Posted inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Research

Study: Marijuana smoking not associated with airway cancers, COPD, emphysema, or other tobacco-related pulmonary complications

Last week we reported a new study that found cannabis reduces cravings for tobacco. It turns out pulmonary complications associated with the regular smoking of cannabis are “relatively small” and far lower than those associated with tobacco smoking, according to a recent review published in the June edition of the scientific journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society. The paper – authored by Donald P. Tashkin, MD, emeritus professor…
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 inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Press releases

Second NZ study fails to find downside to cannabis use

Two studies from New Zealand have failed to find the downside to cannabis use they were looking for - but don't expect to see any coverage in our local media. Last month we revealed a new re-analysis of NZ data that, when it was first published, was widely reported as showing a lung cancer link "for the first time". We had pointed out the study contained tobacco smokers but…
Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

Regulate natural cannabis to reduce synthetic cannabis

Demand for synthetic cannabis would plummet if natural cannabis were legally and safely available here as in Colorado, where laws have today been enacted to ensure the world's first legal marijuana market for adults will be a robust and comprehensive regulatory system. "Our parliament is grappling with regulations controlling the sale of synthetic cannabis and party pills," said NORML spokesperson Chris Fowlie, "but there is no market for these…
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: Regular Cannabis Use Associated With Reduced Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes

Smoking cannabis could reduce the risk of diabetes by controlling blood sugar Marijuana users had 16% lower fasting insulin levels than non-users They were also less likely to be insulin resistant and had smaller waists Previous research has found cannabis smokers are less likely to be obese   Study: Regular Cannabis Use Associated With Reduced Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes by Paul Armentano, US NORML Deputy Director Subjects…
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 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 inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Medicinal Use of Cannabis

Stroke risk caused by tobacco not cannabis

Prohibitionists are grasping at straws by claiming that cannabis is linked to strokes, Norml president Julian Crawford says. In the Auckland University study, all but one of the stroke patients who were cannabis users also used tobacco regularly. According to the US National Stroke Association, "Smoking tobacco doubles the risk for stroke when compared to a non-smoker. It reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, causing the heart…

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Posted inAbout cannabis About NORML Dr Phil's blog

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…
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 inAbout cannabis Law Reform Medicinal Use of Cannabis

Regulation will reduce teen cannabis use, says NORML

Current drug policy is resulting in widespread teenage cannabis use while a regulated market would make cannabis use adults-only in licensed premises. Despite strict cannabis laws, New Zealand has the highest rate of teen cannabis use in the world. Meanwhile, the Netherlands have the most relaxed cannabis laws for adults in the world but has the lowest rate of teen cannabis use. “New Zealand needs to take a leaf…
Posted inFor Media & Students Medicinal Use of Cannabis

Scientific Review: “There Is Now Clear Evidence That Cannabinoids Are Useful For The Treatment Of Various Medical Conditions”

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director (USA) August 9, 2012 For the second time in recent months, a scientific paper published in a peer-reviewed journal has thoroughly rebutted the present Schedule Istatus of cannabis under US federal law, which states that the plant and its organic constituents possess a “high potential for abuse,” and that they lack “accepted medical use” and “accepted safety … under medical supervision.” According to…
Posted inAbout cannabis For Media & Students Medicinal Use of Cannabis

Five Scientific Conclusions About Cannabis That The Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You To Know

The government and mainstream media like to push studies touting the purported dangers of marijuana, while ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the opposite, writes Paul Armentano. While studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis are frequently pushed by the federal government and, therefore, all but assured mainstream media coverage, scientific conclusions rebutting pot propaganda or demonstrating potential positive aspects of the herb often tend to go unnoticed. Here are five…
Posted inPress releases Your rights

NORML call on 2500 to take Court action

NORML New Zealand is calling on all 2500 people charged for cannabis in Operation National to enter Not Guilty or No Plea at every court appearance to clog the court system. NORML vice-president Abe Gray said that if the 2500 people refused to plead guilty, cannabis prohibition would become unworkable immediately. "By pleading Not Guilty they will have a greater chance of avoiding jail and challenging the validity of…
Posted inPress releases

Dakta Green back in custody

Thursday, 28 June 2012, 9:17 am Press Release: NORML For immediate release: Dakta Green is back in custody in a move that smacks of police harassment NORML says. Failing to answer the door to police at 5.30 in the morning (June 27) resulted in Dakta Green being arrested for breach of bail. Green's partner is also stuck in prison after a judge failed to turn up to court to…
Posted inFor Media & Students

Councillor calls for cannabis reform

  Today (Tuesday May 22) at 4.20pm Jim Mora will host a discussion on RadioNZ between Sandy Mulqueen, Tim Watkins and Graham Bell from Police 10-7. A Waimate councillor is calling for cannabis decriminalisation for the good of her community. Sandy Mulqueen has formed a lobby group and has made a submission in the council's long term plan outlining a project to decriminalise marijuana for personal and medicinal use.…
Posted inFor Media & Students

Radio NZ Insight: Is it time to legalise cannabis?

  8:12 am Sunday 27 May: Insight: Is it time to legalise cannabis? Sometime during 2012, 385,000 New Zealander adults will smoke cannabis, eat it, inhale its vapours, drink it as a tea or use it as a compress.  United Nations figures show the country has among the highest rates of cannabis use in the world. Does that mean the law prohibiting its use is not working?  And if…
Posted inEvents Press releases

J Day Sat 5th May 2012

Saturday 5th May 2012 is the 20th Annual J Day! UPDATE 7 MAY: Thanks to everyone who came or who helped make it happen. Photos on Facebook! Come along and show your support. J Day is free, runs from High Noon to after 4:20, and is intended for adults only (R18). Bring a banner, your buddies, wear your favourite pot t shirt (or a power suit/dress!), paint yourself green,…