Posted inMedicinal Use of Cannabis Press releases

Medical Council wrong, says NORML

Contrary to what the Medical Council says, cannabis is not illegal if used with a license or prescription, says cannabis law reform group NORML. "This is the same as with opiates such as morphine which are commonly prescribed," said spokesperson Chris Fowlie. "Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act is for issuing licenses. One of the conditions in the associated regulations is to have the written support of…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

Ban on Low Risk Drugs should be Temporary, says NORML

Drug law reform organisation NORML says the government's temporary ban on synthetic cannabis provides time for proper consideration of the Law Commission's report issued in May. "Low risk drugs like cannabis and party pills should be regulated, not banned", says Acting President Phil Saxby. "The huge popularity of party pills before they were banned is an indication that young people want access to safe, legal psychoactive drugs. Banning them…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Medicinal Use of Cannabis Press releases

Amputee’s arrest poor use of police time

GreenCross facilitator and medical cannabis user Billy McKee has been arrested and is facing four charges of supplying cannabis, and one charge of cultivation, despite a recent recommendation from the Law Commission that Police should not prosecute medical users. UPDATE! NZ Police are now trying to "close down" the Greencross website, claiming Billy McKee "used the website to facilitate committing offences against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975." Press…
Posted inMerchandise Press releases

NORML raffle sends lucky winner to Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam!

Thanks to all who have supported NORML's fundraising raffle. It was drawn on 17 June 2011 under Police supervision. Congratulations to the winners! 1st Prize - a trip to Amsterdam with judge's pass to the Cannabis Cup and spending money to total value of $3500 - ticket 1769 2nd & 3rd Prizes - Vaporite Vaporiser from The Hempstore, valued at $249 - tickets 0059 & 0438 4th Prize -…
Posted inPress releases

J Day Saturday 7 May: thousands gather across NZ to support Law Rpt

On Saturday 7 May drug law reform organisation NORML presented J Day, the annual celebration of our cannabis culture and protest against pot prohibition. “Thousands of people gathered at J Day events all over New Zealand to show their support for the Law Commission’s modest proposals to reform our outdated drug laws,” says NORML’s acting president Phil Saxby. “Even though their report is still within the prohibition mindset, it…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

Law Commission report: Driving Problems Underground is not the Answer

Drug law reform organisation NORML says the Law Commission’s report issued today is still within the prohibition mindset, even though it contains some good recommendations. Banning more substances, as proposed, will only drive problems underground, says Acting President Phil Saxby. “The Commission accepts that NZ should shift the focus towards health solutions and away from criminal sanctions. But its proposals for banning all psychoactive substances will only increase health…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

Law Commission report agrees: “Too Many Smokers to Arrest!”

Drug Law Reform organisation NORML finds some recognition from the Law Commission of its current slogan, "Too many smokers to arrest!" “The Law Commission says 400,000 Kiwis use cannabis each year (14.7% of adults), which supports our campaign theme of "Too many smokers to arrest," says NORML Acting President Phil Saxby. The Law Commission argues for a “more holistic” approach to personal drug use, advocating more funding for treatment…
Posted inEvents

NORML presents J Day, Sat 7 May 2011

Free events (R18) are happening on Saturday 7 May 2011 at:   Auckland - Albert Park Hamilton - Lake stage Tauranga - Yatton Park Hastings - Library steps New Plymouth - Puke Ariki landing Wellington - Frank Kitts Christchurch - New Brighton (by pier) Dunedin - The Octagon Invercargill - venue T.B.C.   All events start at high noon and go til about 4:20. Strictly R18 - No alcohol…
Posted inPress releases

Protect Young People By Banning Alcohol Advertising

The current system of voluntary self-regulation of alcohol advertising is not working to reduce the harms from excess drinking, especially amongst young people, which is why the glamorization of alcohol through public advertising and sponsorship should be banned. In its submission sent to the Justice and Electoral Committee on the Alcohol Reform Bill, NORML NZ cited research showing that alcohol advertising and promotion increases the likelihood of adolescents taking…
Posted inPress releases

Aussie Gangs and Drugs – Prohibition is Great for Business & Increasing Violence

Aussie biker gangs like the Rebels gain power through violence and trafficking in illegal drugs; that means prohibition is great for business and will only help them get a stake established more quickly in New Zealand. “It isn’t surprising that a gang like the Rebels is looking at starting an operation here,” says NORML President Stephen McIntyre. “400,000 Kiwis are current users of cannabis.” "In addition, Aotearoa/New Zealand has…
Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

Restore Public Trust in Police – Stop Criminalising Cannabis

The New Zealand public needs to have its confidence restored in the police and the quickest way for that to happen is to stop criminalising cannabis. "The announcement this week of Police Commissioner Rob Pope's resignation signals a healthy change in the nature of Police culture," said NORML NZ President Stephen McIntyre today. "But over the years, the law criminalising cannabis has done much to erode the general public's…