New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Use Research Survey 2019

New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Use Research Survey 2019

The first NZ medicinal cannabis patient research survey was launched on J-Day this year, drawing immediate attention with over 1300 people accessing it in the first two weeks. The survey, which is online only, is sponsored by medicinal cannabis patient advocacy organisation MCANZ, and aims to have 2000 people complete the survey questionnaire by July 31st, when participation closes.
Polls show how to win the cannabis referendum: social equity, social enterprise and social clubs

Polls show how to win the cannabis referendum: social equity, social enterprise and social clubs

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.
NORML’s  Submission on the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill

NORML’s Submission on the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill

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.
How Patients Could Access Medicinal Cannabis by Christmas

How Patients Could Access Medicinal Cannabis by Christmas

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!
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…
We’re all human: A cannabis patient’s report from Parliament By Rebecca Reider

We’re all human: A cannabis patient’s report from Parliament By Rebecca Reider

BY REBECCA REIDER It was one of those days for remembering why I’m alive and why I’m in this fight. Wow.  I traveled to speak at Parliament twice last month – once on behalf of NORML, and then once on behalf of myself. I did not realise beforehand how powerful these experiences would be. The first time I arrived at Parliament for the hearings, I actually started crying as…
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,…