Welcome to NORML NZ
National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Zealand Inc. (1980)
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Cannabis is the third most popular recreational drug in New Zealand (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 2 million Kiwis. According to government surveys, around 540,000 New Zealanders smoke pot regularly, while 70,000 light up every day despite harsh laws against its use. Our public policies should reflect this reality, not deny it. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalise the responsible use of cannabis by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality cannabis that is safe, convenient and affordable.
Our 3 campaign themes:
NORML has adopted three campaign themes that have widespread support:
- Cannabis should be a Health Issue, not a Crime!
(focus resources on problematic abuse. Let the police focus on crime that matters) - Allow Safe Legal Access to Medicine
(access to medicinal cannabis, similar to 18 states in the USA, Israel, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Canada etc) - A Regulated, Taxable Market for Low-Risk Drugs Such As Cannabis
(access to low-risk drugs like cannabis should be regulated via an adults-only, taxable market similar to that in the Netherlands, or the way alcohol is regulated here)
There are too many smokers to arrest. It’s time to stop this racist,discriminatory “War on Drugs”. It’s time:–
- for cannabis to be allowed as safe, legal medicine
- for a regulated, adults-only, taxable market for low risk drugs, including cannabis.
The so-called “War on Drugs” is really a war on people. It divides communities and families. For 40 years, politicians have exploited this war as a vote-getter, but who are they kidding?
- New Zealand now has the highest arrest rate in the world for cannabis “crimes”, yet despite this,
- New Zealand now has, along with Australia, the highest teenage cannabis use rate in the world!
The “War on Drugs” has caused the deaths of many innocent people in NZ and elsewhere. The cost is huge – it is estimated the American taxpayer has paid one trillion dollars to fight this war. To what good effect? Stop the “War on Drugs” now!
It’s a Health Issue, Not a Crime
Ten years ago (in 2000) Portugal decriminalised all personal drug use. Drug deaths in Portugal went down 27%, the feared “drug tourism” did not happen, and teenage drug use has actually decreased. The new policy now has general support across all political parties.
- Drug users are not treated as criminals
- Those with drug problems receive treatment, not jail terms!
Why not New Zealand?
Medicinal Access
The New Zealand Law Commission says clinical trials should begin and Police should leave medicinal users of cannabis alone… Natural cannabis (plant material) is now officially accepted as a medicine by 18 of the states in the USA as well as many other countries including Canada, Israel, Germany and the Netherlands.
Why not New Zealand?
Prohibition: a Failed Experiment
In 2010, Californians almost voted for a regulated, adults-only, taxable market. In 2012 that became a reality for Colorado and Washington, both of which legalised and regulated cannabis in a similar way to alcohol. The NZ Law Commission says prohibition should be a “last resort”… Prohibition is an expensive, failed, policy experiment whose burden falls mostly on the young, the poor and Maori.
Why not change?
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