Queenslanders want recreational cannabis to be legalised

Queensland has had their say on cannabis legislation and the results of a new poll are shocking.

Over 65 per cent of Queenslanders believe recreational cannabis should be legalised, according to a reader poll conducted on The Courier-Mail website earlier this month.

From over 1200 responses, almost 900 respondents said they would be in support of legalisation of the drug.

Recreational cannabis use is prohibited in Queensland, however CBD oil can be prescribed to patients at specific clinics.

Dr Parul Agarwal, a general practitioner in Brisbane’s south, said the support for recreational cannabis is a positive for the medical cannabis industry.

Dr Parul Agarwal. Picture: Supplied

“I believe Queenslanders have shown such high support for medicinal cannabis because of counterculture regions like nearby Nimbin which have been influential with its alternative thinking and sustainable living,” she said.

“As a medically trained GP for over 18 years, I too was curious and after prescribing to my small cohort of patients who were looking for alternatives for their ailments.

“I found it worked beautifully for patients with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).”

Christopher Strauch, 37, founder of Australian medical cannabis company Montu, said the support shown by Queenslanders has been a “natural progression”.

“Queensland has been the most progressive state when it comes to medical cannabis regulation and adoption as it has had some of the most pioneering doctors in the field, which further amplified support,” he said.

Christopher Strauch, founder of Montu. Picture: Supplied

“This has supported normalisation of conversation and led to better understanding of the plant and higher acceptance for recreational legalisation.

“Legalisation makes sense as acceptance increases and people see the benefits and more people can relate because they have someone in their network that benefited, especially in this state which has generally been more progressive.

“The push for legalisation will further lead to normalisation and reduction in stigma, which likely accelerates adoption throughout the medical community.”

Scott Mackenzie, patient at Montu. Picture: Supplied

Scott Mackenzie, 45, is a NDIS support worker in Mackay. Mr Mackenzie has been a patient with Montu for 18 months.

“Most Queenslanders understand that it is used to treat pain, anxiety and for many other justified medical reasons,” he said.

“It seems that most Queenslanders know the most harmful thing about cannabis is getting caught with it.

“With more understanding of medical use means better customer results.

“At Montu l have an understanding doctor who works with me to get the best outcome, and it works.

“For myself, medical cannabis is life changing medication that improved my quality of life.”