Sister Kate, a prominent figure in the cannabis advocacy movement from California, has delivered a strong message to Australia regarding its cannabis policies. As a co-founder of the Sisters of the Valley, a group of activists known for their unique approach to cannabis cultivation and wellness, she emphasizes the need for Australia to embrace full legalization of the substance rather than maintain its current partial decriminalization.
During a recent interview, Sister Kate warned that Australia is “fighting reality” by allowing cannabis to circulate in the black market while restricting its legal use. She stated, “I’ve been around the world. I’ve visited about 30 countries, and there was no country I couldn’t get weed in. None.” Her comments reflect a growing concern about the potential dangers associated with unregulated cannabis use.
The Sisters of the Valley, founded in 2015, operate as a self-sustaining charity in California, where recreational cannabis is legal and regulated. The organization focuses on social justice, women’s independence, and plant-based medicine, selling cannabis-based wellness products to support their communal lifestyle. Sister Kate highlighted that their mission is serious, stating, “We treat cannabis like medicine,” and emphasizing a strict no-abuse policy.
In Australia, the cannabis landscape is notably different. While medicinal cannabis is federally permitted, recreational use remains illegal, except in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where possession has been decriminalized. Polling indicates that public support for cannabis legalization in Australia has been increasing, currently hovering just under 50 percent, with men showing more support than women.
Sister Kate expressed concern about the resistance to cannabis legalization among older and religious Australians. She argued that delaying legalization only perpetuates the problems associated with the black market. “Until you completely embrace legalization, you are not embracing the control systems you need to keep people safe,” she stated.
She further criticized partial reforms, calling the decriminalization of cannabis in a single region “nonsense.” According to her, legalization must occur at a national level, accompanied by appropriate regulations, testing, and accountability. She warned, “You’re going to legalize. It’s coming. You don’t get to stop this,” underscoring the inevitability of change in public perception and policy.
Sister Kate’s perspective is shaped by her experiences in California, where she cautioned against allowing existing food and drug regulators to oversee the cannabis industry. “Do not let the same people who regulated drugs and food take charge of this,” she advised, referring to the historical challenges faced by the cannabis industry in the state.
Her journey to founding the Sisters of the Valley began after personal struggles, including a challenging divorce and financial turmoil. Initially created as a political statement during the Occupy Movement, the sisterhood has since evolved into a global community with a significant following. “We don’t beg. We don’t rely on donations,” she emphasized. “We work.”
Although the Sisters of the Valley cannot operate in Australia at present, Sister Kate remains optimistic about future possibilities. “As soon as Australia gets its head out of the sand and legalizes properly, we’ll be there,” she stated, reinforcing the notion that cannabis is already ingrained in everyday life.
In closing, she posed a critical question to Australians: “The question isn’t if. It’s whether you want it clean and regulated or dangerous and underground.” This call to action encapsulates her belief that full legalization is not just inevitable but necessary for public safety and well-being.
