Improvements to New Zealand’s new medicinal cannabis scheme – together with recent polling – suggest how we can win the cannabis referendum, writes Chris Fowlie. Originally published on The Daily… Read more »
The Government has announced the date of the next general election – and the cannabis referendum – to be held on September 19, 2020.
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 are safe, tested and true to label.
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.
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 make the reforms more popular.
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.
Download Taking control of cannabis: A model for responsible regulation
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: the Referendum itself.
The government is working on setting up New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis framework. Now is the final moment for all of us to have a say in what that will look like.
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 likes of Family First and the Hawkesby-Hoskings propaganda machine.
Public consultation on the medical cannabis scheme is OPEN NOW UNTIL 7 AUGUST: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/medicinal-cannabis-scheme-consultation
Controversy over edibles shows a smart approach is needed for the cannabis referendum and for medicinal cannabis
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.
Turns out the sources cited by legalisation opponents in New Zealand are the same as anti-cannabis campaigners in the USA – and lack credibility.
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 and social clubs could be what it takes to win the cannabis referendum.
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 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 for any Minister of Health to prohibit more substances or even “articles” and we recommend changing this. We also recommend directing police discretion and a healthcare-based approach before arrest, rather than at prosecution.
This year, 2019, J Day is on “Star Wars Day”, May the Forth (get it?). NORML and friends are organising free events around New Zealand.
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 medicinal cannabis, and for patients to have legal access by Christmas this year. Let’s do it!
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… Read more »