Medicinal cannabis Bill a step in the right direction, but a patient-focused approach would go further

Medicinal cannabis Bill a step in the right direction, but a patient-focused approach would go further

Medicinal cannabis advocates say patients will be both pleased and disappointed with the Bill introduced today by Health Minister David Clark. “The Bill is a huge step in the right direction, and a first for any New Zealand government," said Chris Fowlie, spokesperson for NORML New Zealand Inc, "but we think a truly patient-focused approach should go much further." The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill will enable…

Medicinal cannabis: good news, bad news

By Chris Fowlie. Originally published on The Daily Blog, 14 Dec 2017. Good news! The Labour-led Government will introduce legislation to "legalise medicinal cannabis", this side of Christmas. Bad news! Based on early hints about the content of the reform, patients are fearful about whether the changes will go far enough and whether they will have to continue to resort to criminal activity. During the election, Labour used an image of herbal…
When it comes to legalising medicinal cannabis, what would Helen Kelly do?

When it comes to legalising medicinal cannabis, what would Helen Kelly do?

The Labour Government says it will introduce legislation within 100 days to legalise medicinal cannabis, but what does that actually mean, and would Helen Kelly approve? By Chris Fowlie - originally published on The Daily Blog, 9 Dec 2017 The test of any proposed new law should be, "What would Helen Kelly want?" Hint: it's not expensive pharmaceutical derivatives. In case anyone needs reminding, this is what Helen said: "Cannabis is…
Relaxed cats wanted

Relaxed cats wanted

DO YOU SUPPORT LAW REFORM? We are looking for some social media savvy people to help us out on a little project. We are looking for people who are: on multiple social media platforms regularly (facebook, twitter, instagram etc) have some time to spare have calm and friendly personalities (relaxed!) If this sounds like you and you would like to contribute to achieving law reform, email sandra@norml.org.nz