I am conflicted.

I was having one of those days.  You know the kind where there is an internal conflict of the need to do housework versus the want to spend time in the sun with a good book and then there is the matter of voices in my head telling me to let go of things I can’t possibly change; but letting go is like putting down said good book to do housework.

You see….I am conflicted!

I retreated to my sanctuary (Moonta Bay’s white sandy beach) very early yesterday morning in an effort to find that elusive equilibrium of a clear mind and a positive outlook.  Upon returning home to a hearty breakfast, strong coffee and the morning papers the symmetry I’d attained had all but vanished by the time I’d turned to page three.

The ‘things’ I can’t let go of are not limited to but include the deep concern I have for our environment, fellow humans caught up in raging war-zones, the man I saw this morning scavenging through a bin and the woman at the bookstore who was paying off her meagre lay-by two dollars at a time. 

Then there’s the matter of my kids and what opportunities in terms of work will be available for them in the short, medium and long term.  Will they continue to be happy and healthy; will they have safe food and clean water?

I’m conflicted by the use of the word “Innovate”.

I use the word often in the context of calling on our Governments (State & Federal) to embrace Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis. A website I visited recently described innovation as ‘the long-term solution for developed economies seeking sustained economic prosperity and improved quality of life.’

Yes! – Innovation paired with education is the key. So why is there is an abundance of rhetoric and posturing towards being innovative but not a lot of bold and ground-breaking decisions being taken to actually be? 

If innovation is how we implement new ideas to create new value where is the hunger? I mostly agree with a statement on that website.  I have however made subtle changes to reflect my view. 

We do have some of the ingredients for innovation success: a strong research community, entrepreneurial businesses, significant creative communities, generally effective government, high levels of education and an ability to collaborate, supported by mostly dependable infrastructure and existing links to national and global markets.

Back to Industrial Hemp in the #innovation space – Every State and Territory, with the exception of SA and the NT are progressing with the commercialisation of Industrial Hemp.

The Industrial Hemp Association of SA (IHASA) believes it is time for our State to seriously consider the advances in the industry and the potential for farmers to include this valuable commodity into their broad acre cropping regimes.

I was part of the Cannabis Council of SA delegation who, at the invitation of Tammy Franks MLC and Kelly Vincent MLC, addressed a multi-partisan gathering of our State’s MP’s.  That was almost 15 months ago.  It is true that the wheels of Government turn slowly but to all but stall on this important matter and of Medical Cannabis is tantamount to burying one’s head in the sand. 

I invite you to read the briefing notes from the important session just follow this link http://www.dianahmieglich.com.au/about/medical-cannabis

The paper specifically relating to Industrial Hemp can be found here: http://www.dianahmieglich.com.au/images/DMTeresaMcDowellBriefingPaperFINAL070914.pdf

So if innovation is ‘the long-term solution for developed economies seeking sustained economic prosperity and improved quality of life’…let’s get on with the job of delivering economic prosperity and improved quality of life.

By embracing the many benefits Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis the potential is limitless.

Let's innovate.