-rolling,
bong-throwing, the hemp rope tug 'o peace and the growers' iron person
event.

If cannabis is the best medicine then laughter is definitely the
second best medicine.

The MardiGrass Comedy Show at the Nimbin Bowling Club this Saturday,
May 1, will feature the comedic talents of Glover & Sorrensen, Sydney
comedian Rob McHugh, Mandy Nolan and Nick the Hippy. Entry is $10/5.
The laughs start at 8pm.

The alcohol industry has chosen to support the cause this year by
supplying a free bus service to MardiGrass from Ballina, Wardell,
Alstonville, and Casino. Check out the MardiGrass website for bus
details at www.NimbinMardiGrass.com

You can buy a weekend pass for $80 which includes three nights camping
at the showgrounds (or $40 for two days without camping). Or a one-day
pass is $20. Passes are available in Nimbin or online from the
website. Actually, you can find everything, including the full program
of events, by visiting the website.

It'll be a fun weekend for sure.