NZ’s medicinal cannabis scheme just got way better
When the regulations take effect on 1 April 2020, any doctor will be able to prescribe THC and CBD products to any patient for any condition, with confidence the products…
Information about the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
Regulations to enable a Medicinal Cannabis Scheme were passed on the 18 December 2019. A Medicinal Cannabis Agency will be operational from 1 April 2020 to administer the scheme. This…
Cannabis Referendum Bill deserves your Yes vote. Here’s what it does and how we can make it even better.
The NZ Government has released their draft Bill for the cannabis referendum. There is plenty to like about it. Here is what makes the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill more…
Cannabis referendum draft law welcomed, but a missed opportunity to put people before profits, says NORML
Cannabis reform organisation NORML has welcomed the release today of more details about the cannabis referendum and a draft bill, but says the Government has missed a huge opportunity to…
CHOISE model is designed to win the cannabis referendum.
Now there is a model designed to win the referendum. It’s called CHOISE, and it puts opportunity, investment and social equity centre-stage. CHOISE is a version of cannabis legalisation where…
Cannabis Policy Experts To Speak At Public Lectures
Massey University is hosting a series of public lectures on cannabis policy reform in the lead-up to the national referendum cannabis law planned for next year’s general election.
Don’t panic! The only cannabis poll that counts is the Referendum itself
It's easy to get caught up in a roller coaster of elation and despair, writes NORML president Chris Fowlie, but we need to focus on the only poll that counts:…
Science will save cannabis referendum from Reefer Madness
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has asked the Chief Science Advisor to gather a panel of experts and run an information campaign, to finally dispel the cannabis misinformation spread by the…
A smart approach to the cannabis referendum, and medicinal cannabis
Controversy over edibles shows a smart approach is needed for the cannabis referendum and for medicinal cannabis
NORML’s submission to NZTA on drug impaired driver testing
The Government is considering making changes to New Zealand’s drug driver testing and enforcement regime. Read NORML's submission to NZTA's discussion document here.
Fact-checking the anti-cannabis reports cited by Bob McCroskie and Family First
Turns out the sources cited by legalisation opponents in New Zealand are the same as anti-cannabis campaigners in the USA - and lack credibility.
Polls show how to win the cannabis referendum: social equity, social enterprise and social clubs
According to two polls this week, the cannabis referendum is in serious trouble. But they also provide clues for how to win. A model based on social equity, social enterprises…
Cannabis reform group welcomes referendum details
New Zealand's oldest cannabis reform group has welcomed details of the Government's cannabis referendum, but cautioned the devil is in the details.
NORML’s Submission on the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill
NORML New Zealand Inc supports the intention of this Bill, especially the provision mandating police discretion and directing a health-based approach. Our main concern is about granting a wide power…
How Patients Could Access Medicinal Cannabis by Christmas
These ten fixes can all be done this year though regulations or updates to policy, with no law change needed. I want New Zealand to be a world leader in…
The Greens’ Medicinal Cannabis Bill will have it’s first vote in Parliament
The Greens’ Medicinal Cannabis Bill will have it’s first vote in Parliament next Wednesday 31st Jan. This is sooner than we expected, so it’s really important to hit that keyboard and urge your MP…
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…
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 –…
New Zealand Govt to hold cannabis referendum
The new Labour-led government has agreed to hold a binding referendum on legalising cannabis by or at the next election in 2020, writes NORML president Chris Fowlie. After years of…
Cannabidiol to remain a controlled drug: here’s what is changing
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has announced Cannabidiol (CBD) will remain a controlled drug with restrictions expected to be lifted in September so that GPs and other doctors can prescribe CBD to patients without needing special approval.…