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…

Cannabis legalisation in US shows opportunity for NZ tourism

Monday, 12 November 2012, 1:25 pm Press Release: NORML Norml New Zealand welcomes the legalisation of cannabis in the US states of Colorado and Washington and call for a similar law change here. Norml vice-president Abe Gray said many people choose to visit and immigrate to New Zealand especially because of the laid back kiwi attitude and relaxed atmosphere. "New Zealand has the highest rate of cannabis use in…

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…

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…

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…

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…