Posted inAbout cannabis Drug Testing Press releases

NZ’s 540,000 marijuana users “too many to arrest”

A new Horizon Poll has found New Zealand has 540,000 marijuana users including over 70,000 who use it every day. NORML says this is more evidence in support of it's campaign theme of "too many smokers to arrest". "New Zealand has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world, and despite decades of busting people we certainly the highest teenage use rate," said NORML spokesperson Chris Fowlie.…
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 inLaw Reform Press releases

Canada’s Liberal Party votes to legalise

Canada's Liberal Party, the country's oldest registered political party, has overwhelmingly adopted a policy of supporting the regulation and taxation of cannabis commerce, something New Zealand's conservative government should also consider. The Liberals have often been the governing party in Canada, and have previously attempted several times to introduce legislation to legalise, regulate and tax their multi-billion dollar cannabis trade. At their latest annual conference the Liberals voted by…
Posted inAbout cannabis Drug Testing Press releases

Drug driving campaign may backfire

NORML supports efforts to reduce impairment on the roads, and our own "Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use" invoke a no-driving clause. However, like with alcohol it is important to distinguish between use and impairment. Furthermore, efforts to reduce the use of drugs may actually backfire by encouraging more use of alcohol, a far more dangerous substance that encourages risk-taking behaviour. "The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has this week…
Posted inAbout cannabis Medicinal Use of Cannabis Press releases

JAMA: Long-Term Exposure To Cannabis Smoke Is Not Associated With Adverse Effects On Pulmonary Function

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director Exposure to cannabis smoke, even over the long-term, is not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function. That’s the conclusion of a major clinical trial published today in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA). Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco analyzed the association between marijuana exposure and pulmonary function over a 20 year period in a cohort of 5,115…
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…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

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…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Medicinal Use of Cannabis Press releases

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…
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…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

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…

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Posted inDr Phil's blog Law Reform Press releases

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…
Posted inEvents

NORML presents J Day, Sat 7 May 2011

Free events (R18) are happening on Saturday 7 May 2011 at:   Auckland - Albert Park Hamilton - Lake stage Tauranga - Yatton Park Hastings - Library steps New Plymouth - Puke Ariki landing Wellington - Frank Kitts Christchurch - New Brighton (by pier) Dunedin - The Octagon Invercargill - venue T.B.C.   All events start at high noon and go til about 4:20. Strictly R18 - No alcohol…
Posted inPress releases

Protect Young People By Banning Alcohol Advertising

The current system of voluntary self-regulation of alcohol advertising is not working to reduce the harms from excess drinking, especially amongst young people, which is why the glamorization of alcohol through public advertising and sponsorship should be banned. In its submission sent to the Justice and Electoral Committee on the Alcohol Reform Bill, NORML NZ cited research showing that alcohol advertising and promotion increases the likelihood of adolescents taking…
Posted inPress releases

Aussie Gangs and Drugs – Prohibition is Great for Business & Increasing Violence

Aussie biker gangs like the Rebels gain power through violence and trafficking in illegal drugs; that means prohibition is great for business and will only help them get a stake established more quickly in New Zealand. “It isn’t surprising that a gang like the Rebels is looking at starting an operation here,” says NORML President Stephen McIntyre. “400,000 Kiwis are current users of cannabis.” "In addition, Aotearoa/New Zealand has…
Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

Restore Public Trust in Police – Stop Criminalising Cannabis

The New Zealand public needs to have its confidence restored in the police and the quickest way for that to happen is to stop criminalising cannabis. "The announcement this week of Police Commissioner Rob Pope's resignation signals a healthy change in the nature of Police culture," said NORML NZ President Stephen McIntyre today. "But over the years, the law criminalising cannabis has done much to erode the general public's…
Posted inLaw Reform Press releases

New Police Policy of ‘Two Strikes’ Will Hit Maori Hard

NORML NZ says a new police programme whereby first-time offenders caught committing minor crimes are being let off with a warning will hit young male Maori hard, calling it a policy of 'two strikes and you're out'. "We already know that Maori in general, but young male Maori in particular, are more likely to be stopped and searched for cannabis by the police," said president for the National Organisation…
Posted inPress releases

John Key is right: pipe ban is unworkable

"Prime Minister John Key is right to not support the banning of pipes and vapourisers," says NORML NZ President, Stephen McIntyre. "He acknowledges that these devices can be used for "genuine and practical reasons", making a ban unpopular and unworkable." On RNZ Morning Report today, John Key said: "While people use those implements for the consumption of illegal drugs, they're also used actually for genuine and practical reasons by…
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…