This archive is part of a collection of material donated to the museum by Ms Gwenda Woods.

Ms Woods was an Australian Marijuana Party candidate for the Senate elections in 1980 and a campaigner for the reform of legislation relating to marijuana. Gwenda Woods became a paraplegic in 1981 and used marijuana for medicinal purposes instead of other commonly prescribed drugs. Ms Woods was also an active member of the Australian branch of NORML (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). NORML was founded in 1970 and provided a voice for members of the public who opposed marijuana prohibition. Their mission was to "move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty".

In addition to her involvement with marijuana law reform, Gwenda Woods was also an activist for rights for people with disabilities. She made numerous complaints to her local council and other businesses, bringing to their attention the lack of access to their premises for people in wheelchairs and with other access needs.

This material documents some of the social issues in Australia and an individual's involvement with them. The objects augment the Museum's collection of both health and medicine and social activism material and document the history of the Australian Marijuana Party and the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Information provided by Ms Gwenda Woods.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

There are various designers and makers.

Ms Woods was an Australian Marijuana Party candidate for the Senate elections in 1980 and a campaigner for the reform of legislation relating to marijuana. Gwenda Woods became a paraplegic in 1981 and used marijuana for medicinal purposes instead of other commonly prescribed drugs. In addition to her involvement with marijuana law reform, Gwenda Woods was also an activist for rights for people with disabilities.

Archive, relating to marijuana law reform and disability activism, collected by Gwenda Woods, Australia, probably 1970-1997

This group of papers relates to Gwenda Woods and her involvement in marijuana reform and activism for disability rights.

Made: 1970 - 1997

2007/176/6

1970 - 1997