On Friday, researchers with the National Center for Scientific Research in France announced they had reported in the September 5th edition of the Journal of Neuroscience that the administration of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits prion accumulation in the brain and protects neurons against prion toxicity.

It only took until Monday for the Australian National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Norml) to adopt the paper as its own.

Norml spokesman Chris Fowlie said the discovery added to the scientific evidence supporting Australian Green MP Metiria Turei’s bill to legalise the medicinal use of cannabis, stating,

"[It] should be supported by any MP with a clear head. Unfortunately most politicians act like mad cows whenever cannabis is mentioned."