Michael Balderstone
As the President of the Nimbin HEMP Embassy, Nimbin Mardigrass and the Legalise Cannabis Party, Michael Balderstone has been a dedicated advocate for cannabis law reform for decades. He is a highly prominent and long-standing figure in the Australian cannabis law reform movement. Through his activism and leadership, he has tirelessly championed harm reduction, education and sustainable cannabis policy reform. He’s also been a strong supporter of community initiatives and local events, bringing people together to share knowledge and challenge stigma.
Michael abandoned a successful career as a stockbroker to look for a deeper meaning in his life. He settled near Nimbin over thirty years ago where his commitment to the Cannabis cause has made him a well-known figure, not only in Nimbin but across Australia. He’s passionate about injustice in all forms but in particular the war on drugs, saying drug use should be a health issue and not a fight over who gets to profit from our pain.
"I discovered fifty years ago cannabis stopped my migraines and I have loved it ever since. Then once I learnt about the history of the plant and its prohibition I felt compelled to try and raise awareness about the drug war. The more I learn about Cannabis the more outraged I am about its illegality."
