THE pot-smoking hippies of the ’60s implored us to “make love, not war”, and now locals are being asked to dress as hippies as part of a political war to legalise marijuana as a medicine.
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A massive fundraising party has been planned for Tamworth next month to build an advertising fund war chest in the lead-up to an historic vote on medical marijuana in the NSW Parliament.
With the help of website change.org the Medical Cannabis Fighting Fund has been established to pay for a series of ads telling the stories of terminally ill Australians using medical cannabis for relief.
As part of the fundraiser, Tamworth is being invited to a hippy-inspired night at the Tamworth Tennis Club on August 8, with Ashleigh Dallas, Steve Charles, Kate Armstrong, James Craswell and Lara Connellan already confirmed to play.
The event will include live music, raffles, auctions, food and trivia.
Tamworth mum-of-three Kristy Barratt decided to organise the event after being moved by the story of local 24-year-old Dan Haslam, who has terminal bowel cancer.
“The topic might be serious but this night will be seriously fun,” Mrs Barratt said.
“Tamworth has an opportunity to be part of history in the making with this bill and we want it to have the best chance possible.”
Mr Haslam’s mum Lucy said the ad campaign would target politicians “on the fence” over whether to support the medical marijuana bill.
“This is an effective way to appeal to MPs with a personal, human message that might prick their conscience,” Mrs Haslam said.
“People are saying this is the closest Australia has ever been to a medical marijuana bill, but it’s not over the line yet.
“We need to see it through and it’s worth making one last, final effort.”
To buy tickets to the fundraiser, call the Old Bell Tower on 6761 2785,
Tamworth Landscape Supplies on 6765 9992 or the tennis club on 6766 2070.
Those not able to attend can still donate to the fighting fund via change.org or by donating to a New England Mutual account: Medical Cannabis Fighting Fund, BSB: 932 000, A/C no.: 737 829.
