New drug-driving law ignores science, targets poor
The effects of a new drug-driving law passed by Parliament yesterday, which ignores the science around testing for impairment, will be felt mostly by the poor and already oppressed.
Nonsense brewing over drug driving bill
A bill aiming to curb impaired driving has been derailed and will now criminalise thousands of non-impaired drivers, especially cannabis users.
Reefer Madness follows criticism of cannabis referendum bill
The Nope brigade is a coalition of busy bodies, wowsers and moralists that includes Family First and Bob McCroskie, a bunch of conservative small town religious leaders, owners of drug…
Fact-checking the anti-cannabis reports cited by Bob McCroskie and Family First
Turns out the sources cited by legalisation opponents in New Zealand are the same as anti-cannabis campaigners in the USA - and lack credibility.
Police prosecuting “Green Fairies” who provide medicinal cannabis
New Zealand police have busted at least three “Green Fairies” – providers of medicinal cannabis to patients who need it, often for little or no charge – including well known…
Chris Fowlie: Oh, to joyfully pee in Bill English’s cup!
New Zealand’s un-elected Prime Minister has taken a swipe at workers for refusing unfair and intrusive tests of their bodily fluids. We should all be lining up to joyfully pee…
Suits for Stoners
With NORML’s new PledgeMe campaign, Suits for Stoners, you can donate a suit to a poorly attired cannabis activist and see them magically transformed from ignored and belittled nutbar to…
Chris Fowlie on The Daily Blog: Healthy hemp foods kept off shelf by Oz cop roadblock
Originally published on The Daily Blog 8 July 2015 Australian police have convinced politicians to extend the ban on one of most nutritious food sources known, because of concerns about…
NORML and Family First agree NZ’s medicinal cannabis policies need to change
NORML is pleased to note that the conservative group Family First is calling for reforms to our outdated policies around medicinal cannabis. In their recent press release, Family First says they…
Synthetics ban won’t work if cannabis remains illegal, says drug law reform group
The Government’s intention to ban the remaining synthetic substitutes won’t work if cannabis remains illegal. “The more risky synthetic substances are only demanded because consumers can’t legally use natural cannabis,”…
New pipe ban will increase harm to cannabis consumers, and encourages users of legal synthetics to smoke more
The Government will increase harm by further restricting the sale, supply and importation of drug harm reduction equipment. “This National-led Government seems to be encouraging use of the more harmful…
The Media Should Stop Pretending Marijuana’s Risks Are a Mystery — The Science Is Clear
We now know as much about cannabis as we know about alcohol, tobacco and many prescription drugs. Speaking recently with the Los Angeles Times, UCLA professor and former Washington state…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…