Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

Uruguay first nation in modern history to regulate the licensed production and sale of cannabis

Members of the Uruguay Senate late today approved legislation authorizing for the licensed production and retail sale of cannabis to all citizens age 18 and older. Members of Uruguay’s House had previously approved the measure months earlier. The bill now goes to President José Mujica, who intends to sign the measure into law in the coming days. Uruguay will be the first nation in modern history to regulate the…
Posted inEvents Press releases Research

Cannabis and Health International Symposium in Auckland, 27-29 Nov 2013

NORML is proud to support Through the Maze: Cannabis and Health International Drug Policy Symposium This 3-day conference will bring together some of the best minds about cannabis and health from around the world in Auckland, New Zealand 27-29 November 2013. NORML is sponsoring the event and will be there networking, lobbying as well as learning as much as we can. Speakers include Prof Wayne Hall, Nadia Solowij, Steve…
Posted inEvents Press releases Research

Prof. David Nutt’s NZ speaking tour – Dec 2013

Professor David Nutt chaired the UK government advisory committee on drug policy until he was fired for "speaking truth to power", for which he has been awarded the 2013 John Maddox Award for Standing up for Science. Prof Nutt is now the chair of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs. He will be speaking in New Zealand in early December: Christchurch - Tuesday 3 December 2013, 2-3:30pm @ Beavan…
Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

NORML likes Peter Dunne’s new thinking

Marijuana law reform lobby agrees with Former Associate Minister of Health's call for evidence-based approach to regulating drugs Peter Dunne, the "architect" of Psychoactive Substances Act, is now calling for the same regulatory approach to be applied to drugs currently scheduled in the Misuse of Drugs Act. "People may be surprised to hear NORML agreeing with the former Minister of Health, who blocked cannabis law reform under the former…
Posted inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Research

Cannabis Compound Reduces Cigarette Consumption In Tobacco Smokers

The inhalation of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) significantly mitigates tobacco smokers’ desire for cigarettes, according to clinical trial data published online in the journal Addictive Behaviors. Investigators at University College London conducted a double blind pilot study to assess the impact of the ad-hoc consumption of organic CBD versus placebo in 24 tobacco-smoking subjects seeking to quit their habit. Participants were randomized to receive an inhaler containing CBD…
Posted inPress releases Research

Is Your Mayor in the Marijuana Majority?

by Erik Altieri & Chris Fowlie On TV3's The Vote, New Zealanders voted 70-28 to decriminalise cannabis. While the show and poll are memorable for the overwhelming support shown for alternatives to prohibition, it was clear the opposing team were out of touch and none more so than Timaru's mayor Janie Annear. Now, you can join NORML and our friends at the Marijuana Majority in our efforts to build…
Posted inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Research

Study: No association between cannabis smoke and risk of lung cancer

A re-analysis of New Zealand data has confirmed cannabis is the safer choice, with pot smokers having no increased risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Previous results were widely reported as showing an elevated risk of lung cancer. "That risk has disappeared now tobacco smokers have been removed", said Chris Fowlie, spokesperson for the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML NZ Inc). "A recent study…
Posted inLaw Reform Research

NORML’s Chris Fowlie talks legalisation in Colorado and how it might apply to NZ, with Newstalk’s Jack Tame

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/player/ondemand/948590092-world-cannabis-week-to-take-over-colorado World Cannabis Week to take over Colorado New Zealander Chris Fowlie researches cannabis use and cultivation, and he talks to Jack Tame in Colorado, where the drug is legal and celebrating that this weekend. Click to listen in external player or download the mp3 here
Craccum: Drug Diaries – Moving It Forward, An Interview with Chris Fowlie
Posted inLaw Reform

Craccum: Drug Diaries – Moving It Forward, An Interview with Chris Fowlie

This interview with NORML president Chris Fowlie appeared in Craccum, the University of Auckland student's magazine, issue 04, 2013. Drug Diaries – Moving It Forward, An Interview with Chris Fowlie Craccum, Issue 04 2013 I sit in a small shop back room. A flowerless vase with dirty green water squats conspicuously in the corner. Music posters from the likes of Ragga Muffin and Katchafire litter the walls. The shelves…
Posted inAbout cannabis Research

Study: Smoking Cannabis Associated With “Significantly Better” Health Outcomes Than Tobacco

Australian research has found cannabis users are just as healthy as non-users, but you probably didn't see any coverage of this in the mainstream media. The key points are: Cannabis-only subjects reported "significantly better" general health and fewer smoking-related health concerns compared to the tobacco-only group. Cannabis-only subjects were less likely to report diagnoses of cancer and diabetes compared to all other groups, including the non-smoking controls General health…
Posted inAbout cannabis Press releases

New Zealand still the world’s top consumer of cannabis

New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of using cannabis in the world, according to the United Nation's 2012 World Drug Report. In 2010 (the most recent year for which international data was available), marijuana consumption was most prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, with the United States and Canada tied for second, followed by Spain, France and Italy. "Cannabis is the world's most widely used illicit substance…

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Posted inAbout NORML Dr Phil's blog Law Reform

Regulate cannabis like alcohol, says reform group

New Zealand should regulate cannabis like alcohol and save at least $300 million per year, says the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Zealand Inc (NORML). At its weekend conference at Tokaanu, delegates elected Chris Fowlie of Auckland as President, and Phil Saxby of Wellington as Secretary. Chris Fowlie was previously President of NORML from 1997-2008 during which time NZ came tantalisingly close to cannabis law…
Posted inFor Media & Students Medicinal Use of Cannabis

Study: Synthetic Cannabinoids Produce Anti-Cancer Effects In Human Liver Cancer Cells

As the debate continues in New Zealand about regulating the availability of products containing synthetic cannabinoids, a new study has shown two particular compounds exhibit anti-cancer effects in human liver cancer cells. This report is from US NORML's Paul Armentano. Thursday, 11 October 2012 Tehran, Iran: The administration of synthetic cannabinoid agonists reduce cell viability in human hepacarcinoma cells and may be a potential option for the treatment of…
Posted inMedicinal Use of Cannabis Press releases

Medical cannabis laws associated with fewer suicides

"Policymakers weighing the pros and cons of legalization should consider... that (these) laws may lead to fewer suicides among young adult males" New Zealand has one of the highest rates of suicide in the world - especially for young males. We also have the highest rate of cannabis arrests in the world, with police spending 330,000 hours per year chasing pot heads. New research has shown that in the…
Posted inAbout cannabis Press releases

Problems with cannabis potency claims

New Zealand Police are complaining that domestic cannabis has apparently "quadrupled in strength". Aside from the obvious point that if cannabis is stronger consumers don't need to smoke as much, there are several problems with this claim. We thought the NZ Drug Foundation covered it well: http://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/mythbusters/cannabis-potency Cannabis potency Thursday, November 25, 2010 “New Zealand now has super-strength [cannabis] strains… the drug is now more than four times stronger…
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…
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…
Posted inAbout NORML Press releases

New leadership for cannabis law reform campaign

New Zealand's longest-running cannabis law reform group, the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML NZ), elected Stephen McIntyre as President at its 2010 Conference, held in Auckland last weekend. Mr McIntyre (45) has been a teacher for more than twenty years. He is married, lives in Auckland, and has two teenage children. "My personal focus is on creating safer communities where young people are no longer…
Posted inAbout NORML Press releases

NORML’s Annual Conference and AGM – Sat 20 Nov. 2010

NORML's Annual Conference and AGM is to be held on Saturday 20 November 2010, at The Daktory in Auckland. This event is essential for all budding activists. Meet your fellow campaigners. Learn about what has been going on, and what is coming up. Discuss and plan strategies to help end cannabis prohibition. This is serious business, not a party, although we like to enjoy our work :) Due to…