NZ’s medicinal cannabis scheme takes effect 1 April 2020 – here’s what it means for you

NZ’s medicinal cannabis scheme takes effect 1 April 2020 – here’s what it means for you

New Zealand's new medicinal cannabis scheme has gone live, with regulations taking effect on 1 April 2020. Any doctor can now prescribe cannabis products to any patient, and local production is allowed - but no new cannabis products are available, and producers cannot yet apply for licences. This has left many patients wondering what the scheme really means for them.
Cannabis Referendum Bill deserves your Yes vote. Here’s what it does and how we can make it even better.

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 likely to win the referendum.
CHOISE model is designed to win the cannabis referendum.

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 everyone wins – and that makes the referendum winnable. 
Cannabis Referendum Conference and NORML AGM – Wellington, 9-10 November 2018

Cannabis Referendum Conference and NORML AGM – Wellington, 9-10 November 2018

Join us in Wellington this 9-10 November for the Cannabis Referendum Conference and NORML AGM double-header! Cannabis Referendum Conference Friday, 9 November 2018 from 08:30-18:00 James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor 147 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand 6140 Register NOW at Eventfinder.co.nz See our Facebook event page The Cannabis Referendum Coalition invites serious advocates and campaigners to join us in Wellington for our inaugural conference - to learn and plan with…
Pots for Patients – rally on Queen St, Auckland, Saturday 4th August

Pots for Patients – rally on Queen St, Auckland, Saturday 4th August

Rally and Art Installation calling for a Moratorium on Medicinal Cannabis Patients and their supporters until the Laws are altered. Decorate your terracotta pots commemorating patients denied safe access to affordable botanical cannabis and bring them to Aotea Square placing them on the grass amongst the others. Enjoy balm demonstrations, gentle reggae tunes and inspirational speakers. Another collaborative action between Auckland Patients Group and NORML NZ. The Medical Cannabis Art…
Cross-party support needed on medicinal cannabis – response to Govt and National Party medicinal cannabis bills

Cross-party support needed on medicinal cannabis – response to Govt and National Party medicinal cannabis bills

With three bills before Parliament this year, medicinal cannabis advocates are calling for cross-party support for sensible solutions. Changes to the Government's medicinal cannabis bill don't go far enough, while the National Party's proposed new bill could mean only expensive pharmaceutical-style products are available. The Green Party's bill was defeated earlier this year. “Parliament should work together and put the needs of patients first," said Rebecca Reider, who has suffered from debilitating…
Medicinal cannabis bill: Do what is best for patients, MPs urged.

Medicinal cannabis bill: Do what is best for patients, MPs urged.

The Government's medicinal cannabis bill is back before parliament today - with MPs being urged to do what's best for patients, not politics. Responding to reports the National Party intends to withdraw their support for the bill, and introduce a private member's bill in the name of Shane Reti, NORML spokesperson Chris Fowlie noted there is no guarantee that will ever be heard by parliament as it may never be drawn from the…

Cannabis referendum: Bring it on, says NORML

Cannabis campaigners have welcomed news today the Government is considering bringing forward the binding referendum on legalising cannabis to next year, 2019, rather than during the 2020 general election.  "Bring it on," said Chris Fowlie, president of NORML New Zealand Inc. "A solid majority of New Zealand adults support law reform and people are telling us they don't want to wait any longer." "The government needs to keep up…
MEDIA RELEASE: Cannabis patients testify at Parliament

MEDIA RELEASE: Cannabis patients testify at Parliament

Medicinal cannabis patients and caregivers will be descending on Parliament in large numbers on Monday 30 April to give their testimonies at the Health Select Committee. Hearings on the government’s Medicinal Cannabis Amendment Bill attracted a reported 2000 submissions, due to widespread discontent with the weakness of the proposed law. Large numbers of patients have confessed to illegal activity in their submissions, creating a tense situation when the Select…

NORML’s submission on the Govt’s medicinal cannabis bill

Hearings on the Government's medicinal cannabis law reform bill continue throughout April and May, with NORML New Zealand delivering on Wednesday 11th April an unsubmissive submission on behalf of impatient patients. NORML's evidence was presented to Parliament's Health Select Committee by Rebecca Reider - a Golden Bay patient who was raided and prosecuted by police, and who subsequently successfully imported cannabis medicines into New Zealand - and Phil Saxby,…
NORML’s guide to making an effective submission on the 2018 Medicinal Cannabis Bill

NORML’s guide to making an effective submission on the 2018 Medicinal Cannabis Bill

Parliament’s Health Select Committee is accepting submissions on the Government’s Medicinal Cannabis Amendment Bill. Submissions are being accepted now until March 21. >> Download this guide as a handy 2-page PDF << Parliament unanimously voted for the Government's bill, a real sign of the progress we have made. But the bill has been widely criticised for being weak, vague, and not providing enough protection for patients who urgently need…
Submissions now open on Medicinal Cannabis Bill (deadline 21 March 2018)

Submissions now open on Medicinal Cannabis Bill (deadline 21 March 2018)

Parliament unanimously passed the Government's Medicinal Cannabis Amendment Bill, and the Health Select Committee has wasted no time in opening submissions from the public. NORML will be writing a submission on the Bill, and this is your opportunity to also support safe legal access to medicinal cannabis! How to make a submission Read the Parliamentary guide to making a submission. NORML has produced a guide to making your submission…