Sydneysiders might see some suspicious looking plants pop up around the city today, but don’t try to smoke them.
Fake cannabis plants have been set up in Sydney’s CBD and surrounds, including areas like Darling Harbour, Martin Place, Burwood Station and, aptly, 420 Parramatta Road.
The installation is thanks to local artists Craze Co and Ballin’ On a Budget, who teamed up with the guys from Hemp, Health & Innovation (HHI) in an ode to international cannabis day – aka 420 – as well as the upcoming cannabis expo in May.
While it might spark some controversy, the artwork aims to draw attention to the current debate around cannabis legalisation in Australia, following recent discussions about medical marijuana and The Green’s proposal to decriminalise the drug.
“The sad fact is everybody knows cannabis isn’t nearly as bad for people as, say, alcohol or cigarettes. But no one wants to talk about it because it has such a stigma. We’re just hoping to get people talking,” said the guys from Craze Co.
The HHI Expo in May will give people the chance to learn more about the benefits of cannabis and hemp, as sustainable textile materials, medical pain relievers, and protein-rich food sources.
“People are in desperate need of more information about this incredible plant,” said Michelle Crain, HHI Expo Founder. “We hope that by posing the question, ‘Who are we hurting?’ we are able to spread awareness & create conversations around the many uses the cannabis and hemp plants offer.”
